Summary: True story of the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor. She tells her reading how she reach her dream through reading and books as they help her reach to new possibilities, connect with her family, and her family and self conflicts.

This is the story of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor from childhood to her becoming a Justice. The journey she takes us on shows us some of her Puerto Rican heritage and pride, her love of books, and how this guided her to Princeton where she studied law. Books have been a huge part of her journey in finding herself and, early on, in learning English. The library where she spent countless hours during her childhood gave her access to the stories that shaped her life and kept her company. Before she made the choice to study law, Sonia cited the book Lord of the Flies as the one that taught her the importance of the law. Sotomayor weaves into the story her family members and how important they were in her life, and the loss of her father also impacting her life, as well as her diabetes diagnosis at a young age. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the people in her story are very real and well represented. This is an inspirational story and one that will speak to children going through some of the same issues that this very important lady has faced in her own life.

Despite her challenges, Sonia graduated at the top of her high school class. After graduation, she attended Princeton University where she began her journey as a judge. Knowing the challenges that come with being a minority and growing up poor, Sonia was able to understand. Soon, her hard work was noticed by President Obama. She was appointed Supreme Court Justice, making history as the first Latina to serve. Through this inspiring read, Sonia shows how one can achieve greatness. ( )

Sonia Sotomayor shares the power of words and of books in shaping her life. Often I found myself exclaiming in agreement, "Yes, that is how I feel/felt!" Some examples for me include:

"Reading was like lighting candles, each book a flame that lit up the world around me."

"I didn't know how to read yet, but written words, I discovered, were electrical currents that jolted feelings to life."

"Books were my loyal friends. They made it so I never felt lonely."

"The library was my harbor, and books were little boats that helped me escape sadness at home."

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Telling her own story, Sonia Sotomayor shows how books played a huge role in her life while growing up in New York City and going through difficult times. Sonia spoke Spanish at home, the language of her Puerto Rican family. She learned the power of words from her abuelita. As Sonia struggled to learn English, she discovered that books make it more fun to learn language. During hard times Sonia turned to books for comfort, escape, and knowledge. This book intertwines her upbringing in New York City and the connection with her Puerto Rican culture. Books have been Sonia's superpower that ultimately helps her seek justice in the Supreme Court of the United States. Telling her life in her own words allow the readers to "know" this remarkable woman. The photographs, illustrations, and timeline make her story come to life. ( )