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The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor
Discover the inspiring life of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, in this middle-grade adaptation of her bestselling adult memoir, My Beloved World.
Includes an 8-page photo insert and a brief history of the Supreme Court.
Sonia Sotomayor was just a girl when she dared to dream big. Her dream? To become a lawyer and a judge even though she'd never met one of either, and none lived in her neighborhood.
Sonia did not let the hardships of her background—which included growing up in the rough housing projects of New York City's South Bronx, dealing with juvenile diabetes, coping with parents who argued and fought personal demons, and worrying about money—stand in her way. Always, she believed in herself. Her determination, along with guidance from generous mentors and the unwavering love of her extended Puerto Rican family, propelled her ever forward.
Eventually, all of Sonia's hard work led to her appointment as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court in 2009, a role that she has held ever since.
Learn about Justice Sotomayor's rise and her amazing work as well as about the Supreme Court in this fascinating memoir that shows that no matter the obstacles, dreams can come true.
Includes an 8-page photo insert and a brief history of the Supreme Court.
Sonia Sotomayor was just a girl when she dared to dream big. Her dream? To become a lawyer and a judge even though she'd never met one of either, and none lived in her neighborhood.
Sonia did not let the hardships of her background—which included growing up in the rough housing projects of New York City's South Bronx, dealing with juvenile diabetes, coping with parents who argued and fought personal demons, and worrying about money—stand in her way. Always, she believed in herself. Her determination, along with guidance from generous mentors and the unwavering love of her extended Puerto Rican family, propelled her ever forward.
Eventually, all of Sonia's hard work led to her appointment as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court in 2009, a role that she has held ever since.
Learn about Justice Sotomayor's rise and her amazing work as well as about the Supreme Court in this fascinating memoir that shows that no matter the obstacles, dreams can come true.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2018
49 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Sotomayor
28 books286 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 48 reviews
November 21, 2018
As a children’s librarian, I was curious to read this version of Sotomayor’s memoir right after reading the adult version. This was almost identical to the original, just edited by eliminating material students might not easily understand. Since I’m not a lawyer, I preferred this version myself! She is absolutely my new hero! What a world we would live in if all our leaders could be as insightful and kind as she is! I highly recommend this book to anyone in 8th grade and above, especially budding lawyers.
September 13, 2020
This book has a many great descriptive words. Perfect for young advanced readers who would like some good history. Start reading it and you will wish to never stop. In Sonia Sotomayor you will discover her challenging life and how she got from the Bronx to the Supreme Court. This book shows that you can achieve you dream if you work hard.
October 23, 2018
I really liked this book...Sotomayor is an impressive woman, and her story is certainly inspiring! Although this is the YA version, it did not feel watered down at all...still almost 350 pages. I would recommend it without reservation to adults as well as students.
Sotomayor was raised by a single mom and by her "abuelita"...her loving grandmother. On her nurse's salary, her mom was able to send her to a Catholic school and from there she went to Princeton and on to Yale law school. She also writes about being a prosecutor and then working in a private law firm before becoming a judge. My only disappointment with the book was in the fact that she only touches briefly on her appointment to the Supreme Court. I want more on that!
A good book for anyone interested in the law as a career, in issues of diversity, or in memoirs...
Sotomayor was raised by a single mom and by her "abuelita"...her loving grandmother. On her nurse's salary, her mom was able to send her to a Catholic school and from there she went to Princeton and on to Yale law school. She also writes about being a prosecutor and then working in a private law firm before becoming a judge. My only disappointment with the book was in the fact that she only touches briefly on her appointment to the Supreme Court. I want more on that!
A good book for anyone interested in the law as a career, in issues of diversity, or in memoirs...
October 7, 2018
I'm ashamed to admit that I had not cared about reading about Sotomayor's life. I enjoyed reading this abridged (YA) version of her book as it gave me insight into her upbringing and background.
October 14, 2019
The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor by Sonia Sotomayor, 343 pages. NON-FICTION Delacorte Press, 2018. $18.
