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Turning Pages: My Life Story
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor tells her own story for young readers for the very first time!
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.
In Turning Pages, Justice Sotomayor shares that love of books with a new generation of readers, and inspires them to read and puzzle and dream for themselves. Accompanied by Lulu Delacre’s vibrant art, this story of the Justice’s life shows readers that the world is full of promise and possibility–all they need to do is turn the page.
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.
In Turning Pages, Justice Sotomayor shares that love of books with a new generation of readers, and inspires them to read and puzzle and dream for themselves. Accompanied by Lulu Delacre’s vibrant art, this story of the Justice’s life shows readers that the world is full of promise and possibility–all they need to do is turn the page.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2018
14 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Sotomayor
28 books283 followersSonia 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
October 3, 2019
This is a beautiful and inspirational book infused with the love of reading on every page. My favorite quote: "Books are keys that unlock the wisdom of yesterday and open the door to tomorrow."
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November 1, 2023Geared toward readers aged 4-8, this is Sotomayor’s story in her own words. Sotomayor is only the third female Justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court but more notably, the first justice of Hispanic heritage.
Kids will learn of her love of books (and libraries) and her pride in being a Latina, and how those elements helped set a course for where she is today.
Accompanying the text are wonderful illustrations by Lulu Delacre. – Sara Z.
Kids will learn of her love of books (and libraries) and her pride in being a Latina, and how those elements helped set a course for where she is today.
Accompanying the text are wonderful illustrations by Lulu Delacre. – Sara Z.
October 5, 2018
Turning Pages is a lovely homage to books and literature by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She reminisces about the importance of storytelling in her family and of her Puerto Rican heritage, the role of libraries, and the pride of acquiring a set of encyclopedias. It is though books that she finds strength to deal with her childhood diabetes and takes refuge after the loss of her father at a young age. Ultimately, books serve as the inspiration for her law career. Her life story in this beautifully illustrated book is uplifting.
I borrowed this book from my son who is a pre-law student. He never enters book giveaways, but when I told him it was autographed by Justice Sotomayor, he entered... and won! So a big thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group on his behalf.
I borrowed this book from my son who is a pre-law student. He never enters book giveaways, but when I told him it was autographed by Justice Sotomayor, he entered... and won! So a big thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group on his behalf.
September 30, 2018
Both English and Spanish editions available!
October 20, 2018
I know everyone loves RBG and she is amazing, but my favorite justice is Sotomayor. She is so great! I loved reading this book about her life in context to all the books and reading she did. DID I MENTION SHE IS SO GREAT.
September 16, 2018
A remarkable woman and she loves books and libraries. YES!
October 30, 2018
A nice overview of Sotomayor’s life and her love of reading.
There are lots of photographs on the inside cover which are nice.
I enjoyed reading this one with my daughter. I need to read Sotomayor’s autobiography (it’s on my bookshelf).
There are lots of photographs on the inside cover which are nice.
I enjoyed reading this one with my daughter. I need to read Sotomayor’s autobiography (it’s on my bookshelf).
October 13, 2018
Okay, so everyone needs to know about the life of this accomplished woman and it's nice to have that story in her own words. But I didn't love the illustrations and the text was a bit too wordy. Though I suppose that's expected when a lawyer/judge writes a book, haha.
October 16, 2018
I love Judge Sotomayor.
I don't love this book.
Feels like a grownup talking to a kid who isn't comfortable or used to talking to kids. If I was a kid listening, I'd be like yeah yeah yeah... read... yeah yeah yeah...read some more...go the library. Whatever. I hear ya.
Teachers, Librarians, and Teacher Librarians: It is OK not to love a book that celebrates the love of reading or libraries. Really. You'll be fine. No one will come after you. Let's stop being so dang predictable.
I don't love this book.
Feels like a grownup talking to a kid who isn't comfortable or used to talking to kids. If I was a kid listening, I'd be like yeah yeah yeah... read... yeah yeah yeah...read some more...go the library. Whatever. I hear ya.
Teachers, Librarians, and Teacher Librarians: It is OK not to love a book that celebrates the love of reading or libraries. Really. You'll be fine. No one will come after you. Let's stop being so dang predictable.
December 7, 2018
In Turning Pages, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor beautifully tells the story of her life and how reading, books, and libraries were the driving force in her success.
Sonia’s parents immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico. Both English and Spanish were spoken in her home. Reading and books helped Sonia understand the world around her and the events that were happening. They provided comfort in times of sadness, understanding and inspiration in times of confusion, and escape in times of loneliness. Books were her teachers and helped her to “sort out” right from wrong.
Turning Pages is an homage to the power of words and the power of reading. As a librarian, I could not ask for a more eloquent explanation of why libraries and books are so valuable to a society and a nation.
This wonderful children’s book would appeal to anyone - adults as well as children. It definitely deserves all the praise it has received!
Sonia’s parents immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico. Both English and Spanish were spoken in her home. Reading and books helped Sonia understand the world around her and the events that were happening. They provided comfort in times of sadness, understanding and inspiration in times of confusion, and escape in times of loneliness. Books were her teachers and helped her to “sort out” right from wrong.
