Parents' Guide to

I Am Sonia Sotomayor: Ordinary People Change the World

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Positive messages in engaging bio of Supreme Court justice.

Book Brad Meltzer Biography 2018
I Am Sonia Sotomayor: Ordinary People Change the World Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

Holly R.
Holly R. Parent of 1-year-old
November 25, 2019
age 10+

Meh, modern politics...

I don't think this particular woman is a woman whom children should aspire to be...
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Growing up poor in the Bronx, the future Supreme Court justice and energetic young narrator of AM SONIA SOTOMAYOR dreamed of being a detective like Nancy Drew, even though they didn't exactly live in the same neighborhood. When childhood diabetes ends her detective dreams, TV lawyer Perry Mason opens up the world of the courtroom. Little Ají (named after a hot pepper) doesn't have it easy, especially after her father dies. But books open up worlds very different from her own, her loving family supports her, and many kind teachers and mentors help her along the way as she heads to the Ivy League for school and pursues a career first as a district attorney, then as a judge.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Another winner joins the Ordinary People Change the World Series as author Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos turn to the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. Growing up poor but much loved in the Bronx, young Sonia Sotomayor found dreams and inspiration in books, the determination to pursue them in herself, and the ability to accomplish them thanks to the kindness and support of many. There's a lot to like about young Sonia as she dreams of being a detective, protects her little brother against bullies, and discovers a career in law as a way to help people -- and a lot to relate to in I Am Sonia Sotomayor as she deals with loss and obstacles along the way.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about following your dream in I Am Sonia Sotomayor. Is there something important to you that isn't part of your ordinary life but you heard about in a book or movie an dit sparked your interest?

  • Can you think of a time when you wanted something but would have had to go without it if somebody hadn't helped you? What happened? Did you ever have a chance to help someone else the same way?

  • Do you think it would be interesting to be a lawyer and work in a courtroom? Does this book make you see the law differently from the way you did before?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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