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Screenwise Verdict
This is a solid, well-intentioned inclusion book that does exactly what it sets out to do: give kids language and permission to ask about differences. Sotomayor's personal connection to the material (her diabetes diagnosis as a child) makes it feel authentic rather than performative.
That said, it's more of a teaching tool than a captivating story. The garden-building framework is sweet but thin—each page introduces a new kid with a different ability or challenge, and the pattern becomes predictable. Kids who love narrative arcs might get bored; kids who need concrete social scripts will thrive.
The illustrations are gorgeous and do heavy lifting in showing rather than telling. If you're a parent or teacher actively working on inclusion and disability awareness, this is a great addition. If you're just looking for a fun bedtime read, it might feel a bit like eating vegetables—good for you, but not exactly a page-turner.
Age Fit
Best for ages 4-8, right when kids are noticing differences but don't yet have the vocabulary or social scripts to navigate them. Older elementary kids (9-10) might still benefit in classroom settings, but it'll feel young for independent reading.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
95
Models kindness, empathy, and cooperation through kids building a community garden together. Celebrates differences without othering or pity. Uses Justice Sotomayor's own diabetes diagnosis to normalize asking questions about disabilities and unique abilities. The tone is warm, affirming, and age-appropriate throughout.
Imaginative
72
The community garden framework provides a concrete, collaborative project that invites kids to think about working together. Rafael Lopez's vibrant illustrations are dynamic and colorful. However, the book is primarily didactic—teaching about differences and inclusion—rather than sparking open-ended creative play or exploration. It's imaginative in representation but not in structure.
Safe
98
Completely safe for young readers. No concerning content, no surprises, no scary elements. Addresses disabilities and differences in a straightforward, child-friendly way that normalizes rather than frightens. The 'just ask' framework gives kids a concrete tool for navigating uncomfortable moments.
Enriching
88
Strong empathy-building and social-emotional learning. Introduces kids to various disabilities (diabetes, ADHD, Down syndrome, blindness, deafness, etc.) in an accessible way. Encourages curiosity over silence or discomfort. Written by a Supreme Court Justice, which adds gravitas and real-world modeling. However, it's more instructional than deeply narrative—kids learn the lesson but may not be transported by story.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
Written by an actual Supreme Court Justice who has diabetes, giving the book authentic lived experience and gravitas
Normalizes disabilities and differences without pity or othering—kids are shown as capable and unique, not limited
Gives kids (and nervous parents) permission to ask questions instead of awkwardly pretending differences don't exist
Vibrant, realistic illustrations by Rafael Lopez that show a truly diverse cast of kids working together
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award and a #1 NYT bestseller with strong parent and educator reviews
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What to Watch For
This is a teaching book more than a story—some kids may find it a bit didactic or preachy rather than immersive
Works best when read with an adult who can facilitate conversation, not as a solo bedtime story
If your kid isn't naturally curious about differences yet, this might feel like a solution in search of a problem
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever noticed someone who seemed different from you but weren't sure if you should ask about it? What did you do?"
"Which kid in the garden would you want to work with? What would you ask them about?"
"Justice Sotomayor has diabetes—what do you think that means for her daily life? How does she still do her big job?"
"If someone asked you what makes YOU different or special, what would you say?"
