Sonia Sotomayor: Books for Kids and Teens

Sonia Sotomayor: Books for Kids and Teens

This collection of books by and about Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor tells the story of her remarkable life. These books also share a central message of hope and inspiration for young people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities who are pursuing their dreams — and who are discovering their own talents and superpowers.

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

Colorful letters with a boy pushing a wheelbarrow
Illustrated by: Rafael López
Age Level: 6-9
Language: English

Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful. In Just Ask!, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges--and looks at the special powers those kids have as well.

My Beloved World

Age Level: Young Adult
Language: Spanish

The first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor has become an instant American icon. Now, with a candor and intimacy never undertaken by a sitting Justice, she recounts her life from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, a journey that offers an inspiring testament to her own extraordinary determination and the power of believing in oneself.

Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States

Collage of famous Latino/a trailblazers
Illustrated by: Gloria Félix
Age Level: 9-12, Middle Grade
Language: Spanish

Nuestra América highlights the inspiring stories of thirty Latina/o/xs throughout history and their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.
The stories in this book cover each figure's cultural background, childhood, and the challenges and opportunities they met in pursuit of their goals. A glossary of terms and discussion question-filled reading guide, created by the Smithsonian Latino Center, encourage further research and exploration.

Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes

Painting of Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: Middle Grade
Language: English

This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics. Gorgeous portraits by Raúl Colón complement sparkling biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, and many more. Complete with timelines and famous quotes, this tome is a magnificent homage to those who have shaped our nation.

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

Illustrated by: Alexandra Boiger

This book celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted. This book features: Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, and Sonia Sotomayor.

Sonia Sotomayor (National Geographic Kids)

Sonia Sotomayor (National Geographic Kids)
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish

Explore one of the most recognized names in modern America with this biography of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Kids will learn about her rise to be the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice and the trials she faced along the way. The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers.

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx

Illustration of young Sonia Sotomayor sitting on steps
Illustrated by: Christina Rodriguez
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

This bilingual picture book tells the story of Sotomayor's childhood in the Bronx, her time at Princeton, and her confirmation on the Supreme Court, with a special focus on her mother's unwavering support throughout her life. Lovely illustrations capture the warmth and joy of Sotomayor's family and story. Note: The biography includes a discussion of the racial undertones of her nomination and confirmation hearing.

Sonia Sotomayor: Supreme Court Justice

Illustrated by: Thomas Gonzalez
Language: Spanish

On August 8, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the U.S. Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice and the third woman to serve the Court. In elegant free verse, Carmen T. Bernier-Grand describes Sotomayor's remarkable journey from her childhood in the projects near Yankee Stadium to her stellar academic achievements at Ivy League universities to her rapid rise in the legal profession. When confirmed as a federal judge in the Southern District of New York, she said, "I feel I can touch the sky." Also included: Biographical Summary, Glossary, Chronology, Sources, and Notes.

The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor

The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor
Language: English

Discover the inspiring life of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, in this middle-grade adaptation of her bestselling adult memoir, My Beloved World. Finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults.

 

Turning Pages

Illustrated by: Lulu Delacre
Age Level: 6-9

As the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor has inspired young people around the world to reach for their dreams. But what inspired her? For young Sonia, the answer was books! They were her mirrors, her maps, her friends, and her teachers. They helped her to connect with her family in New York and in Puerto Rico, to deal with her diabetes diagnosis, to cope with her father's death, to uncover the secrets of the world, and to dream of a future for herself in which anything was possible.

When I Grow Up: Sonia Sotomayor (Scholastic Level 3)

Illustrated by: Gerald Kelley
Age Level: 6-9

Sonia Sotomayor is featured in this biography series for early readers. With simple, engaging text alongside engaging illustrations, Sonia's true American dream story comes to life. This volume will complement Common Core State Standards and feature helpful back matter tools such as a glossary and further reading. Adult ESL students may also find this title of interest.