Sonia Sotomayor

Women Who Broke the Rules

by Kathleen Krull, Angela Dominguez (Illustrator)

"Well-behaved women seldom make history." -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Many awe-inspiring women have changed the course of history. From fighting for social justice and women's rights to discovering and shaping our amazing country, women have left an indelible mark on our past, present, and future. But it's not easy to affect change, and these women didn't always play by the rules to make a difference! Kathleen Krull blends history and humor in this accessible young biography series.

Sonia Sotomayor's path, from growing up in the projects to success in Ivy League universities to her rise in the legal profession is a true testament to the American dream. She broke the rules women were supposed to follow in her life and career, ultimately becoming the first Latino justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, and the third woman to serve the Court. Her determined spirit and achievements make her a role model and an inspiration.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Childrens, Picture Books

48 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2015

Reviews

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in a Krull's new series is outstanding. I cannot think of a better author to launch this fascinating series about the women who changed (and continue to change) our history.

Sonia Sotomayor is an inspiring woman, and I can't wait for children to learn more about her because of this wonderful introduction.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This children's book is an inspiration, actually, to any reader. I didn't know Sotomayor's background, and Obama's appointment of her to the Supreme Court added a great, and much needed, diversity to the leadership of America. In addition, this appointment certainly was a plus for America's image the world over. Oh, remember, back in the day, when America wasn't the laughing stock of the world? When it appeared we were making progress? We were great, and we still are great, and it's up to all Americans to ensure we continue on the right course, even when there is a bothersome hiccup along the way. Congratulations to Sonia Sotomayor!

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in a new series "Women Who Broke the Rules" by Kathleen Krull - this one focuses on Sonia Sotomayor. Since I had an advanced copy, the book appears to be planned for heavier paper and colored illustrations. The text draws in readers and I found myself interested in learning about Sonia Sotomayor and learning more about her through other books.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true tale about Sonya and how she became a Supreme Court judge for Barack Obama. She overcame a lot during her life and went worked very hard to finally accomplish her dream.

The media here seems to be water color.

I would read this aloud possibility before asking the students what they want to be when they grow up to show that anything is possible and hard work pays off.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that this book would be a good tool to use as an introduction to Sonya Sotomayor; i.e. who she was, how she came to be, and a variety of her accomplishments are spoken of within this book. This would be a great resource to introduce a school research project to younger students!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really strong educational book that isn't a "Who is/Was" book. I'd definitely want a copy in my classroom

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krull, Kathleen. Women Who Broke the Rules: Sonia Sotomayor, Bloomsbury, 2015. $16.99. Content: G. This biography covers the life of Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor. She grew up in a tough public housing project in New York. She learned that she had diabetes at a young age and made sure that she would get the most out of her life by working hard and doing things she loved. It was not an easy time for women to realize their dreams and work in a profession like the law, which was typically a career for men. Sonia was awarded scholarships to prestigious Ivy League schools and worked her way from an attorney to a federal district judge, to the Supreme Court. I was really impressed with this book. I will say it did seem to be a little biased, but with a book under the theme of “Women Who Broke the Rules,” it’s bound to have a bit of a skewed view toward the subject. I was however, really impressed by how hard Sotomayor worked to achieve her goals and how, even at a young age, she was aware that she couldn’t possible know everything so it was important for her to ask questions and ask for help when she needed it. I thought that was the most lasting concept from the book. Sotomayor truly did break a lot of boundaries, and her goal of being a hard-working role model, was definitely achieved. I thought the book was very engaging, on topic, and well-done. I was thinking I might end up being a little bored and I absolutely wasn’t. This is a valuable purchase to have for all students, particularly girls and the Latino community in your library. EL, MS- ESSENTIAL. Reviewed by Shay, High School Librarian.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=8259

