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thisteacherlovestoread 's review for:

Sally Ride by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
4.0

Little People, Big Dreams is a great series to introduce young children to important figures in history. As a teacher, I especially love when women are represented in jobs that are typically thought of as being held by men. It is important for students, especially young girls to see woman represented. Literature is a great way to introduce students to important occupations as well as learn about important individuals that have made a difference. in history.

This book focuses on Sally's love of science and her dedication to learning and hard work. It gives a history of her life starting with her passions as a kid, working for NASA and her time after being an astronaut. I liked the timeline at the back that included real photographs as well.

The illustrations are colorful and engaging to the reader. In second grade we do a biography project and I make sure both men and women are represented as well as individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. This is a book that I would include for my students to use in their research about an important figure. I know my students, especially my science loving students would love to read about Sally Ride and the impact she made in science. She is an individual my students can look up to as a role model. This book is factual and is the perfect length for students to use as a resource.

The only reason I gave it a four star review is because it talks about how the press didn't take her seriously and asked her silly and sexist questions. I wish that page could have been worded in more kid friendly language. While it is important, I'm not sure that it is a concept the age range this book is geared towards can conceptually understand. There will need to be a discussion about what sexist means and why she was not taken seriously.

Hopefully young children will be inspired by Sally Ride's big dreams and reach for the stars in their dreams.

This book will be released in January 2024 . Thank you Netgalley and Publisher! I voluntarily read this book and gave an honest review.