Journalist and author Afua Hirsch returned to Hay Festival Winter Weekend alongside illustrator Henny Beautmont to talk about their new book Equal to Everything: Judge Brenda and the Supreme Court.
A beautifully illustrated, fictionalised tale based on the life of Lady Hale, President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, Equal to Everything tells the story of Ama, a girl from Richmond in Yorkshire, who visits the Supreme Court on a school trip and learns all about the work of the court and how another little girl from her town went on to become its president.
Throughout the story we learn about Brenda Hale's life - from school to university and on to becoming the most important judge in the land. The story highlights some interesting cases Judge Brenda was faced with and explains how judges make difficult decisions and teaches children about fairness, justice and how the law can be used for good and to protect us all.
Equal to Everything is an inspiring story of a little girl who worked hard at school and went on to be extraordinary. It aims to empower children to believe they can achieve their dreams and never letting other people tell them they are not good enough.
Hirsch said: "Not only does Lady Hale stand out as an exceptional judicial figure for our times, but she has iconic status for women and young girls who aspire to break barriers by reaching the very top of their chosen field too. My hope for this book is that it will demystify both the path she has taken and the vitally important constitutional role she occupies, to educate and inspire the next generation."
Explore the full Hay Festival Winter Weekend programme here.