The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor

By: Sonia Sotomayor

Narrated by: Jaina Lee Ortiz, Sonia Sotomayor

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

In this adaptation for middle graders based on her best-selling adult memoir, My Beloved World, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor's extraordinary life inspires. Her achievement serves as a true testament to the fact that no matter the obstacles, dreams can come true.

Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States, was a young girl when she dared to dream big. Her dream? To become a lawyer and a judge.

As Justice Sotomayor explains, "When I was a child my family was poor and we knew no lawyers or judges and none lived in our neighborhood. I knew nothing about the Supreme Court and how much its work in reinterpreting the Constitution and the laws of the United States affected peoples' lives. You cannot dream of becoming something you don't even know about. That has been the most important lesson of my life. You have to learn to dream big dreams."

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.

©2018 Sonia Sotomayor (P)2018 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"A lively autobiography of the third woman and the first Latina on the U.S. Supreme Court." (Booklist, starred review)

"The account of this exceptional trajectory, told with a storyteller's talent, is filled with a candor and honesty that make her story eminently accessible to young readers." (Kirkus Review, starred review)

"Adapted from Sotomayor's memoir, My Beloved World. Her reflections on her childhood are perceptive and poignant. She writes about her life in an immigrant family...and as a Puerto Rican American straddling two cultures. Ultimately, this is a work that is infused with warmth and encouragement." (School Library Journal)

The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor

I really enjoyed the childhood memories of Sonia and how difficult it must have been to grow up in an alcoholic home. She is definitely an “overcomes” and an inspiration to us all.

Very important book for kids with disabilities!

I have admired Justice Sonia Sotomayer for many years and I enjoyed hearing/reading her story in this version of her book written for young people. I think this a very important book for kids with disablities or from disadvantaged situations. We can arrive above these things with perserverance and caring people around us! In particular young people considering a future in law may enjoy this book.
I particularly enjoyed the narration. Jania Lee Ortiz did a great job. I would listen to more from her.

Heard this in one sitting

I was thoroughly intrigued with Ms Sotomayor life story, so much so that I’d love to see this on film👍🏽: Person that read it also has a very appealing voice so that just added to this great listen. Congratulations to Sonia for all her accomplishments and I look forward to following her for what’s still to come. She’s definitely one of my SHEROES
Sincerely Darlene Ortiz PS Thank you Sonia for sharing your story

This version of her autobiography is for young people.

The adult version is My Beloved World.

I accidentally listened to the young readers version. I still enjoyed it and there were some adult topics she did not shy away from. There is a third version for little kids with illustrations.