She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds!\nIn this chapter book biography by Meg Medina, the award-winning author of Merci Suarez Changes Gears and Mango, Abuela, and Me, readers learn about the amazing life of Sonia Sotomayor--and how she persisted.\nSonia Sotomayor is the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in the history of the United States, but her road there wasn't easy. She overcame many challenges along the way, including a diagnosis of diabetes at age seven. But she didn't let that stop her from achieving her dream and inspiring children all over the world to work hard and believe in themselves.\nComplete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Sonia Sotomayor's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.\nAnd don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, and more!\nPraise for She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor:\n"Engaging and accessible . . . The compelling story of an inspirational role model." --Kirkus Reviews\n"This would be a good title for a unit on pioneering women or Latinx individuals. An engaging read for elementary classrooms and a welcome addition to library biography sections." --School Library Journal\nFrom School Library Journal\nGr 1–4—This full-length biography of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is part of the "She Persisted" series, expanding on the original profiles in She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World. Medina takes readers through the stages of Sotomayor's life from learning to walk at the age of seven months to her appointment as the first Latinx Supreme Court Justice in 2009. Challenges, such as Sotomayor's diabetes diagnosis at age seven, are balanced by triumphs such as being accepted to Princeton University. Instances of unfairness are shown to fuel her desire for justice. Back matter includes suggestions for building confidence just as Sotomayor did by joining the school forensics team. Additional material includes an introduction from Chelsea Clinton and a complete reference list. This would be a good title for a unit on pioneering women or Latinx individuals. VERDICT An engaging read for elementary classrooms and a welcome addition to library biography sections.—Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elem. Sch., Maryville, TN