Turning Pages is an homage to the power of words and the power of reading. As a librarian, I could not ask for a more eloquent explanation of why libraries and books are so valuable to a society and a nation.
This wonderful children’s book would appeal to anyone - adults as well as children. It definitely deserves all the praise it has received!
September 21, 2018
As a children's librarian and lover of books I may be biased, but this is such a wonderful tribute to the importance of books and reading. Thank you Justice Sotomayor for sharing your story and inspiration.
November 24, 2018
This is a beautifully written book from Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, one of only 3 women who have sat on the court. It is an autobiographical account of her story and how her love of reading was so pivotal to each step in her journey.
March 18, 2019
Sonia Sotomayor tells her story to children in this picture book. She discusses how reading and books helped educate her in English and Spanish. She moves from going to Princeton to an Associate Supreme Court Justice. How law is thought of as fair and just. A very nice book.
September 2, 2018
This is a beautiful book that conveys Justice Sotomayor's love of reading and its impact - a wonderful book for children.
November 17, 2023
Beautifully illustrated and detailed, it's a nice children's storybook biography. Like Justice Sotomayor, I've always loved books, and had a special relationship with them throughout my life.
March 7, 2021
"My story is a story about books--of poems and comics, of law and mystery, of science and science fiction--written both in Spanish and English."
Justice Sotomayor tells her story through the lens of the wide variety of texts that have influenced her life.
An easy, inspiring read aloud for our students.
Justice Sotomayor tells her story through the lens of the wide variety of texts that have influenced her life.
An easy, inspiring read aloud for our students.
October 30, 2018
This reads like a love letter to books written by one of the most influential women in the US.
Good for older kid storytimes or one-on-one reading sessions.
Good for older kid storytimes or one-on-one reading sessions.
September 18, 2019
Turning Pages: My Life Story is a children's picture book written by Sonia Sotomayor and illustrated by Lulu Delacre. It is an autobiographical picture book of Sonia Sotomayor, a Supreme Court Justice.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Sonia Maria Sotomayor is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, appointed by President Barack Obama in May 2009 and confirmed that August. She has the distinction of being its first Hispanic and Latina Justice.
Sotomayor's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Writing in eloquent first-person prose, Sotomayor relays her upbringing and path to the Supreme Court and emphasizing how reading books has remained at the center of her personal development. Delacre's work shows earnest admiration for the subject, and compositions make intriguing use of angle, shadow, and collage detail.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Sotomayor begins her story as a child in the Bronx. After being diagnosed with diabetes, she found strength in comic books. Following her father’s death, her local library became a refuge. Sotomayor offers variations on this theme, describing books as lenses, teachers, a life preserver, and universal mirrors. Finally, Sotomayor finds her way to law books, and to one of the most meaningful texts of her lifetime – the Constitution.
All in all, Turning Pages: My Life Story is a wonderful cursory autobiography about Sonia Sotomayor and her love for books.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Sonia Maria Sotomayor is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, appointed by President Barack Obama in May 2009 and confirmed that August. She has the distinction of being its first Hispanic and Latina Justice.
Sotomayor's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Writing in eloquent first-person prose, Sotomayor relays her upbringing and path to the Supreme Court and emphasizing how reading books has remained at the center of her personal development. Delacre's work shows earnest admiration for the subject, and compositions make intriguing use of angle, shadow, and collage detail.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Sotomayor begins her story as a child in the Bronx. After being diagnosed with diabetes, she found strength in comic books. Following her father’s death, her local library became a refuge. Sotomayor offers variations on this theme, describing books as lenses, teachers, a life preserver, and universal mirrors. Finally, Sotomayor finds her way to law books, and to one of the most meaningful texts of her lifetime – the Constitution.
All in all, Turning Pages: My Life Story is a wonderful cursory autobiography about Sonia Sotomayor and her love for books.
December 23, 2018
Sonia Sotomayor is one of two of my Supreme Court heroes and I was particularly taken when I read that she was a big reader growing up as was I and that she also loved Nancy Drew. When I saw this book about her life, I knew it was a must have. Born in NYC, Sonia's family originally came from Puerto Rico, so naturally her first language was Spanish. When she began school, Sonia had to learn English. It wasn't easy, but books made learning it fun and that was the first of many life lessons that Sonia culled from the books she read - all the through her life up to her Supreme Court appointment and continues even now. Of course, poetry and comic books also had an impact on Sonia's life. For example, as a child diagnosed with diabetes, she was afraid to give herself the necessary injections, but found superhero courage in the Justice League of America. My kids loved hearing this (so did my Kiddo, a big JLA fan from way back). This is an unusual biography and one that I would readily share with kids, and especially reluctant readers who are struggling with books and reading. I cannot tell you how much I wish I had this book when I was teaching in the Bronx, where Sonia Sotomayor grew up. My young readers haven't read enough books yet to do this, but after reading this biography, my Kiddo and I had a nice talk about some of the lessons we have taken away from books that had an impact on us. Lulu Delacre's oil-washed illustrations with collage elements add much to this biography. I like that she incorporated the covers of books Sonia read all the way through this insightful biography. This book is available in both English and Spanish. Back matter is included.