I was first introduced to this series at Kid Lit Frenzy in June when Alyson shared these four biographies with us (along with an informative Q&A and a fun quiz), and as soon as I read her posts, I knew I had to get my hands on them. I am a huge fan of well-done biographies because I think they are an essential part of spreading history into a new generation’s memory. I am an even bigger fan of well-done biographies of strong women. While there has been a good chunk of biographical picture books lately about women, I am very happy to see that students will have longer biographies to explore strong women from history. I also really like that Krull’s series has a mix of contemporary and historical figures and is filled with diversity. Next Krull will be sharing Coretta Scott King and Mary Todd Lincoln’s life.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short but high interest biography shares fascinating details of Sonia Sotomayor's younger years, leading her to finally pursue a career as a judge. The challenges of having diabetes, living in the projects, enduring life with bickering parents, and living with an alcoholic father made her young upbringing tough. However her mother's strong belief in education, and her loving, nurturing grandmother gave her the needed support to strive for excellence in school, at a time when women especially Puerto Ricans, didn't hold powerful jobs in the field of law. The simple colorful illustrations fit the uplifting tone of the story. This is an entertaining biography with a great message for young girls.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography of Justice Sotomayor meant for around grade 3-5, a difficult level to write successful biographies for. Short enough not to be intimidating, long enough to use for the basis of a report. Cartoon like illustrations to keep the book attractive and interesting. This is a top quality series.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested to check out this new series focusing on famous women and found this book to be a fine biography, but nothing super special. Full color illustrations up the appeal, but I'm still not sure this is a series that will capture browsers. As research material, I found myself wanting a time line and a photo of Sotomayor.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible illustrated biography about first Latina Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. A lively and insightful narrative that gives readers a sense of how a bright daughter of poor immigrants achieved great success in American law. I especially appreciated how Nancy Drew and Perry Mason inspired the young Sonia to dream big.

[Amber Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book would be great to use as a starter biography in 3rd-5th grade! A unique feature of the book is the pictures throughout the story, as well as the way that information is shared about the historial figure in kid-friendly language! I will definitely have this series in my classroom one day!

[Turquoise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice book, but the target audience is unclear. The typography and illustrations suggest very young yet the messages seem to target a somewhat older cohort. This made is confusing. The messages are great, but they would work better in a more detailed book targeted at somewhat older readers.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This start of a new series about women (well-behaved women rarely make history) introduces readers to Sonia Sotomayor - and boy, what an introduction. The subject is a well-deserved and interesting one that comes to life on the page as a girl you'd like to know. Thumbs up!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about Ms. Sotomayor's life in this new series. The length is perfect for third grade researchers, and the information shared is more than the typical biographical fare. Resources for further reading are provided at the end.

[Nancy Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A title in the "Women Who broke the Rules" series is a clearly and engaging story that follows the life of Sonia Sotomayor from a young girl to the third woman ever to serve on the US Supreme Court...and the first Latino justice. Look forward to reading additional titles in this series.

[Bernadette Kearns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply written biography of the Supreme Court Justice. I liked the short, easy to read chapters for 4th graders. It was easier than a "Who Was" book with both readability and the amount of narrative content. I'd like to read more in the series.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC from the publisher.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krull has written a biography of a strong contemporary woman who will be a solid role model for girls.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice biography about Soina Sotomayor. Very simple but not a picture book. Great for early elementary.

[Nadine Poper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information in a short book. When reading non-fiction, especially biographies, kids need short, to-the-point text and information.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org

[Betsy Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice biography ends at her appointment to the Supreme Court

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid overview. Am loving this new series about women.

[Addison Children's Services · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic woman to become a justice of the Supreme Court. Follow her journey of achieving her dream!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Justice Sotomayor sharing that in each new environment, she felt intimidated and overwhelmed. After a time of transition, however she found her stride.

We need to normalize the transitional phase. People expect to get to a new stage in life and be able to seamlessly learn new responsibilities, tasks, and relationships.

[Dyllan Getz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! 100/5! Gurl power! Totally would recommend! This was another reading Olympics book

[Drusilla Pair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography!