She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor

She Persisted

by Meg Medina, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds!

In 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.

Sonia 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.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton!

Praise for She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor

Engaging and accessible . . . The compelling story of an inspirational role model. -- Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, History, Politics, Childrens, Biography Memoir

80 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2021

About the author

Meg Medina served as the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. She is the author of the Newbery Medal–winning book Merci Suárez Changes Gears, which was also a 2018 Kirkus Prize finalist, and which was followed by two more acclaimed books about the Suárez family: Merci Suárez Can’t Dance and Merci Suárez Plays It Cool. Her young adult novels include Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, which won the 2014 Pura Belpré Author Award, and which was published in 2023 as a graphic novel illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas; Burn Baby Burn, which was long-listed for the National Book Award; and The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind. She is also the author of picture books No More Señora Mimí / No más Señora Mimí, Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away / Evelyn del Rey se muda, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, Jumpstart’s 2020 Read for the Record selection; Mango, Abuela, and Me, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, which was a Pura Belpré Author Award Honor Book; and Tía Isa Wants a Car, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, which won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award; and biographies for young readers She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor and She Persisted: Pura Belpré, the latter with Marilisa Jiménez García.

The daughter of Cuban immigrants, she grew up in Queens, New York, and now lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful first biography on Justice Sonia Sotomayor. I think it is so very important for our children to get to know more about our legal system: SCOTUS makes so many decisions that impact our lives - I think it is an area that we do not introduce to our children soon enough. Books like this make that introduction very approachable.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful intro biography to US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Starting with her childhood and continuing on through the challenges she overcame through college and beyond this was a perfect way to introduce kids to Justice Sotomayor. This title and others in the series challenge the reader at the end in ways they too can persist! Perfect non-fiction for early chapter book readers.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Philomel Books through Edelweiss+.
Biography of Sotomayor for elementary level readers. Medina emphasizes how she persevered through challenges to become a lawyer and then a judge and currently a Supreme Court Justice. The text is geared toward mid to upper elementary level and offers connection points to encourage readers to conquer odds too.

[Jenn Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and this was a really good one. Enjoyed the writing style and aspects of Sotomayor's life that the author chose to focus on. The Spanish chapter titles were a very nice touch.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great introduction to Sonia Sotomayor. I didn’t know anything about her but now I do and I want to learn even more. She is such an inspiring woman and she absolutely deserves to be a Supreme Court Justice.

[Patti Sabik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful elementary biography of Sotomayor ARC provided by Edelweiss.

[Laura Porto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice little book.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy overview for kids. I love the inclusion of Judge Sotomayors T1D, as it is a disease that mainly effects children, and can be a devastating diagnosis.The section discussing her parents having to give her her insulin shots touched home for me. I am extremely thankful my insulin and diabetes care was not dependent on my parents 🤪

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, informative, simple. Perfect for the age group.

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 1, p. 1
La candela
From the very start, Sonia Sotomayor was la candela. Just like a flame, she was warm and burned brightly, but sometimes she was hard to handle. She learned to walk when she was only seven months old. She liked to play knights with her cousins, carrying them into battle on her back. They used mops and brooms to joust. And she had a well-known habit of spying on grown-ups and listening to their conversations whenever she could.
"She is like an ají," her family said. That is the Spanish word for a hot pepper that can sometimes burn your tongue. Who would have guessed that a girl like Sonia Would become the first Latina Supreme Court Justice for the United States?

DELIGHTFUL. I'm always surprised to find those boring old bios that start with "she was born in xxxx in such and such place to such and such people." Not in this bio. Meg Medina brings her talent to this short chapter book.

Medina skillfully carries the "candle" THEME throughout the book, making this a good book for student-led book clubs to discuss. At different times in her life, Sotomayor has to work harder to keep the candle lit, at other times she uses her light to "brighten the way for others."

HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR GRADES 2-4TH GRADE READERS. #PAIR WITH other books in this series. Chelsea Clinton has made a smart move in asking talented writers to write each in the series (e.g., Andrea Davis Pinkney writes about Harriet Tubman, Lesa Cline-Ransome writes about Claudette Colvin).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The She Persisted picture book series gave birth to this chapter book series about women who persisted through various life challenges. This biography focuses on Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latinx member of the Supreme Court. Growing up in the Bronx, New York, Sonia was diagnosed with diabetes at an early age and also lost her father as the result of his alcoholism. She also had to help pull her mother out of depression after his death and deal with her own fears about public speaking as well as her struggles with reading. But through all these trials, she persisted, finding solace in books and debate. Her academic career was successful, and she eventually was appointed to the highest court in the land where she makes sure the nation's Constitution is upheld. Readers will be fascinated by all the tough times Sonia endured and might find tips for their own lives in the section entitled "How You Can Persist," which offers practical advice drawn from Sonia's own experiences. This biography and the rest of the books in this series are excellent choices for any classroom library devoted to activists and/or individuals who made a difference in the world through their own persistence. The only thing I'd have wanted more of here would be some additional information on Sotomayor's work as a lawyer before being appointed to the Supreme Court.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, I had high expectations seeing that this was written by Meg Medina but overall the book was just alright for me. It did have some great information about Sonia and told it in an interesting way. But I wish it had a little bit more about her life as a judge, that part seemed glossed over. Also, all the chapter titles are in Spanish with no translation anywhere in the book. For the first chapter, it is easy to figure out the meaning of the Spanish word with context clues but the rest of them were not easy to figure out and I had to use Google translate. I think it was a good idea to use the Spanish words but it would have been so easy to add a quick glossary/translation that would had immensely improved the book. Also, I like the list of actions that children can take at the end of the book but I do think it's a little misleading and it says they are actions if you want to become a judge but then the first thing talks about raising money for diabetes. I get that Sotomayor had diabetes so it relates to that but it has nothing to do with being a judge.
Overall, a decent book about Sotomayor, I just expected more.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We should all strive to be fair

Sonia Sotomayor was looked down on for where her family came from, but that just taught her not to judge others based on things like place of birth or ethnicity. She strove to be fair and that led her to do her best in school and in life.
Before she even served in court she was striving to help those who committed petty crimes. She didn't think they shouldn't pay but dhe also didn't like how police abused their power and wanted the law to be fair.
She made it to the top position as a judge 👏👏👏! Great role model!

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

The She Persisted mini chapter book biography series are perfect for elementary and intermediate age students interested in learning about the featured person for an assignment or just for an informative read about important women in history. This edition about Sonia Sotomayor, is not as well written as some of the other books in this series. I have read smaller picture books about the Supreme Court Justice that were more informative.

[Danica is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read her autobiography earlier this year, and I learned a ton. So I was curious how well done the middle-grade kid's version would be.

It is definitely an introduction--not a deep dive. But it's good at giving a glimpse into who she is that is accurate and intriguing. Then those who wanted to learn more, could do so. It's well written and does a good job of portraying the most important parts of her childhood.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful new biographical series about notable women. It's such a quick listen at 33 minutes. The physical book coupled with the audio is a great way to assist struggling readers. The books in this series are shorter than the Who Is/Who Was series. Great way for kids to learn about a famous historical or modern heroine.

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the more than a dozen books in the "She Persisted" series. It's about 50 pages long with highlights of the woman's life and accomplishments, and written with children or youth in mind, but informative for adults also. Other titles in the series include Oprah Winfrey, Florence Griffith Joyner, and Sally Ride.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Medina describes a young Sotomayor as “la candela,” a flame that brings light and warmth. But it also can burn if you get too close. This is an inspiring story that will help fiery girls (like me!) learn to manage their flames and use them for good. Sotomayor is a fantastic role model. Recommended for kids 7-10.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about the life of Sonia Sotomayor who became the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. Even with all the obstacles she faced she never quit learning and trying. Excellent story of courage and encouragement. Illustrations are lovely.

[Traci Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very straightforward great for young kids interested in learning about history.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice introduction to Sonia Sotomayor. 3.5 stars

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give this series to people who want inspiring stories about real people (and who don't want the same cookie cutter story over and over again--the diversity in this series is a welcome attribute).

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick but interesting children's biography.
Chapter headers are in Spanish!

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great new series. Strength here is Medina clearly portraying SS' background as rebellious and compassionate.

[Delilah Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because she is helping the world and she cares.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good short biography of Sonia Sotomayor -- so much I didn't know, from her mother's bout with depression, to her Type 1 diabetes, to her overcoming a fear of public speaking. Well written!

[Shaundell Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This whole She Persisted series is wonderful! Meg Medina has such a wonderful way of writing that it makes me wish I could meet Sonia Sotomayor in person!

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this informative and inspiring biography written for younger readers, but a good summary for any reader about Sotomayor’s background.

[Uschi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for children yet still enjoyable. Chelsea Clinton reads.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My older son has been enjoying the She Persisted series and I read each book after he finishes it. I'm embarrassed to say that I knew very little about Sonia Sotomayor and I knew nothing about her life before she became Supreme Court Justice. So I really learned a lot! She grew up in the Bronx and her father died young, so she was mostly raised by her mother. Her perseverance is evident at a young age and getting a good education was always stressed at home. I enjoyed the chapters on Princeton and how it was a life changing experience for her to go to Princeton, where most of the students were white privileged males. I like how the author considered the audience and kept her story simple and without getting political. My only nitpick is the chapter titles are in Spanish, with no English translation. I could sort of figure out what each chapter title meant, but my son definitely could not.