Hispanic Star: Sonia Sotomayor
Hispanic Star Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Read about Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, one of the most groundbreaking, iconic Hispanic and Latinx heroes that have shaped our culture and the world, in this gripping biography written by Claudia Romo Edelman and Nathalie Alonso, with black-and-white illustrations by Alexandra Beguez. Perfect for fans of the Who Was and She Persisted series, the book explores Sonia Sotomayor's journey from a young girl in The Bronx to a respected Justice driven by her commitment to justice, inspiring young people to follow their dreams. Hispanic Star proudly celebrates Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have made remarkable contributions to American culture and have been an undeniable force in shaping its future.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sonia Sotomayor
Discussion points
What challenges did Sonia Sotomayor face, and how did she overcome them?
Why do you think education was so important for Sonia Sotomayor's success?
Can you name some qualities that make Sonia Sotomayor a good leader?
How has Sonia Sotomayor made a difference in people's lives?
If you could ask Sonia Sotomayor one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to connect Sonia’s story with their own experiences by asking how they handle difficult situations.
Discuss the importance of education and hard work, and relate them to future aspirations your child may have.
Highlight Sonia Sotomayor's qualities such as perseverance and fairness, and discuss how these qualities can be applied daily.
After reading, consider researching more about Sonia Sotomayor together, or even other influential Hispanic leaders, to deepen the context and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays Sonia Sotomayor's journey from her humble beginnings in the Bronx to becoming the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, emphasizing her persistent efforts and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of hard work and persistence in achieving their dreams, regardless of the hurdles they might face.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: Sonia's story highlights her commitment to education as a pathway to success, with her academic achievements playing a crucial role in her career.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to take their studies seriously and view education as a stepping stone to reaching their goals.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Adversity
Explanation: The narrative covers how Sonia dealt with challenges such as her diabetes diagnosis and the language barrier, showing her resilience.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that obstacles can be overcome with courage and resilience, encouraging them to face their own challenges with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of Role Models
Explanation: Sonia's success is partly attributed to the influence of key role models in her life, such as her mother, who instilled the value of education and hard work.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and learn from the positive figures around them, understanding that guidance and inspiration can come from family, teachers, and community leaders.
Example Lesson: Civic Responsibility
Explanation: Sotomayor's career is a testament to the impact one can have on society through public service, contributing to significant judicial decisions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think about how they can contribute to their communities and the importance of participating in civic activities.