Turning Pages: My Life Story
What’s inside...
In 'Turning Pages', Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shares her life story with young readers, describing her childhood in the Bronx, her struggles with diabetes, her father's death, and her love of books. The memoir highlights how books helped her connect with her heritage, cope with challenges, and inspired her to dream big. Accompanied by vibrant illustrations, this autobiography not only tells her personal story but also emphasizes the power of reading and the possibilities it opens up.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some challenges that Sonia Sotomayor faced, and how did she overcome them?
How do you think reading and education helped Sonia in her life journey?
What qualities do you admire most about Sonia Sotomayor and why?
Sonia had to make many important decisions in her life. Can you think of a tough decision you've made? What helped you decide?
If you could meet Sonia Sotomayor, what would you ask her and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Sonia Sotomayor's story to make your child feel more comfortable sharing theirs.
Encourage your child to think critically about the obstacles Sonia faced by asking them how they would handle similar situations.
Link discussions to everyday life by asking your child to talk about times when they felt they made a significant difference or faced a challenge.
Use praise to reinforce open and thoughtful responses from your child, showing that their opinions and thoughts are valued.
Ask follow-up questions to their responses to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: Sonia Sotomayor's journey from a Bronx housing project to the Supreme Court is highlighted, emphasizing her overcoming of obstacles like poverty and health issues.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of determination and hard work in achieving their own goals, regardless of personal circumstances.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: Sotomayor's narrative showcases her academic journey and how her educational experiences paved the way for her career successes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take their studies seriously and understand the long-term benefits of education.
Example Lesson: Cultural pride and identity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sotomayor embraces her Hispanic heritage which shapes her personal and professional life.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of identity and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of mentorship
Explanation: Sotomayor discusses various mentors who influenced her path, showing how guidance and advice from others can be invaluable.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to seek guidance from and respect their elders and mentors, understanding their value in personal development.
Example Lesson: Contributing to society
Explanation: Sotomayor’s career as a judge highlights her commitment to serving society and upholding justice.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to think about how they can contribute positively to their community and society at large.