Turning Pages: My Life Story

Writing in eloquent first-person prose, Sotomayor relays her upbringing and path to the Supreme Court, emphasizing how reading books, "written both in Spanish and in English," has remained at the center of her personal development. She begins her story as a child in the Bronx. After being diagnosed with diabetes, Sotomayor found strength in comic books; following her father's death, her local library became a refuge. Sotomayor offers variations on this theme, describing books as "lenses," "teachers," a "life preserver," and "mirrors of my own universe." Finally, Sotomayor finds her way to law books, and to one of the most meaningful texts of her lifetime--the Constitution. Delacre's work shows earnest admiration for the subject, and compositions make intriguing use of angle, shadow, and collage detail. A Spanish-language version will also be available. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Gr 3-6--Readers will get to know U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor in this stunning picture book autobiography. The photographs of Sotomayor, found on the end pages, provide a glimpse into her life. The first line of the book sets the scene: "My story is a story about books..." From this page onward, Sotomayor takes readers along on a journey, continually reflecting on how a particular title or genre struck her at that time in her life. For example, when she is diagnosed with diabetes, she finds solace in the superheroes of her comic books. When she experiences her Papi's death at the age of nine, she takes comfort among the stacks in the neighborhood library. Not only did she read "Nancy Drew" mysteries and science fiction, Sotomayor also basked in the pages of a 24-volume encyclopedia set, a gift from her mother. During college and law school, books continued to be her companion. Readers will enjoy the illustrations done in mixed media of oil washes with collage elements that distinctly accompany the text. VERDICT A sincere and insightful autobiography that also demonstrates the power of the written word. A winning addition to libraries that serve young readers.--Martha Rico, El Paso ISD, TX