Reporter Taylor also interviews Nitze, co-author of children’s book
By Quinlan Taylor, age 15
KidScoop Media Correspondent,
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and co-author Jeannie Nitze celebrated the release of their children’s book, Heroes of 1776, with a conversation and book signing at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. I had the opportunity to interview both Justice Gorsuch and Ms. Nitze one-on-one, asking about the book, their reasons for writing it, and what they hope readers will take away from it. Both were very gracious, and their responses were thoughtful and well-informed.
Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence is a young readers picture book by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and his former law clerk Janie Nitze. Set in Philadelphia in 1776, it covers historical figures, many well known figures, as well as less known figures like Caesar Rodney, Thomas Paine, and Mary Katherine Goddard. Gorsuch wrote it in response to declining civic literacy, pointing out that only around 13% of eighth graders are proficient in American history.
After thanking Justice Gorsuch and Ms. Nitze for their time, I began by asking how they divided the writing process for the book. Ms. Nitze explained that “it was less dividing up and more collaborative.” Justice Gorsuch added that one of the biggest challenges was “figuring out how to get in what we wanted to get in, and tell a story at the same time.” Their ultimate goal, he said, was “to focus on the people and their humanity, and try and show kids that there are superheroes among us.”
With that goal in mind, I asked why so many of the women featured in the book – figures who were undeniably daring and heroic – remain largely unknown to the public. Ms. Nitze suggested that civics education should be improved. I then asked what the Founding Fathers might say about our country 250 years later. Justice Gorsuch responded, “I think they would be thrilled. They had problems too.”
The conversation reflected many of the themes present throughout the book: resilience, patriotism, and the importance of understanding the people who shaped American history. After the interview concluded, Justice Gorsuch and Ms. Nitze continued speaking with attendees during the public event and book signing.