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Before He Was Thurgood
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Description
The empowering story of how Thurgood Marshall's childhood paved the way for his future as the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Before he opened his first law book, Thurgood Marshall was a prankster in school, trying his teachers' patience and doing only enough work to get by. Before he waged war against injustice, Thurgood watched his uncles go off to World War I and return to a country that refused to honor them. Before he represented underdogs in court, Thurgood watched the police station outside his classroom window, seeing the officers' brutal treatment of Black prisoners. Before he made history as the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall was a normal kid with a quick wit, inquiring mind, and ready rebuttal. No one told him that he could be a lawyer. But his family and teachers shaped him into one.
Young People's Poet Laureate and Children's Literature Legacy Award winner Carole Boston Weatherford and award-winning illustrator Gordon C. James tell the inspiring true story of how one tough, compassionate, gutsy boy grew up to become a groundbreaker, history-maker, and all-around legend.
Perfect for readers looking for:
- Inspiring stories about American legends
- Childhood experiences of groundbreaking adults
- Books about the Civil Rights movement
Accessibility Information
Hazards
The publication contains no hazards
Support for non-visual reading
Has alternative text descriptions for images
Navigation
- Page list to go to pages from the print source version
- All or substantially all textual matter is arranged in a single logical reading order
- Content is enhanced with ARIA roles to optimize organization and facilitate navigation
Rich content
Language tagging provided
Additional accessibility information
- Digital product falls under European Accessibility Act exception for Fundamental Modification
- accessibility@bloomsbury.com
Product details
| Published | 05 Jan 2027 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (Epub & Mobi) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Pages | 40 |
| ISBN | 9781547601783 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Children's Books |
| Illustrations | full color |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
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A gorgeously illustrated, truthfully told history that no collection should be without.
Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on TROUBLED WATERS
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Powerful. . . . Weatherford's authentic and innovative storytelling transforms history into a deeply resonant experience. . . . Collier's stunning mixed-media illustrations . . . visually echo themes of perseverance and hope.
Horn Book, starred review, on TROUBLED WATERS
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In Weatherford's exceptional account of the historic events, the river becomes a character itself. . . . This phenomenal historical account of the Alabama River is a must-purchase for all library collections.
School Library Journal, starred review, on TROUBLED WATERS
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Boston Weatherford and Collier limn an arresting history of the Alabama River from the water body's perspective in this distinctive picture book. . . . [Shows] how the living and the lost share the same history. It's an accurate telling that acknowledges a continuation of resistance.
Publishers Weekly, starred review, on TROUBLED WATERS
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While the book is accessible as an inspiring primer on social justice and taking action, it also challenges more sophisticated readers to make connections between the art, the text, Dr. King's life, the civil rights movement at large, and the continuing struggle to affect change. . . . Sure to spark discussion and empower readers of all ages.
School Library Journal, starred review, on BE A KING

























