Finding Susie by Sandra Day O'Connor illustrated by Tom Pohrt


Posted on Sep 29, 2009
By Tanya Turgeon

REVIEW by Tanya Turgeon

Alfred A. Knopf, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2009
40 pages
$16.99

Sandra Day O'Connor is perhaps best known as the "first woman to become justice of the Supreme Court of the United States."  After serving in this position for over twenty years, Justice O'Connor retired in 2006, which presumably freed up some time for her to pen the sweet children's book "Finding Susie".

In the story, a young Sandra attempts to adopt and befriend a variety of wild animals including a tortoise, rabbit, bobcat, and coyote.  After receiving care and rehabilitation, each animal ends up being better suited to it's natural environment leaving Sandra once again alone and longing for a companion.  One day she is introduced to Susie, a small white stray dog, who turns out to be exactly what Sandra was looking for.

Although the copyright page declares this a work of fiction, the black and white photographs lining the inside covers seem to indicate the story has at least some basis in truth.  They show the real-life Sandra Day O'Connor growing up on a desert ranch with horses, cacti, a bobcat, and a little white dog named Susie.

This is a great book to share with animal-loving children, who sometimes don't understand why every animal can't be a pet (yes, I was one of them).   For adults who have witnessed firsthand the historical accomplishments of Sandra Day O'Connor, it's equally as illuminating.  Like Senator Ted Kennedy, who recently passed away leaving behind three beloved Portuguese water dogs, Justice O'Connor proves to be another great example of a strong political figure backed by a love of dogs.

"Finding Susie" says it best: "You know,' Sandra said, 'I think a dog is about the best pet I could have."  Here at Fetchdog we tend to agree.

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