It was a bit like a punch in the gut to learn that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in September 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Justice Ginsburg is a hero for so many reasons, including her groundbreaking work advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. She faced many obstacles due to her religion and gender during her career, but she continued to fight, and created a world where many of us following after her wouldn’t face those same challenges.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg lived an amazing life, and her intelligence, dedication, and perseverance serves as an inspiration to all of us who want a more equitable world. These are our favorite books about Ruth, from board books to novels, that capture the power of her impact.
12 Children’s Books About Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Board and Picture Books
I Look Up To… Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Anna Membrino
If you can see it, you can be it! This inspiring board book teaches toddler and preschoolers all of the reasons they can look up to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The bright, colorful illustrations make this a great choice for even the littlest readers.
I recommend this picture book for children ages 2 and up.
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
This is such an awesome book. It tells the story of Ginsburg’s career and the obstacles she overcame, while at the same time explaining how equality benefits all of us, not just those seeking to be treated fairly. It tells not only what she did, but why what she did mattered. My two boys really enjoyed listening to this story, and it led to some great discussion.
I recommend this book for kids ages 4 and up.
No Truth Without Ruth: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Kathleen Krull
Kathleen Krull writes excellent biographies for kids, and this book no exception. It dives deep into the experiences in Ruth’s life that shaped her work, from her childhood through her time working as a lawyer. Battling injustice in her own life helped make her a champion for the oppressed.
Young readers will relate to this powerful story of perseverance. I recommend sharing it with children ages 4 and up.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality by Jonah Winter
This book presents the facts about Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life in the style of a court case. Through the things that RBG experienced in her life, young readers will see how she took on inequality and won, time after time.
This fun and inspiring story includes a glossary and an informative author’s note. I recommend it for kids ages 6 and up.
My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Shana Corey
This new series about amazing world-changers features a book about this legendary Supreme Court justice. It tells how Ruth fought for girls and women, and explains her fight in a way young readers can understand.
I recommend this book for children ages 2 and up.
Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Doreen Rappaport
This lovely book combines Ruth’s own words with those of author Doreen Rappaport. It tells the story of Ruth’s live, and the challenges she faced both as a woman and as a Jew. Through each challenge, her persistence and determination shines through.
I recommend sharing this book with kids ages 4 and up.
Early Reader Books
You Should Meet Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Laurie Calkhoven
This Level 3 Early Reader book introduces beginning readers to the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It’s an excellent choice for kids who have just started reading on their own, but the short chapters also make it an excellent read-aloud book
I recommend sharing this book with children ages 6 and up.
The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Biography Book for New Readers by Susan B. Katz
This bright and colorful beginning chapter book explores the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a girl, Ruth wished that girls could have the same opportunities that boys had. As she grew up and pursued a career in law, she fought for those opportunities, and helped create a nation where women could work, manage their finances, and be truly independent.
I recommend sharing this book with readers ages 6 and up.
Middle Grade Books
Who Is Ruth Bader Ginsburg? by Patrick Brennan Demuth
This book from the popular Who Was? series is a kid-friendly profile of the well-known Supreme Court Justice. It tell the story of Ruth’s life, with lots of illustrations, deep dives into related issues, and visual elements that will draw in reluctant readers. This book is a great introduction to RBG for middle grade readers.
I recommend this book for kids ages 8 and up. I got this book for my son when he was in third grade, and he really enjoyed it!
Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice by Debbie Levy
This book combines two things I love: RBG and graphic novels! Author of I Dissent! Debbie Levy brings her knowledge of Ruth Bader Ginsburg to older readers, accompanied by illustrations from Whitney Gardner. Justice Ginsburg is a true hero, so having her story told in graphic novel form makes perfect sense.
I recommend this book for kids ages 10 and up.
Notorious RBG Young Readers’ Edition: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
Why is RBG a feminist icon? This adaptation of the original bestseller introduces middle grade readers to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and illustrates why so many people look up to her as a defender of equality. This information-packed book is super fun and engaging, with lots of pictures and graphics to draw in reluctant readers.
I recommend this book for readers ages 10 and up.
Teen and Young Adult Books
Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life and Work by Victoria Ortiz
Teens and adults will enjoy this profile of RBG and her powerful work. I love this book because it clearly illustrates the many ways in which Justice Ginsburg changed the daily lives of many Americans for the better. Victoria Ortiz does a great job of making Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the Supreme Court real and relevant for young readers.
I recommend this book for kids ages 12 and up.
