Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights

Bibliography

Blumenthal, K. (2022). JANE AGAINST THE WORLD: ROE V. WADE AND THE FIGHT FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS. Square Fish. ISBN: 978-1-250-82060-0.

Plot Summary

JANE AGAINST THE WORLD is an informational nonfiction book that explains reproductive rights history in the United States. All the events leading up to the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, including the social, medical, political, and legal history behind abortion access. It also explains who "Jane Roe" is and how their real name is actually Norma McCorvey.

Critical Analysis

JANE AGAINST THE WORLD is a great informational book that details the complicated history leading up to Roe v. Wade in a way young adult readers can understand. Focusing on the events that lead up to the case gives readers the appropriate background needed to understand the magnitude and importance of the controversial case.

The organization of all the information is one of the strengths of this book. Although controversial, the case did not appear out of thin air, and author Blumenthal builds the history leading up to the event to help readers understand that. The writing is clear and direct, keeping the serious and complex tones. But it feels less like a textbook and more of a novel, engaging readers more.

Another strong and necessary part of this book is highlighting multiple perspectives. Due to the controversy of reproductive rights and abortion, Blumenthal does not only showcase one side. Blumenthal shows how deeply the issue affected many people's lives.

Overall, JANE AGAINST THE WORLD is a meaningful informational book that is backed with strong research value. It helps young adults understand a major Supreme Court case and how legal issues come to be. 

Review Excerpts

"Thoroughly sourced and accompanied by black-and-white photos and Pregnant Pause sidebars, this essential guide, which gives voices to vulnerable populations, demands to be heard." Booklist, starred review.

Connections

This book would pair well in a unit about Supreme Court cases, women’s rights, or informational nonfiction.  Students can analyze how the information is organized leading up to the case. Also, they can look into how to approach controversial topics.