Sonia

I don't often let Clara read news magazines, since they are loaded with inappropriate stuff, but when she saw Sonia Sotomayor on the cover of our latest copy of The Week, Clara just had to get the full scoop. Throughout the "gavel to gavel coverage" of Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, Clara listened with me in the car, in the kitchen, and even in her own room. She tried to convince a friend to listen with her, but was shut down with a curt, "Let's do something fun instead." Confirmation hearings apparently don't float the boats of most eight-year-olds.

My headstrong girl had characteristically distinct opinions about those questioning Judge Sotomayor – "You can tell that guy's just trying to make her look bad!" – and was overflowing with questions about law and government in general. I really got a kick out of sharing Clara's odd fascination with her. We both learned a lot.

PS: We think you rule, Sonia!