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listen_learn's review against another edition
3.0
A powerfully-written, picture-book biography. While I commend the author for her compelling prose and well-structured and justified main idea, I disagree (ironically) with the tone of the book. Having read two accounts of RBG in the court within the past year ([b:Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World|24331373|Sisters in Law How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World|Linda Hirshman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1435602442s/24331373.jpg|43910432] and[b:My Own Words|29868604|My Own Words|Ruth Bader Ginsburg|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475462006s/29868604.jpg|49756700]) as well as having read and watched interviews with the justice, I don't think most of her legacy is about dissenting. Ruth Ginsburg has made a point of building her opinions, whether they are with or against the court, with respectful and carefully measured words. By her own description, she thinks steps forward are made only when dissent is used judiciously and sparingly.
While the book does hint to this idea - for example, by mentioning her friendship with Justice Scalia, despite their often differing opinions - I felt that the tone overall did not emphasize this important aspect of Justice Ginsburg's work. I think part of my discomfort was with the illustrations, which I felt showed Justice Ginsburg as more angry and bitter-looking than she appears in general. That's not to say that Justice Ginsburg never wears the expressions from the book, but rather I don't think she does as often as is potrayed.
I guess I kind of wish this book had had a different title: "I Respect". Then it could have shown how Justice Ginsburg's real message to us all is that dissenting is not enough, though it is crucial. Speaking out is not enough, though it is vital. One must dissent and speak out in a way that shows one respects and values the person with whom one is disagreeing.
While the book does hint to this idea - for example, by mentioning her friendship with Justice Scalia, despite their often differing opinions - I felt that the tone overall did not emphasize this important aspect of Justice Ginsburg's work. I think part of my discomfort was with the illustrations, which I felt showed Justice Ginsburg as more angry and bitter-looking than she appears in general. That's not to say that Justice Ginsburg never wears the expressions from the book, but rather I don't think she does as often as is potrayed.
I guess I kind of wish this book had had a different title: "I Respect". Then it could have shown how Justice Ginsburg's real message to us all is that dissenting is not enough, though it is crucial. Speaking out is not enough, though it is vital. One must dissent and speak out in a way that shows one respects and values the person with whom one is disagreeing.
izzieburns's review against another edition
4.0
I love the points made by this book. Lovely illustrations too.
moonpie's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't going to review I Dissent because I'm trying not to "cheat" in this year's GR challenge but my 7-year-old daughter asked to read it TWICE, which is unheard of these days unless a book involves wars amongst the stars or Lego ninja, so I wanted to add to the sky-high ratings. When I brought it home, it got a hard pass because both of my younger kids thought the cover looked boring -- I love the cover, but our tastes diverge at times.
About a week later, my 7-year-old asked if we could read it, because she'd started reading it on her own (out of desperation? not sure) and "it was very interesting." So we read it together and they asked questions while we read; their classes had just discussed Dr. King so they had a passing knowledge of the broad strokes of the Civil Rights movement, which tied in nicely with Ginsburg's biography.
I think Levy has written a great kid-friendly biography, easy for lower elementary students (mine are 5 and 7) to understand with a little help, but still smart and fun to read. The story flows well and the illustrations are wonderful. There is a bit about the different collars Ginsburg wears that I think was my kids' favorite part, but my favorite part is way before that: a page about her childhood trips to the library that I have to power through so my voice doesn't crack. I also like that Levy includes Ginsburg's friendship with Scalia to show that you can disagree with someone and still be friends.
After we finished reading the first time, I was pleased with how it went -- the kids were engaged and interested throughout the whole thing -- but obviously it was more successful than I realized, because two days later it was put right back in my hands. I need to find a copy of this one.
About a week later, my 7-year-old asked if we could read it, because she'd started reading it on her own (out of desperation? not sure) and "it was very interesting." So we read it together and they asked questions while we read; their classes had just discussed Dr. King so they had a passing knowledge of the broad strokes of the Civil Rights movement, which tied in nicely with Ginsburg's biography.
I think Levy has written a great kid-friendly biography, easy for lower elementary students (mine are 5 and 7) to understand with a little help, but still smart and fun to read. The story flows well and the illustrations are wonderful. There is a bit about the different collars Ginsburg wears that I think was my kids' favorite part, but my favorite part is way before that: a page about her childhood trips to the library that I have to power through so my voice doesn't crack. I also like that Levy includes Ginsburg's friendship with Scalia to show that you can disagree with someone and still be friends.
After we finished reading the first time, I was pleased with how it went -- the kids were engaged and interested throughout the whole thing -- but obviously it was more successful than I realized, because two days later it was put right back in my hands. I need to find a copy of this one.
acourtofreading's review against another edition
5.0
RBG is my absolute number one hero. She did so many amazing things for all people and she is deeply missed. This book would be a great read for any young child curious about the woman who helped make so many important decisions in our country.
duke_and_turk's review against another edition
5.0
Levy shows fantastic storytelling abilities in her biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Most illustrated biographies seem to be watered down summaries of people's accomplishments. But this book is carefully crafted by the author and illustrator to be a captivating story, as well as illuminate Ginsburg's climb to the supreme court. I loved the repetition of Ginsburg's "dissents" as a way to pace the book and also emphasize her grit and boldness that she's shown, not only during her long career, but from the start as a young girl!
kal73's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful story, easy for kids grades 3-5 to grasp. I'm looking forward to reading it to the kids in the after school program I run!
readingtheskyline's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it, very inspiring, and a little tear jerking.
lstringer04's review against another edition
5.0
Inspiring and motivational. A perfect thing to read on the eve of the presidential inauguration. It gives you hope that there are people rooting for the good.
bfordham's review against another edition
5.0
Such a fun, quick read. Kids loved it, and it spurred done good conversations with K