June 17, 2019
Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, writes a memoir that is
illustrated to further explain her story. The story begins in NY City with a young Sonia
learning English and struggling with her bilingualism. She found strength and beauty in
her roots as a young Puerto Rican woman. She admired her grandmother and found
support through her diagnosis of diabetes in her family.
Sotomayor further explains the importance of culture through food and family. This is
coupled with her love of books and escaping into new words, which is beautifully
illustrated throughout the book. Her love of Nancy Drew and solving the mysteries of
the books led Sonia to further love reading. In high school, she learned through the Bible
that many judge for the wrong reasons. This led to her first career as a lawyer where
she fought for the proper judgment of individuals. Ultimately her passion for justice
led her to the Supreme Court where she currently sits as a the first Hispanic female Supreme Court Justice.
illustrated to further explain her story. The story begins in NY City with a young Sonia
learning English and struggling with her bilingualism. She found strength and beauty in
her roots as a young Puerto Rican woman. She admired her grandmother and found
support through her diagnosis of diabetes in her family.
Sotomayor further explains the importance of culture through food and family. This is
coupled with her love of books and escaping into new words, which is beautifully
illustrated throughout the book. Her love of Nancy Drew and solving the mysteries of
the books led Sonia to further love reading. In high school, she learned through the Bible
that many judge for the wrong reasons. This led to her first career as a lawyer where
she fought for the proper judgment of individuals. Ultimately her passion for justice
led her to the Supreme Court where she currently sits as a the first Hispanic female Supreme Court Justice.
January 24, 2019
A children's book beautifully illustrated of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Her love of books, fight with diabetes, kinship with her family and Puerto Rico, and injustices surrounding helped create her. Reading inspired and taught her whether through comics, the encyclopedia set, Lord of the Rings, the Bible, case law books, or the U. S. Constitution. Although 21 years apart, both Justices Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg loved Nancy Drew while growing up. I was a big fan and still have my books. I saw her being interviewed at the Miami Book Fair in 2018, and she is quite personable. A book to inspire youngsters to read and follow their dreams.
March 25, 2019
Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor (Philomel Books 2018) (Juvenile – Biography). This is a juvenile illustrated autobiography of US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Sotomayor is the first Latino member of the Supreme Court and therefore the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Court as well. I read this to see whether it would be a good book selection to recommend to Suzannah for use while she's in Paraguay with the Peace Corps. I think she'll agree that this will be a great choice to take back to share with the young girls in her community. I'm going to order a copy from Amazon as soon as I finish typing this. My rating: 7/10, finished 3/24/19.
February 11, 2019
Sonya Sotomayor tells her story, but what’s unique and wonderful about her telling is that she does it through her journey with books. Her story IS her journey with books, and as an avid lover of books, I can’t think of a more beautiful way to tell one’s story. Books are a flame, electricity, magic potion, friend, boat, snorkel, time machine, launchpad, lens, teacher, life preserver, mirror, map, and key. And the best part? They’re also so so so much more, because to everyone they are a multitude of things.
November 25, 2018
A great story of overcoming very real life challenges (several at a very young age), finding possibilities for her future and establishing a mindset for success through reading.
If you have heard Sotomayor speak, as you read, you can hear her deliberate, measured way of speaking that makes you pay attention.
Recommended for all children (and their grownups because no one is ever too old to hear a story about how reading opens up the mind).
If you have heard Sotomayor speak, as you read, you can hear her deliberate, measured way of speaking that makes you pay attention.
Recommended for all children (and their grownups because no one is ever too old to hear a story about how reading opens up the mind).
September 29, 2018
A wonderful tribute to the importance of books and reading. Sotomayor tells how books and reading shaped her and her life.
June 29, 2019
After hearing Justice Sotomayor speak last week, I wanted to know more about it her. I started with her charming children’s book, which tells her story in a simple yet meaningful way. The illustrations enhance the story. I especially love the page where she talks about how books helped her to sail to other lands. I plan to pick up her original memoir to learn more. Highly recommend it.
September 4, 2018
An inspiring story about Justice Sotomayor's life and how books have helped her in every turn of it. A lovely tribute to the power of the written word to help anyone see what is possible. Includes photos and a timeline.
January 5, 2019
This gorgeous picture book autobiography is about Sonia Sotomayor and how books influenced her life. This would make an excellent mentor text for kids to write about how books influenced their lives.
February 15, 2019
This is a wonderful biography of Justice Sotomayor in picture book form! It covers different parts of her life but focuses on her love of reading.
I love the inclusion of a tiny comic when discussing her type 1 diabetes.
I’d suggest it to readers age 7&up.
I love the inclusion of a tiny comic when discussing her type 1 diabetes.
I’d suggest it to readers age 7&up.
August 19, 2018
A heartfelt first-person account of Sonia Sotomayor's life and the importance of books and reading on her childhood.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews