First published 2019
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor draws from her childhood experience with diabetes to create a story about acceptance and curiosity. She writes about children who face various challenges and differences, showing how these young people possess unique strengths alongside their difficulties. The narrative centers on a group of kids working together to create a community garden. As they collaborate on this project, the children learn to ask questions about each other's differences rather than making assumptions or staying silent. Sotomayor demonstrates how asking simple questions can break down barriers and build understanding. The book shows that diversity strengthens communities, much like varied plants create more beautiful gardens. Through the garden-building process, readers see how children with different abilities contribute their own special talents to the shared goal. The story encourages young readers to approach unfamiliar differences with genuine curiosity rather than fear or judgment.
Genres: fiction, family, contemporary, social-issues
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-adversity
32 pages · Hardcover · Philomel Books