No one told Sandra Day O'Connor what to do The first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court

The life of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor blooms to life in this lushly colored picture-book biography. In clear, precise language, the book follows her early years on the Lazy B ranch through her struggles after law school and making her way to becoming a member of the highest court in the land. As level-headed as O'Connor herself, this book invites a new generation of readers to learn about the first, but not the last, woman Supreme Court Justice alongside beautiful illustrations that capture the west that O'Connor cherished while still feeling rooted in history. A succinct and research-inspiring title, this biography introduces O'Connor to readers without overwhelming them with information. The illustrations of people feel a bit dated, but the overall color scheme is vibrant and offers beautiful desert vistas. Back matter includes a page of quotes about O'Connor, an author's note, and thoughtfully explained key terms. Add this to your library shelves and hand-sell to readers looking to discover trailblazing women in American history.

Gr 3--5--Sandra Day O'Connor grew up on an Arizona ranch in the 1930s, riding with cowboys and doing chores. Later, she went to college, knowing it wasn't just for men. But after she became a lawyer, no one wanted to hire a woman. She teamed up with another lawyer and started her own law office, and later she worked on the Arizona State Senate, helping make laws more just. President Reagan appointed her as the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. The story is told dynamically, with enough context to appreciate O'Connor's contributions to women's rights as a white female judge, while keeping the story personal and engaging. The illustrations progress with the time period of the story, with the 1920s and 1930s illustrated in a vintage, classic children's storybook style, and the 1950s with collage elements. Once O'Connor is appointed a Supreme Court Justice, the illustrations become black-and-white, reminiscent of a vintage television broadcast. The variety of styles and mediums add visual interest. VERDICT With Americana-style illustrations, this picture book biography about the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court is a solid first purchase.--Shelby Hogle

From childhood on, Sandra Day O'Connor (1930-2023) bucked notions of how a young woman was expected to behave. Growing up on an Arizona ranch, young Sandra rode horses, herded cattle, and changed tires. Later, she attended the posh Radford School for Girls in Texas, where she excelled academically but often felt out of place. A school visit from Eleanor Roosevelt planted an early interest in public service, but when Sandra eventually graduated from Stanford Law School, she couldn't find a position, despite her high grades. So she started her own law practice, volunteered, and took part in local politics. Eventually, the Arizona governor asked her to fill a vacancy on the state legislature. She later won an election for the seat, although her fellow legislators ostracized her due to her gender. After O'Connor had served as a state judge, Ronald Reagan appointed her to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981. Golden's straightforward text focuses more on O'Connor's education and career milestones and less on her judicial views, though the author emphasizes that she "cast the deciding vote in many important cases that helped protect civil rights, gender equality, religious freedom, and the environment." Breckenreid's mixed-media illustrations incorporate photorealism blended with more impressionistic scenes. Though the book lacks further reading or a bibliography, an author's note and a glossary offer more context. An admiring glimpse at a pioneering legal figure. (photographs)(Picture-book biography. 7-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.