Shichtman, Sandra H

A biography of the deaf and blind woman who overcame her limitations to become a speaker, writer, and advocate for people with disabilities.

Profiles the life of Sonia Sotomayor born in the Bronx of poor immigrant parents. Raised in public housing projects by a mother who valued education. In 2009 she was confirmed as a associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the land.

Presents a profile of Colin Powell, the first African-American to be named chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the first African-American secretary of state, discussing his childhood and education, his military and political careers, and aspects of his personal life.

A biography of Fanny Mendelssohn, sister of classical composer Felix, discussing her own accomplishments in music--a field she was unable to pursue because of the social and family restrictions of early nineteenth-century Germany.

Chronicles the life of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, covering such topics as her father's political career, her marriage and family, her volunteer work for the Democratic Party, and her start in the House of Representatives.