Content: Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Sonia grew up in the South Bronx of New York and her parents were both Puerto Rican. She discovered that she had type 1 diabetes when she was young and had to learn how to regulate her health. Sonia studied very hard and applied to Princeton and then went on to Yale Law School. She worked hard in both criminal and civil law before she became a judge. Now she is a Supreme Court Justice.
I totally enjoyed this biography. I loved Sonia’s writing style and enjoyed learning about her strength and dreams. The first part of the book is easy to understand, and I think young adults will see themselves in Sonia, but the second part of the book takes a higher-level reader, or at least someone who has a little prior knowledge about the justice system. the content includes a murder that is described for one of her court cases and there is a reference to "shooting up" and having to avoid the druggies in the stairwells. I think this is a good biography to add to your library because it is a unique story.
Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Content: Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Sonia grew up in the South Bronx of New York and her parents were both Puerto Rican. She discovered that she had type 1 diabetes when she was young and had to learn how to regulate her health. Sonia studied very hard and applied to Princeton and then went on to Yale Law School. She worked hard in both criminal and civil law before she became a judge. Now she is a Supreme Court Justice.
I totally enjoyed this biography. I loved Sonia’s writing style and enjoyed learning about her strength and dreams. The first part of the book is easy to understand, and I think young adults will see themselves in Sonia, but the second part of the book takes a higher-level reader, or at least someone who has a little prior knowledge about the justice system. the content includes a murder that is described for one of her court cases and there is a reference to "shooting up" and having to avoid the druggies in the stairwells. I think this is a good biography to add to your library because it is a unique story.
Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
August 20, 2018
Current Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, shares the story of her life with young readers. She initially wrote her autobiography (called MY BELOVED WORLD) for adults, but after kids kept asking her questions, she decided to rewrite parts of the book for young readers. The result is an informational and inspirational tale of a poor girl of Puerto Rican descent who makes it to the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States. It's not a fairy tale, by any means, rather a tale of overcoming many obstacles and doing what it took to fulfill a life dream.
February 6, 2020
I read this book in one sitting (thanks to Justice Sotomayor’s inspirational writing, my preparation for a writing workshop and being a new mom with time to read while pumping). It’s is one of my new favorite memoirs for middle grade! I’m so happy this adaptation exists as I had read the adult version and had selected a few excerpts to share with students (and teachers in workshops).
In this memoir we get to know Justice Sotomayor’s childhood through the ways she dealt with her diabetes, her school life, relationship with her father and her growing up in the Bronx. We also get to learn about her days at Cardinal Spellman High School and challenges with the transition to Princeton University. Justice Sotomayor teaches us about the importance of getting back up after mistakes and asking away when we don’t understand something. We learn about her interests in the law, how it started and how it developed with her work across different firms and types of law. I loved that this middle grade adaptation still had the same moments from her life that were in the adult book, but described in a more age appropriate way for middle grade. The Justice also describes her challenges and accomplishments at Yale Law School, specific causes she took up and how her experiences shaped her.
Middle grade readers will appreciate the writing that gives them a glimpse into her home life as a child, the way she navigated different educational spaces and how she found her passion in the law. I’d pair this up with the Turning Pages picture book (I believe picture books should also be used in the middle grades) as well Just Ask! by Justice Sotomayor.
This book is also available in Spanish!
In this memoir we get to know Justice Sotomayor’s childhood through the ways she dealt with her diabetes, her school life, relationship with her father and her growing up in the Bronx. We also get to learn about her days at Cardinal Spellman High School and challenges with the transition to Princeton University. Justice Sotomayor teaches us about the importance of getting back up after mistakes and asking away when we don’t understand something. We learn about her interests in the law, how it started and how it developed with her work across different firms and types of law. I loved that this middle grade adaptation still had the same moments from her life that were in the adult book, but described in a more age appropriate way for middle grade. The Justice also describes her challenges and accomplishments at Yale Law School, specific causes she took up and how her experiences shaped her.
Middle grade readers will appreciate the writing that gives them a glimpse into her home life as a child, the way she navigated different educational spaces and how she found her passion in the law. I’d pair this up with the Turning Pages picture book (I believe picture books should also be used in the middle grades) as well Just Ask! by Justice Sotomayor.
This book is also available in Spanish!
May 4, 2019
The Beloved Life of Sonia Sotomayor written by Sonia Sotomayor, read by Jaina Lee Ortiz 2019 Finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults. Sotomayor describes her life from early childhood through sitting on the Supreme Court. She is not afraid to share stories about her alcoholic father who passed when she was nine or the prejudice she received throughout her life. Her stories of making friends, finding mentors and succeeding in her career will inspire young readers. Many young readers will be able to relate to her struggles with diabetes, issues growing up bilingual or poor, but those readers who desire a better life will be able to see their way out either through Sonia’s story or that of a friend or family member whom she discusses along the way. A wonderful book for grades 5-8 as an individual, class or small group read. Meets curriculum standards including supporting American History as she discusses how the judicial system works and she learned to excel in it.
July 12, 2019
If there is one thing that is clear in reading "My Beloved World" by Sonia Sotomayor it's that this justice of the U.S. Supreme Court is very familiar with individuals who face extreme socio-economic challenges growing up in America.
I was astounded how this young woman was able to overcome so many obstacles to her career. Yes, she benefitted from Affirmative Action, but her autobiography makes clear the program only gave her the opportunity by opening the door to success. She had to earn everything she has accomplished professionally.
I will also give Justice Sotomayor credit for not getting into politics in this book. She may give a few hints about her feelings on major social issues, but she is able to steer clear of the landmines that haunt so many of today's Supreme Court cases.
The book illustrates that not only is Justice Sotomayor a smart, thoughtful and down-to-earth justice on our nation's highest court, she is also an excellent writer, an attribute which is another major achievement given her background.
I was astounded how this young woman was able to overcome so many obstacles to her career. Yes, she benefitted from Affirmative Action, but her autobiography makes clear the program only gave her the opportunity by opening the door to success. She had to earn everything she has accomplished professionally.
I will also give Justice Sotomayor credit for not getting into politics in this book. She may give a few hints about her feelings on major social issues, but she is able to steer clear of the landmines that haunt so many of today's Supreme Court cases.
The book illustrates that not only is Justice Sotomayor a smart, thoughtful and down-to-earth justice on our nation's highest court, she is also an excellent writer, an attribute which is another major achievement given her background.
April 15, 2019
While I greatly enjoyed learning about Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer, this book was entirely too long for its target audience: middle-high school age students. My daughter loves reading but felt that the material went far too in-depth at times to give the kind of overview that most students would be interested in reading. Unless your kiddo is even more excited about reading than mine or has a passion for learning about what it takes to rise to the highest court in the land, it is unlikely they will finish this biography. It’s fantastic when writers don’t dumb down their material for children but if you’re going to write a book for a certain age group you need to speak to them in a way they would understand and enjoy reading. That being said if this was marketed as a standard adult biography the information covered would have been perfect.
September 4, 2019
In this middle-grade edition of her memoir for adults, My Beloved World (2013), Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor advises her readers to always “dream big.” Born in the Bronx into a working class family of Puerto Rican descent, Sonia experienced tough times as a child (including poverty, juvenile diabetes, and the death of her father) but discovered how reading enlarged her world and gave her even bigger dreams, and as a young adult, she had mentors who guided her through life, health, and career choices. Most importantly, she developed techniques for succeeding in unfamiliar and challenging settings including never giving up. The book includes an eight-page photo insert, and back matter features a glossary and brief history of the Supreme Court. Sotomayor’s Turning Pages (2018) is an accessible choice for younger readers in picture-book format.
January 4, 2024
Easy Read and Inspirational
I have always been a fan of Sonia Sotomayor. She inspires me as a Latina who fights for the rights of people. Reading her story was wonderful. I love how she talked about being first generation, having a disability, her relationship with her family, going away to college and finding her way and carving her path as she became the first Latina in many of her career roles. Definitely worth reading. I highlighted so many inspirational passages that spoke to me throughout the book.
I gave the book 4 stars because she had some stories that she left open ended in my opinion and left me wanting more. She left me with some questions and she could have concluded things better and also had better transitions to other stories and parts of her life.
I also wanted to hear more about her time as a Supreme Court Justice but hopefully maybe this means that she will write a second book. Here’s to wishful thinking.
