Thurgood Marshall

Children's Literature

Learn all about the first African-American to serve on the United States Supreme Court. His name originates from his grandfather, who was a freed slave who fought in the American Civil War. Thoroughgood was his given name, but in the second grade he grew tired of spelling such a lengthy name and shortened it to Thurgood! In high school the young Mr. Marshall earned the nickname "Wrathful Marshall" for his argumentative skills in the debate club, that helped pave the way later in life in his profession as a lawyer. The chapters are short, most being three or four pages each, and have many full or nearly full-page photographs. A timeline, glossary and list of web sites are contained at the end. A recommended addition to an elementary school library; would be useful in book reports on prominent personalities, black history, and any number of other units. Part of the "Breaking Barriers" series that examines in detail the lives of some of the most important people in world history and includes such titles as Clara Barton, Jackie Robinson and Cesar Chavez. 2003, Abdo Consulting Group,
— Cindy Carolan