Just Shine!

How to Be a Better You

By: Sonia Sotomayor

Narrated by: Gloria Estefan, Sonia Sotomayor

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the author of Just Ask! shares a sweet and powerful tale inspired by her own mother’s story. How will being true to yourself and shining your brightest help other people shine?

There once was a little girl who grew up in Puerto Rico with an incredible ability—she was able to make everyone around her shine.

In this beautifully enriching a story inspired by her mother’s ability to help people see their own brilliance, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shows readers how helping others shine makes the whole world brighter.

Celina is a young girl living alone with her mother on a sugarcane farm in Puerto Rico. After her mother dies, Celina is sent off to live with her older sister, where she uses her kindness to combat the hardships and loneliness of daily life. As Celina grows up and moves to the United States, she continues to spread her joy of helping others, both in her work and her personal life. Whether it’s sharing a blanket, stopping to chat with a neighbor, or using her skills to help those in need, Celina uses her caring nature to change the lives of her community.

With gorgeous art by award-winning illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara, Just Shine! will help readers find their own inner glow—and recognize that glow in those around them.

Critic reviews

Praise for Just Shine!:

A USA Today bestseller • A Greater Good Science Center's Favorite Books for Educators

"This is a timely reminder that a remarkable sense of community can emerge through ordinary means. Alcántara’s dreamy, ornate marker-and-gouache artwork emphasizes the beauty of kindness. A thoughtful primer on the transformative power of goodness." —Kirkus Reviews

Should be in every classroom

This wonderful story is wise, inspiring, and great for teachers and parents to share with their children. How to show love and help others and our world shine.

Bamenda 7

Well written and very good . It was a nice tribute to a well deserved mom.

Beautiful story

My simple imagination ran wild in calmness. Thank you for sharing your story. Puerto Rican kindness always shine bright.

Vague

Can you please say her name since it is her story
Mamme was a bit close yet no story about you Sonia.