I have always been a fan of Sonia Sotomayor. She inspires me as a Latina who fights for the rights of people. Reading her story was wonderful. I love how she talked about being first generation, having a disability, her relationship with her family, going away to college and finding her way and carving her path as she became the first Latina in many of her career roles. Definitely worth reading. I highlighted so many inspirational passages that spoke to me throughout the book.
I gave the book 4 stars because she had some stories that she left open ended in my opinion and left me wanting more. She left me with some questions and she could have concluded things better and also had better transitions to other stories and parts of her life.
I also wanted to hear more about her time as a Supreme Court Justice but hopefully maybe this means that she will write a second book. Here’s to wishful thinking.
March 26, 2019
Review to come! This was such an excellent read!!!
**This was included as part of my assigned reading as a reader for the Garden State Teen Book Awards (GSTBA) -part of the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA)'s Young Adult Services Section (mouthful!). We read and propose/choose which books will be included on following year's ballot. The teens then vote for their favorites and the winners are notified in time for our annual conference.** This is really cool; so, check us out if you live in NJ OR see if your state's library association (or local library system) has a similar program:)
**This was included as part of my assigned reading as a reader for the Garden State Teen Book Awards (GSTBA) -part of the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA)'s Young Adult Services Section (mouthful!). We read and propose/choose which books will be included on following year's ballot. The teens then vote for their favorites and the winners are notified in time for our annual conference.** This is really cool; so, check us out if you live in NJ OR see if your state's library association (or local library system) has a similar program:)
January 9, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by this. I didn't really know much about Justice Sotomayor before reading this, and I found myself connecting to her. She shared many lessons and stories that would be valuable to young readers, and her ability to persevere and achieve was inspiring.
This book is intended for middle-grade audiences, and it was apparent in the writing style. It was a little simplistic for my taste and most of my high schoolers, but I think some of my lower-level students would appreciate it. Highly recommend for middle-grade students, struggling older readers, and anyone with a particular interest in her life.
This book is intended for middle-grade audiences, and it was apparent in the writing style. It was a little simplistic for my taste and most of my high schoolers, but I think some of my lower-level students would appreciate it. Highly recommend for middle-grade students, struggling older readers, and anyone with a particular interest in her life.
September 28, 2020
Although I greatly admire Justice Sotomayor and find her book to be interesting, I'm not so sure about some of the things she mentioned. For example, how could you be attending college, an Ivy League at that, and being super smart, and not know what summa cum laude means? I find it strange that the book is targeted for fifth-sixth graders. I would say at least 7th or 8th grade advanced readers. She doesn't really explain a lot of terms in context so I ended up having to pause for a moment to get a better understanding of what she is referring to. Not one of my favorite books but I do admire and respect her incredible accomplishments.
October 11, 2021
The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor was inspiring, to say the least. This book chronicles Sonia's journey from the Bronx, all the way up until her assignment to the Supreme Court by Barack Obama. The overarching message of the novel was that by clinging on to any information you can get a hold of, by continually learning, dreams will become achievable. The only reason I didn't rate this book higher was due to the same problem I encounter with any work of non-fiction, keeping track of who is who and who does what is a bit challenging. Aside from that, I highly recommend the Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor to readers of all ages looking for an extra burst of motivation to dream big.
March 11, 2019
"The challenges I have faced - including material poverty, chronic illness, struggling to learn English, and being raised by a single mom - are not uncommon. For many, it is a source of hope to see someone realize her dreams while bearing such burdens. People who live in difficult circumstances need to know that happy endings are possible."
The story of Sonia Sotomayor's younger years and early career is both interesting & inspiring. I was a little bummed that this only covered her early career years (I was hoping for some tidbits regarding her time as a SC justice).
Audio narrator did an excellent job and I think this was well-written. I would rate this more as YA than middle reader though. 7th grade & up.
