A finalist for YALSA’s 2019 Nonfiction Award, The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor is the memoir of the third woman and first Latina to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Beginning with her childhood in the South Bronx, this book invites readers into Justice Sotomayor’s relationship with her family, her insecurities, and her dreams with humor and encouragement. If you enjoyed this memoir and are looking for more, try one of these readalikes.
Notorious RBG The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
Whether you read the version written for adult readers or the young readers’ edition, you’ll find a wealth of fascinating information about the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States in this illustrated biography.
Proud: Living My American Dream by Ibtihaj Muhammad
If you’re in the mood for another story about a woman breaking barriers and being a first, this is the memoir of the first Muslim American woman to medal at the Olympic games told with a frankness and humor that makes it a great pairing with Beloved World.
Marley Gets It Done And So Can You! by Marley Dias
Feeling inspired by reading about Justice Sotomayor chasing her dreams? Pick up this book by the organizer of the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign for encouragement, tips, and strategies to effect change on any causes you set your mind toward.
Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo
For another equally fascinating read focused on a Latina trailblazer, try this thoughtful coming of age memoir about rocket scientist Sylvia Acevedo.
Just Mercy – Adapted for Young People: A True Story of the Fight for Justice by Bryan Stevenson
This is a compelling look at the United States criminal justice system written by a lawyer, perfect for readers curious about those cases that might not make it all the way up to the Supreme Court.
Dream Big Dreams: Photographs from Barack Obama’s Inspiring and Historic Presidency by Pete Souza
Finally, there’s this collection by the former official White House photographer to the president who nominated Justice Sotomayor to the Supreme Court in 2009. It even includes a photo from just before her swearing-in ceremony!
-Bridget Kiely, currently reading Blood Binds the Pack by Alex Wells