Clarence Thomas: Fighting with Words #25
David R. Collins
Rosalie M. Shepherd, Illustrated

Collins, D. (2003). Clarence Thomas: Fighting with words. Gretna: Pelican

Awards: Coretta Scott King

Grade Level: K-3

Genre: Biography

Content Area: Social Studies

Standards: Social Studies (Explain the importance of American sharing history and supporting certain values principals and beliefs of historical figures.)

Access Features: None

Author’s Credibility: The late David R. Collins published over sixty books for young readers during his lifetime. He was an admired and respected educator. This was his last book.

Illustrators: Oils, acrylics, charcoal, and watercolors

Summary: Clarence Thomas knew all about being poor and growing up in a segregated town. But he remembered his grandfather words, “God rewards a hard worker.” His hard work paid off for him when he was appointed the 106th justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1991.

Tone: Conversational

Voice: Calming

Text Structure: Chronological

Use: Black History unit and Supreme Court Judges

Response: This book takes a look at the past and the present. It will encourage readers not to give up on their dreams.