Dred Scott v. Sandford

January 1, 2013

Gr 8 Up-Presented in an attractive layout in muted shades of orange and brown, these books begin with an overview of the U.S. Supreme Court and an explanation of how a case goes through the appeals process to be heard at the highest court. The background story and history of each case covered in the first chapter help readers understand the significant circumstances that led to the Supreme Court hearing. As explained in Dred Scott v. Sandford, the origins of slavery in the United States in regard to societal acceptance and black inferiority, deeply ingrained throughout the growth and development of the country, played a major role in every aspect of the developing nation with the continuing struggle between both sides of the issue. In Plessy v. Ferguson, the connection to the Dred Scott case continues the story through American history for black civil rights, freedom, and "separate but equal" struggle. Korematsu v. the United States looks at the historical impact of World War II and the internment of Japanese American citizens out of fear and hysteria following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Well written and engaging, the books include details of the case from the beginning to the end, explain how the social and political climate of the day impacted the court rulings, and introduce major participants and other important events happening at the time. A few color and black-and-white photos, drawings, maps, and reproductions, and sidebars provide further appeal to the informative texts.-Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2013
Grades 8-11 Beginning with the decision against Dred Scott's plea for freedom, this fairly dense, information-packed book swiftly establishes the importance of Scott's case as a trigger for the American Civil War. Subsequent chapters provide readers with background on the history of slavery in the new world before diving into the details of the case. In 1832, Scott's owner died and Scott was purchased by Dr. John Emerson. Van Zee explores the maze of slavery laws and carefully details Scott's movement between free and slave states at the bidding of his owner. When Emerson died, Scott petitioned Emerson's widow for freedom. Ultimately, the Chief Justice declared that blacks are not citizens. Through explanations of the case, as well as prior cases, readers glean the complexity of the court system and the long-lasting impact of the decisions. Writing in a factual, neutral tone, Van Zee depends on the content itself to propel readers' interest. This useful addition to the Landmark Supreme Court Cases series contains the usual back matter, including a time line and a court brief.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)