Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice by Debbie Levy and Whitney Gardner

 

This outstanding biographical graphic novel not only illuminated the life of feminist legal pioneer Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but it also showed how she systematically used the law to open up opportunities for women. I was fascinated by the step-by-step progression of cases that she took on that led the courts to make decisions that bolstered the idea of gender equality. While accessible to 6th graders and older students, the graphic novel format is an ideal way for readers of any age to understand the genius of this woman who has had an affect on every American's life. Highly recommended for middle and high schoolers and adults--a great addition to nonfiction graphic novel collections and biography collections. Also should be required reading for aspiring law students. 

The Borden Murders by Sarah Miller

Can you imagine a young woman taking a hatchet and murdering her parents in their own home? Back in 1892 a woman named Lizzie Borden was accused of just such a crime. This nonfiction book takes a detailed dive into this true crime story, taking you through the day of the murder and the ensuing trial and acquittal of Lizzie Borden. It's a fascinating story, and the truth is that no one knows whether Lizzie was guilty or innocent. We do know that her stepmother and father were brutally hacked to death one morning while Lizzie was either in the house or in the barn. We also know that Lizzie gave some early testimony that seemed to contradict itself, but what she said was not allowed at the trial. Readers with an interest in criminal justice and the law will be riveted by the details of Lizzie's arrest, imprisonment, and trial. As an adult reader, I was fascinated and I recommend it for 7th grade on up.

The Abduction by John Grisham

This is John Grisham's second book about Theodore Boone, a 13-year-old lawyer wannabe who gets involved in solving crimes in his hometown. In this story one of Theo's best friends, an 8th grader named April, disappears in the night from her home. It is assumed that she has been kidnapped—possibly by a distant relative who recently escaped from prison. The police don't want Theo's help with the case, but Theo can't resist getting involved. While the police track down the escaped criminal and look for bodies in the river, Theo follows another lead and finds April himself. I think some kids might like this book but it lacks the complexity and intelligence of many kids' spy books. It rambles on at times (what was up with the animal court story?) and in the end the plot is pretty simple. I don't believe that the police wouldn't have tried to track down April's father in another state. If they had the crime would have been solved very quickly. I get the feeling that John Grisham is churning these books out without giving them the attention he gives to his adult books. This is a shame, because middle school kids are smart and they can handle action, suspense, and complexity. Grisham also throws in references to booze and gambling and fraternity houses that were jarring to me. I recommend this book to younger middle school readers who want a mystery that won't require too much thinking.

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

This is the first children's book written by a hugely popular author of legal thrillers for adults. Theodore Boone is not your typical 8th grader—he's the son of two lawyers and he has his own "law office" and he knows every judge and bailiff in town. He's fascinated by the murder trial that is going on in his small town. A guilty man is about to be set free when Theo finds out about a witness to the crime that could change everything. But the witness is afraid to come forward and Theo must decide what to do. I liked all the courtroom drama but there weren't enough twists and turns to keep the plot moving forward and there was no surprise ending, either. It was an enjoyable read and I think some kids will like it but I think it could have been better, especially coming from a great writer like John Grisham.

After by Amy Efaw

What would you think of a person who left a newborn baby to die in a trashcan? Would you believe her if she told you she didn't even know she was pregnant? Would you see her as a cold-blooded murderer? Devon Davenport is this girl—fifteen years old, a star soccer player, a girl with big ambitions, and a girl who hides from her friends and her mother as well as from herself. The author begins on the day that Devon gives birth and takes the reader through the next couple of weeks as she goes from the hospital to the juvenile detention center to a court hearing. It's part psychological drama and part courtroom drama, and somehow Amy Efaw puts the reader on Devon's side and you find yourself willing her to speak up, remember, and open herself up to the people who care about her. This was a gripping story—but definitely for high school readers.