FICTION

¡Solo brilla! Cómo ser la mejor versión de ti mismo

Philomel. Sept. 2025. 40p. tr. from from English by Adriana Dominguez . Tr $18.99. ISBN 9798217039395. PreS-Gr 2
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, inspired by her mother’s life, encourages readers to live in a way that will brighten the lives of others in this moving translation of Just Shine! From a young age, Celina finds ways to aid those around her, helping her mother who is very ill, and then her older sister. Celina befriends people around her, providing friendship and listening to their stories. After enlisting in the military during World War II, Celina goes to New York, where she continues to share her empathy, love, and encouragement with friends and family members, as well as her medical knowledge as a nurse. At the end of her life, she continues providing a bright light for others through her stories. This stirring picture book is filled with the love a daughter has for her mother, as well as the true story of a woman who shared her empathy and kindness with others, making the world a better place as she lived. The Spanish text carries a peaceful, firm tone, and provides encouraging words in bold to readers with ways they too can help others. Wonderfully illustrated spreads include single scenes as well as collages of several scenes that depict Celina and the many ways she changed the world around her. The main character is Latinx and has tan skin.
VERDICT An inspirational picture book that encourages young readers to leave a bright path behind them, this title is an excellent addition to Spanish picture book ­collections.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?