School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Well organized and straightforward, this biography is appealing with its bright photographs and bold, easy-to-read font. Starting with Sotomayor's childhood in the Bronx, the author covers the justice's life and career up to her nomination to the Supreme Court. She focuses on her subject's hard work and ambitious dreams, which led to her astounding achievements. The book includes a glossary but also defines select words within the text, making it accessible for all reading levels in the targeted age group. An informative, interesting, and, most of all, inspiring read.-Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
These standard biographies offer sanitized facts about each subject's life, beginning with childhood and ending with present day (which in Sotomayor focuses on her Supreme Court achievements, and in Jackson his legacy after death). The simple, uncluttered design includes appealing captioned photos. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Gateway Biography titles: Michael Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor.] Copyright 2010 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Introducing Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, this slim volume from the Gateway Biographies series provides a succinct, clearly written account of her life. Born to Puerto Rican parents in New York City, Sotomayor attended Princeton University and Yale Law School on scholarship and began practicing law in 1979. Her experience included work at the New York County district attorney's office, at a private law firm, and as a federal judge. When she joined the Supreme Court in 2009, she became the third woman on the high court. Simply and attractively designed, the book is illustrated with color snapshots and posed photos of Sotomayor, her family, the schools she attended, and other people and places mentioned in the text. Back matter includes a page of Fun Facts about Sotomayor, a short chronology, a glossary, source notes for quotes, and brief bibliographies. A good starting place for young people curious about Justice Sotomayor.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist