I discovered this series a couple of years ago via NetGalley and/or Edelweiss, and I have enjoyed reading every book ever since. The Little People, Big Dreams series is amazing; from the age-appropriate yet informative narratives, the delightful and vibrant illustrations, and the diversity of the people included across the series.

During Women’s History Month in 2019, which seems like an eon ago now, I listed a few of the LPBD books in this post: Little People, Big Dreams – The Ladies. Now, here is:

Little People, Big Dreams – The Ladies – Part Two

Today’s books are biographies of women across the diaspora; each of these inspiring and amazing nonfiction picture books for young readers are from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series published by Quarto Publishing Group. They are all intended for audiences of 4 to 8 years of age, but anyone and everyone regardless of age can get something from reading this series.

Almost all the books in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series follow a similar format: a brief story of the life journey of the featured person from their childhoods onwards. The narrative is brief, easy to understand, and age-appropriate even when addressing complicated issues the person might have faced in their life. The artwork is vibrant and varied (depending on the illustrator) but always delightful and detailed. And the book ends with a timeline that gives more information about the person and includes some photographs as well, where possible.

Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and/or Edelweiss for each of the books, and these are my honest opinions.

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Evonne Goolagong

I had no idea of who Evonne Goolagong was before I read this book, which made this read an eye-opener for me. Like all other books in the series, this book takes readers on a brief yet all-encompassing journey of Evonne’s life from learning to play tennis with a handmade wooden racket and by watching others to winning the Wimbledon!

This book is sure to make readers (young and old) curious about Indigenous people around the world, and to learn more about them.

Cool fact: The Wiradjuri people (Evonne Goolagong’s ancestors) had lived in Australia for more than 60,000 years.

Amanda Gorman

Just over an year ago is when I first saw and heard of Amanda Gorman, and I was immediately a fan. Her story is so very inspiring. This book talks about her as a little girl who read everything from books to cereal boxes and overcame a speech impediment, to becoming the nation’s first Youth Poet Laureate. Definitely a read that will give readers a peek into Gorman’s childhood and remind us all of her inspiring rendition of her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ at the Presidential Inauguration in January 2021.

Cool Fact: Gorman used a song full of Rs to help with her speech impediment. I researched a bit and here is the song that helped her: “Aaron Burr, Sir” from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton.

Kamala Harris

Another book related to presidents, and even more directly! This one is a short yet excellent introduction to the current American Vice President. It starts off with her childhood and highlights her mixed heritage, as well as the various people and things that influenced her, and helped shape her. A book that shows how hard work, perseverance, and fairness can help achieve your goals, no matter what they are and no matter who you are. Anything is possible!

Cool inspiring fact: Kamala Harris asked her friend Wanda Kagan to live with her family once she learned of the abuse Wanda faced in her own home. This friendship was a key aspect of Harris’ life.

Marilyn Monroe

Reading Marilyn Monroe’s story in this series was a delight indeed. I love how the book manages to give its young readers a look into Monroe’s complicated life in an age and audience appropriate manner. Readers look at how Norma Jeane became Marilyn Monroe, and I admit I had not read much about her childhood before so I learned as well from this brief yet informative read (as always). And I loved the inclusion of her iconic image (with her dress billowing over the subway grate) in the book.

Cool fact: One of her first jobs was spraying plane parts with fire retardant in a factory.

Yoko Ono

Considering I did not grow up listening to the Beatles (despite their connections to India), I only know little about any of the Beatles or Yoko Ono, by extension. But I admit to being curious and fascinated, and trying to read about them whenever I could. This book is well-written (just like all others in the series) and shows Yoko for who she is, herself. I loved that aspect about it and certainly learned a lot I had not known before. I am even more eager to go visit the Imagine Peace Tower after having read the book.

Cool fact: Yoko wrote instruction pieces to help others be creative, and left them everywhere so people could be inspired, and simply smile. One such instruction, titled Painting to See the Skies (1961), instructs us to: “Drill two holes into a canvas. Hang it where you can see the skies.”

Gloria Steinem

Of course, I have heard about Gloria Steinem, and read some of her articles. However, I did not know anything about her itself; thankfully, this book provides me a start to addressing this flaw (like with every book in this series). From life on the road in a trailer with her family, to life on the road as a powerful journalist years later, this book gives readers a informative yet brief look into her life.

And while it took me a second to get it, the book also includes her foray into Hugh Hefner’s mansion for a story with the words “… she spent ten days dressed as a bunny to report on the working conditions……..”! So yes, general and even specific aspects of her life, in an age appropriate fashion!

Cool fact: She spent her 80th birthday with elephants in Botswana!

Pin Me: Little People, Big Dreams

This goes towards It’s Monday, What Are You Reading over at Teach Mentor Texts.

Related Reads About Dreaming and Achieving Big Dreams!

• 6 Great Reads About Super Women
• 6 More Powerful Women To Read About
• Amazing Women Pioneers Who Soared Through the Skies
• 25 Wonderful Books for Women’s History Month
• Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed The World by Elena Favilli

And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, have you read any of these books or other books in this series? Or any similar inspiring and informative biographies? Do share your thoughts and recommendations!