A brilliant lawyer, a leader of the Civil Rights movement, and the
first African-American justice of the US Supreme Court.
A strong-willed boy, Marshall grew up in Baltimore, MD with the guidance
of his parents who believed in the power of equality, education, and the
importance of hard work.
His determination carried him through law school at Howard University
where he graduated at the top of his class.
Marshall worked for the NAACP (National Association for ther Advancement
of Colored People) and was the first African American to win a case
before the United States Supreme Court. He argued thirty-two cases
before the Supreme Court--winning twenty-nine. His greatest court
victory was the case of Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka--a
turning point in the battle against segregation.
Ultimately, Marshall would be appointed as a justice on the Supreme
Court. When he retired in 1991, he was called a true American hero and
the most significant lawyer of his time.
For almost thirty years, David Adler's Picture Book Biography series has
profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly
illustrations combine with Adler's "expert mixtures of facts and
personality" (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through
compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and
adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders
interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book
reports.