May 14, 2019
This is a middle-schoolers' version of Sonia Sotomayor’s MY BELOVED WORLD, recommended for ages 11-14. My 11yo and 6yo and I have been listening to it on audio-book in the car. Highly recommended. Even my 6yo listened and was caught up on it. We did fast-forward through ~ 2-3 chapters which got into too many details about certain legal cases for our tastes, but then, luckily, the book got right back into the narrative. The book contains really good advice for being resilient, flexible, ever-learning -- for *whatever* route one’s life may go.
July 4, 2019
What a beautiful retelling that encapsulates everything that is strong and stoic about Sotomayor by explaining how she got to be that way. Self-sufficiency was how she continues to get through a Type I diabetes diagnosis, losing her father at a young age, and moving through an education at Princeton and Yale.
She shares her perspective and stories with grace, humor, and beauty that is as inspiring as it is hardworking. It shows both sides of a coin which I can appreciate. She discusses her blessings, but also recognizes the hardships.
She shares her perspective and stories with grace, humor, and beauty that is as inspiring as it is hardworking. It shows both sides of a coin which I can appreciate. She discusses her blessings, but also recognizes the hardships.
September 23, 2019
I listened to this autobiography that was released about the time my nephew was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I was fascinated by this woman who boiled needles and gave herself insulin shots starting in 2nd grade. English was her second language while growing up in the projects in the Bronx with a family from Puerto Rico. Her father was an alcoholic who died young and her mother worked long hours, but Sonia graduated from Princeton and became a Supreme Court Justice. This is a very inspiring book that should connect with many students.
January 20, 2019
An interesting and inspiring story, which was great to read in conjunction with Michelle Obama's Becoming since they both touched on similar themes. There were a few references to Sotomayor's marriage that seemed like they'd either been cut out of this middle grade version, or were just poorly explained. but that's a small quibble, and one I don't think the intended audience would care about.
February 21, 2019
I am not a big nonfiction fan, but between "Becoming Michelle Obama," "Notorious RBG," and now "The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor," I am SOLD! This outstanding audiobook will floor you. I cannot get over the obstacles Sonia had to overcome in order to survive and THRIVE. What an incredible role model, and what an incredible story. HIGHLY recommended (along with "Becoming..." and "Notorious..."). Now all I need to find is Elena Kagan's story!
March 8, 2019
Great memoir! Provides a detailed picture of her early years and into college and first jobs. I appreciated the details of her mom's life, her father and his death, her dealing with type 1 diabetes, her college experiences as an other in a non-other world, and her decision process about her lawyer jobs.
March 22, 2019
This was a very good book for the MS/HS reader. She didn't have a great childhood at all, but set her goals and was not deterred from them. All of her hard work has paid off. Yes, she had setbacks in her career, but it only made her strive harder, listen to her mentors and be successful the next time.
December 12, 2021
This book was super inspiring! Learning about Soyna Sotomayor's difficult life, it's amazing how she came from nothing to go on to become a Supreme Court Justice. Struggling with diabetes, divorce, poverty, and other struggles, she is a testament to us all about how you can really make your dreams come true. What an amazing book!
December 30, 2018
Truly enjoyed learning more about Sonia Sotomayor's story. I knew very little other than her current position and status as "a first," so I was glad to get more background. Readable and very interesting.
February 22, 2020
Good, but not great. This book focuses largely on her legal career as well as the people that supported her along the way such as her family, extended family and coworkers. Readers will get to know the humble and loving side of the Supreme Court Justice.
January 11, 2021
Amazing from start to finish.
Definitely a book for 6th grade and up. I'd loved it but I think some of the topics would be beyond the scope of 5th grade.
I would suggest reading from start to finish before using or recommending to younger students
Definitely a book for 6th grade and up. I'd loved it but I think some of the topics would be beyond the scope of 5th grade.
I would suggest reading from start to finish before using or recommending to younger students
February 17, 2021
A version of her book for adults. So much of her story will resonate with young people, especially those who might share some of her life experiences: alcoholic parent, type 1 diabetic, the drive to be perfect or close to it. Like Michelle Obama, the Ivy League experience and how it opened doors.
March 21, 2022
She writes so well and has a great story to tell. I read this after reading a couple of her children's books, which I purchased to share or donate. This is the middle school book, so I may try reading the adult version too. We need more Justices and more women and more biographies like this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews