The beloved world of Sonia Sotomayor

*Starred Review* After seven-year-old Sonia, recently diagnosed with diabetes, awakens to the sound of her parents arguing over who will give her a daily shot of insulin, she decides to take on that responsibility herself. It was the first of many decisions that would challenge her and move her forward. Judiciously pared down from Sotomayor's My Beloved World (2013), this autobiography for young people records her memories of growing up with her father (who died when she was nine), her mother, her brother, and her extended Puerto Rican American family in the Bronx. She also discusses her education in Catholic schools, at Princeton, and at Yale, her pro bono advocacy work, and her career as an assistant district attorney and a partner in a private law firm. The story concludes as she begins working as a district court judge. Readers will come away with a strong sense of Sotomayor's background, her steadfast values, and her ability to stand up for herself and for others. Written in a clear, direct manner and enriched with many personal stories, the book also conveys a sense of her gratitude to family, friends, teachers, and mentors. A lively autobiography of the third woman and the first Latina on the U.S. Supreme Court.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 5-8-Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor infuses this adaptation from her adult memoir (My Beloved World) with optimism, perseverance, and doses of humor. Sotomayor begins at her family's Bronx tenement with her daily shots of insulin and the loving but troubled relationships with Mami, Papi, and her extended Puerto Rican family. Spanish was spoken at home, money was always tight, and, until his early death, Papi's drinking was a constant worry on young Sonia's mind. Around fifth grade Sotomayor begins to look forward to school, and finds her niche in high school logic classes and on the debate team. A combination of natural ability, diligent study, and people skills take her to Princeton, Yale Law School, the New York District Attorney's Office, and eventually, judge's chambers. Sotomayor doesn't gloss over the toll 12-hour days took on her personal life, but her enthusiasm for the legal world shines through. The book ends with her appointment to the U.S. district court in Manhattan, with her Supreme Court appointment mentioned in the epilogue. Narrator Jaina Lee Ortiz catches the lilt of Sotomayor's voice, especially in the Spanish phrases sprinkled throughout. VERDICT A wonderful addition to any middle grade or YA biography collection.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This young reader's edition of the Supreme Court justice's memoir recounts her lifelong determination and ambition. Beginning with her childhood in the Bronx, Sotomayor thoughtfully traces her personal and intellectual development as she attended Princeton and Yale and eventually landed her first appointment as a judge. The book's density and maturity recommend it for teen readers, who should find Sotomayor's warmth and honesty inspiring. Glos. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The memoir of a woman who rose from the housing projects in New York City's South Bronx to become the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court of the United States.This is the story of a woman who as a 10-year-old fell under the spell of Perry Mason, a fictional TV lawyer. Her life course was set: She would become a lawyer and, dare she dream it, a judge. With a clear vision, hard work, and determination she set out to make her dream come true. In a series of vignettes that help to illustrate her remarkable spirit and motivations, Sotomayor recalls some of the salient moments of her life. Readers are introduced to her close-knit family, friends, colleagues, and mentors that nurtured her along the way. She chronicles her academic and professional achievements and what it took to be successful. She also presents her core beliefs and struggles, never shying from coming across as human. The account of this exceptional trajectory, told with a storyteller's talent, is filled with a candor and honesty that make her story eminently accessible to young readers. Adapted from her memoir for adults, My Beloved World (2013), in the hope of inspiring children to dream even the dreams they cannot at first imagine, this book should thoroughly achieve that goal. A must read. (glossary, Supreme Court overview) (Memoir. 10-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.