Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Tells a Story of Empathy Through a Puerto Rican Girl in Her New Book

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Tells a Story of Empathy Through a Puerto Rican Girl in Her New Book
Credit: (Supreme Sotomayor): The Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States

A new picture book written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and illustrated by award-winning artist Jacqueline Alcántara is scheduled for release this fall. Titled Just Shine! How to Be a Better You, the book tells the story of a young Puerto Rican girl who helps others recognize their inner brilliance. Scheduled to publish on September 9, 2025, by Philomel Books, the release marks another contribution by Sotomayor to children’s literature rooted in values of empathy, identity, and encouragement.

The illustrated story draws directly from Sotomayor’s childhood influences, specifically the presence of her mother, Celina, whose nurturing guidance serves as the book’s emotional foundation. A Spanish-language edition, ¡Solo Brilla! Cómo ser la mejor versión de ti mismo, will be released concurrently, reflecting the dual cultural audience Sotomayor continues to reach.

A Story That Honors a Mother’s Teachings

The main character in Just Shine! possesses a rare ability to see what makes others special and to help them thrive by being their most authentic selves. Through patience, attentiveness, and effort, she uplifts her community, drawing inspiration from Celina Sotomayor’s quiet strength and steady encouragement. The story invites readers to look outward, reminding them that helping someone else recognize their worth brings light into the world.

In the publisher’s description, Sotomayor connects this message to her personal history, explaining how her mother’s consistent example helped shape her values. This message builds on her previous children’s books Just Ask! and Just Help!, which focus on disability inclusion and civic engagement, respectively. With Just Shine!, the narrative turns toward interpersonal support and the ability of one person to inspire confidence in others.

Jacqueline Alcántara Adds Visual Depth to the Story

Jacqueline Alcántara, known for her richly drawn scenes and cultural nuance, illustrates the book with images that reflect both warmth and joy. Her portfolio includes titles such as The Field and Freedom Soup, which have been recognized by several literary institutions for their emotional resonance and layered visuals.

In this latest project, Alcántara brings to life the people and places in the protagonist’s world through an artistic lens shaped by her own background and commitment to expanding representation in children’s books. Her illustrations are meant to offer children of different backgrounds, particularly those of Afro-Latino and Caribbean heritage, a familiar and empowering visual language.

Continuing a Legacy Rooted in Service and Storytelling

Since her appointment to the United States Supreme Court in 2009, Sonia Sotomayor has remained one of the most visible and influential Latinas in American public life. She has used her platform to elevate stories of perseverance, civic responsibility, and cultural identity. Her earlier memoir, My Beloved World, traced her path from the Bronx to Princeton, Yale, and eventually the federal bench, laying the groundwork for a series of books that encourage children to embrace their stories and their responsibilities.

Penguin Young Readers has consistently supported Sotomayor’s literary contributions, placing her books in classrooms, libraries, and homes across the country. With over two million copies of her titles in circulation, her storytelling continues to resonate with readers of different ages and cultural backgrounds.

Through Just Shine!, Sotomayor expands this legacy once again, presenting children with a narrative that celebrates empathy as a form of leadership. For young readers from Puerto Rico, the Bronx, and across the country, the book offers a clear invitation to embrace kindness, to uplift others, and to find pride in the ability to help someone else grow.

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