Just Shine!: How to Be a Better You

by Sonia Sotomayor, Jacqueline Alcántara (illustrator)

From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Just Ask! comes a sweet and powerful story about being true to yourself and shining your brightest. How will you help people shine?

There once was a little girl who grew up in Puerto Rico with an incredible ability—she was able to make everyone around her shine. She listened, she understood, she worked hard, and she brought out the beauty in each person she met.

In a story inspired by her mother’s ability to help people see their own brilliance, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shows readers how helping others shine makes the whole world brighter.

With art by award-winning illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara, Just Shine will help readers find their own inner glow—and recognize that glow in those around them.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Childrens, Family, Love

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Sonia Sotomayor, J.D. (Yale Law School, 1979; B.A., Princeton University, 1976), is the 99th Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, nominated by President Barack Obama to fill the seat of the retiring Justice David Souter and taking office August 8, 2009.

Previously, she served as editor of the Yale Law Review, and as Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney's Office from 1979–1984. She then litigated international commercial matters in New York City at Pavia & Harcourt, where she served as an associate and then partner, 1984–1992. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush nominated her to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, and she served in that role from 1992–1998. She served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1998–2009.

Reviews

[Noi (in & out)]

Yes, it is a 40-page book I just happen to start on the 31st...

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor offers wise words to live by for young children. Ms. Sotomayor writes movingly about the wisdom she gained from listening to the words and observing the actions of her beloved mother, Celina. Helping others to become the best that they can be will truly make the world a better place for everyone.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching Story

Sonia Sotomayor writes a story about her mother as a person who lived her life as a person who chose to live a life helping others. Nicely written and illustrated.

[AnaLuz Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her most recent PB, she honors her mother’s story, telling how she was always a source of light to others. I liked the message she conveys of the example of how her mother did that, bringing light to people instead of darkness. Through clear stories the message is clear, simple and easy to understand for parents and children.
I read both the ebook in English and listened to the Spanish Audiobook that was fantastic narrated.

Thanks to @prhaudio for the Spanish audiobook version of Just Shine!, ¡Solo Brilla! Narrated by Grammy Awarf winner Cuban-American singer- Songwriter Gloria Estefan

Read September 2025

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

On one level, this is a beautiful tribute to her mother, but on another level, this is an explanation of how everyone can shine and make the world a special place! More of a 4.5 than a 5 star title, rounded up. The reason is that the life lessons are perhaps a little heavily dropped into the book. Kids are quite bright enough to absorb the lessons without being told this is a lesson. Adults might need that extra guidance though!

Lovely book that I’m glad I grabbed when realizing it was autographed.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sonia Sotomayor has written five books, including the memoir, “My Beloved World,” but “Just Shine,” is a children’s picture book. Sonia’s story is about her mother, Celina Báez Sotomayor. In an interview she said, “I started this book the first year mami passed away, 2021, and I did more drafts than any other, I think in part because I was using it to expiate, to deal with my grief.” She kept at it, reflecting on the message she wanted to impart with young readers . During the writing of the book and grieving, the Ivy-educated Sotomayor had an epiphany — her mother was by far her greatest teacher, better than any PhD professor she studied under at Princeton and Yale. Her mom had seeded in her, values that she says continue to inform how she navigates working in the nation’s highest court.

Sotomayor’s mother was born in Puerto Rico and orphaned at 9 years old. In her early 20s, she was part of the second wave of women who enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Second World War, eventually moving to New York City and studying to be a nurse. “She was an extraordinary woman driven to accomplish and do great things and after my father’s death, she was completely devoted to raising us (her and a younger brother) making sure that we got the best education possible.”

“She taught me to look for the best in people even when I disagreed with them or even when they did things that frustrate me. And boy am I frustrated these days,” she says. To get through the stormy moments at work, she says that she leans on remembering the things that she admires in her colleagues so she doesn’t get “caught up” in the disagreement. But if you personalize that, you will never be able to work with anybody because there will always be differences.”

The illistrations by Jaqueline Alcantara, are beautiful depictions of Porta Rico, New York and dreamy thoughts Sonia has of her Mami. A difficult attempt to create, I’m sure. After reading some of Sonia’s interviews about “Just Shine”, I think that she was trying to convey a very complicated life of a very strong woman into a few encouraging words. I understood “Just Shine” better after reading about her life and Sonia’s interviews.

“She treated people with love, kindness and empathy and with understanding and those are qualities that we are missing in the world right now. I wanted to empower kids with hope.”
Sonia helped empower me and I will try to remember her suggestions when I get frustrated and angry.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring picture book by Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor that gives some simple but much needed advice to young people about how to be a better person. She uses her mother, Celia, as an example of someone who lived her life making the world a happier, better place for those around her. Sontomayer tells a beautiful story of a young girl growing up in Puerto Rico under difficult circumstances and always making a choice to be brave, kind, and helpful to everyone around her. The message is simple but powerful. This will be a wonderful book to use to foster discussions about character development and the choices we make in dealing with other people.

"What will you do to make your world shine?"

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonia Sotomayor's love story to her mother is billed as a children's book, but it is of equal value to adults. She shows us how much she loved her mother, and why. Her mother's acts of kindness to those she knew and others she had not met inspired Sonia and comforted many others. The best passage in the book follows:

"Celina's light will never go out.
She helped the lonely feel loved.
She treated people with respect and recognized their dignity.
She saw the pain of others, even when it was invisible.
She worked hard to make other people's lives a bit easier.
By caring, Celina showed her love and brought brightness to her family her community and the world.

What will you do to make your world shine?"

[Alisha Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonia Sotomayor writes a story about her mother. This story was very emotional for me. It was a beautiful way to honor her memory. Celina is always showing kindness and love to her family, friends, and community members. Not only in the big ways but in the small everyday moments of her life. I loved this story. I would enjoy reading this book to anyone. I would ask them how they can make everyone feel seen. How can we show kindness? How can we shine? I would even do a small project and really praise their kindness that I saw by writing it on paper and hanging it up on our class.

[BookChampions]

I had the pleasure of seeing Justice Sotomayor talk about this new book and her mother, who the book showcases. Her message of bringing light to people instead of darkness was simple but lovely. This was a very sweet book for children--and a reminder to parents that your children are looking and learning from you, whether you think so or not. They are learning both directly and indirectly from watching us live our lives.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a love letter to the author’s mother. It a recitation of the life lessons that she taught her about spreading love, compassion and kindness to make the world a better place.

The book can feel sweet at times, and a bit heavy handed at others while disseminating its message that if you do good onto others by listening to them, helping them and engaging in acts of kindness, you will be the recipient of good things in future.

[Andrew Dittmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Shine!: How to Be a Better You by Sonia Sotomayor & Jacqueline Alcántara


Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!

Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a post-it note with the book.


Started November 12th, 2025.
Finished November 12th, 2025.


November 12th, 2025: read entire book in physical copy.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to do your best and be a better you. How a young girl who grew up in Puerto Rico is able to make everyone else feel good and help them shine. Showing love for others and helping those around her do their best and nursed everyone who was sick around her. When she is old and sick others help her and make her feel needed.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for a very young audience, this book gives examples of how to be kind through examples of the author's mother's life. An obituary of sorts. I listened to this so I cannot speak to the illustrations.

[Lady Bocwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read Justice Sotomayor's tribute to her mother, and it's beautiful. This is a perfect book for any child to answer the questions "How can I be kind?" or "What does it mean to love others?". The words give beautiful, tangible examples on how to show love and kindness to those around us.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

...um this audiobook is read by Gloria Estefan. How cute! That very much made this book feel like “grandma telling me stories to impart wisdom on me.” This was such a joy to listen to!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to my library!

[Debbie]

A love letter to her mother and a call to action for the rest of us.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the authors mother about how she made the world a better place.

[Trixiter Marczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, and warm 😍 story!! A must read!

[Rachel Chapman]

I loved the authors note to readers in the front of the book.

CW: there is imagery of machine guns (in a war flashback context)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story. From Colleen.

[PottWab Regional Library]

E

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations!

[Andrea Brinkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little tribute to Justice Sotomayor’s mom, with valuable lessons woven throughout. Would make a great read for lessons on kindness, compassion, and shared humanity.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and beautifully illustrated.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

A loving tribute to her mother and a story of choices one can make to leave the world a better place.

[Lynn Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a touching tribute to the many ways, large and small, a girl helps her loved ones and community as she grows up through its pages.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sonia has written a touching homage to her mom, and all the ways she made life better for others. The book was written to encourage others to care and share their love - make the world shine.