The Dream and the Hope: The Historic Rise of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Nation’s Highest Court

Gr 4-7–Ketanji Brown Jackson’s rise from childhood to her appointment as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court serves as both an inspiring personal story and a reflection of Black history in America. Encouraged by parents who valued education, Jackson developed the drive and discipline that carried her from the high school debate team to Harvard and later helped her navigate the demanding roles of lawyer and mother of two. Through personal stories and quotes from those who knew her, Jackson’s spirit, intellect, and fairness shine throughout this book. Each chapter traces her life and achievements while weaving in pivotal moments from Black history. At times, these connections follow a meandering path—for instance, a Confederate flag displayed on a college dormitory wall leads to discussions of the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Ku Klux Klan, and the Voting Rights Act. However, by linking Jackson’s experiences to the broader struggles and progress of African Americans, the authors place her historic appointment in powerful context. Back matter includes an index, endnotes, and bibliography.