Clarence Thomas

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-This book follows Thomas's life from his childhood in Georgia to his appointment as Supreme Court Justice. Most of the text deals with experiences that influenced him; this focus on his early life results in a simple and incomplete picture of the man. Macht certainly presents the subject's admirable qualities, but leaves unexplored important facets of his personality. The basis and extent of his work in the legal arena is largely ignored. However, the investigation of his views is especially timely, echoed in the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. The controversy with Anita Hill is addressed, but the emphasis is on the confirmation process and its effect on Thomas and his family. The writing style is inviting and easy to read. Occasionally, however, odd, seemingly unrelated facts are interjected and minor stories sometimes ramble. Black-and-white photos are informative and well placed. Jane Mayer and Jill Abramson's Strange Justice (Houghton, 1994) investigates Thomas's road to the Supreme Court in a more critical fashion, and serves as a mirror opposite in developing a picture of the man's success.-Carrol McCarthy, Tower Hill School, Wilmington, DE

Anne O'Malley

To rise from the grinding poverty and Jim Crow world of Pin Point, and then Savannah, Georgia, of the 1950s and 1960s to the U.S. Supreme Court is a remarkable success story for any American. Macht details Clarence Thomas' journey with interesting detail and a deft, energized narrative. Particularly notable is the way Thomas' grandfather's influence and work ethic are portrayed, along with the powerful role libraries, librarians, and teachers had on Thomas' ambitions. The justice's controversial conservative views are presented in balanced and elucidating fashion. Coverage of the highly charged Senate confirmation hearings is at once both frank and discreet. This very well written biography of a contemporary figure who is not particularly easy to cover will be a strong addition to middle-school and upper-elementary biography collections. Chronology; bibliography.