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Little People, Big Dreams: Ada Lovelace
With an absent father and a mother who was often not around, young Ada spent a lot of time at her grandparents house. With her big imagination, Ada dreamed of flying machines. It would be her love of numbers and ability for solving mathematical problems that would really take flight though and have her go down in history as the world’s first ever computer programmer…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: STEM, life story 'a word about books' says…”Ada brings the cool to computing in a life story that shines with perseverance and imagination. Big on girl power, the girl with the mind for maths will empower and encourage other young girls to make a difference in the world of STEM."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Agatha Christie
Agatha loved stories. Listening to her mother read them and then reading them herself late into the night, although she could always think up a much better ending. With a mind full of ideas, particularly poisons and potions, Agatha began penning her own stories after working in a hospital during the war. She would go on to create two of the most beloved fictional detectives ever and in doing so she has become one of the best selling novelists of all time…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Author, books, life story 'a word about books' says…”Agatha Christie is just one of those writer’s that is so synonymous with her genre and for me she always will be the 'Queen of Mystery.'"
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Little People, Big Dreams: Alan Turing
No one expected much of the shy and quiet boy from London. Sent off to boarding school, Alan’s best friends were maths, science and a boy called Christopher who shared the same interests. When his best friend died, Alan found comfort in the world of numbers and codes and busied himself with creating his machines. One of which would save many lives and help win a war…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: STEM, LGBT+, war, life story 'a word about books' says…”So many important lessons can be learnt from Alan Turing’s life story, but my favourite and probably the most important one, ‘Sometimes it’s the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.’"
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Little People, Big Dreams: Albert Einstein
Born in Germany to Jewish parents, Albert was a quiet child who would take four years to speak. He was curious and inquisitive and although school was difficult he loved studying physics and maths at home. It wasn’t long before he was publishing scientific papers and his extraordinary mind would come up with brilliant ideas that would change the world of physics forever…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: STEM, life story 'a word about books' says…”If ever there was a global superstar of the physics world then Albert Einstein is that person. Everyone needs to read this life story in a nutshell about the genius who proved to the world that, ‘curiosity and imagination are more important than knowledge.’"
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Little People, Big Dreams: Anne Frank
Born Jewish and surrounded by a loving family, Anne Frank was a happy little girl growing up in Frankfurt. When a nasty man named Hitler, who hated Jews, became leader of Germany, Anne and her family were forced to hide away in Amsterdam. From a secret annex hidden behind a bookcase, Anne documented her life in a diary that would be read by millions around the world…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: War, author, life story 'a word about books' says…”The story of Anne Frank and her famous red and cream diary is synonymous with World War II. What this mini biography does is introduce Anne, her life, the holocaust and the terrible events that Jewish people suffered in an age appropriate way."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Aretha Franklin
As a child, Aretha Franklin was surrounded by music. With a natural talent for singing she was soon performing in her father’s gospel choir and when she visited other churches the church-goers fell in love with her powerful voice that was as smooth as silk. Aretha wanted to sing to the world and when she was signed up by a New York record company her dream came true and she would bring a new brand of soul music to the masses…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Music, diversity, BAME, life story 'a word about books' says…”An inspirational read about a fabulous woman who achieved much and broke down racial and gender barriers. Aretha deserves all the R.E.S.P.E.C.T"
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Little People, Big Dreams: Astrid Lindgren
When Astrid Lindgren was read her first story as a four-year-old, no one could have predicted what lay ahead. Stories ignited something within young Astrid and when her own daughter Karin asked to be told a story about a character she had invented it would see the birth of a character that would become famous within children’s literature. Pippi Longstocking had been born…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Books, author, story-telling, imagination, life story 'a word about books' says…”Astrid was a female Peter Pan - she never wanted to grow-up. Childhood to her was a thing of beauty and she is a great lesson to all young readers to enjoy life whilst they are young and to never be in a rush to become an adult."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Ayrton Senna
Ayrton Senna would achieve much in his short but colourful life. Senna was born to race, and to race fast. From the streets of Sao Paolo to the Formula 1 tracks around the world, in a go-kart that his father had made to the red of a McLaren Honda F1 car, Senna’s legendary driving style would set new levels in what could be achieved on the track behind the wheel of a racing car...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Sport, cars, life story 'a word about books' says…”Senna is comparable with the greatest sporting icons that have ever lived. Fiercely competitive and an innovator in his sport, the story of Ayrton Senna is perfect for children who aspire of becoming the next big thing in motor racing."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King was part of a sport-loving family. As a youngster she excelled at baseball but there was a problem. There wasn't a team for girls so she found herself searching for another sport. The first time she held a tennis racket everything felt right. And it wasn’t long until the sounds of ‘Game, Set, Match, Miss. King’ would be regularly heard on tennis courts around the world...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Sport, tennis, life story 'a word about books' says…”A wonderful tennis player and an important pioneer. Along with the many tennis titles she won, perhaps her biggest win was arguably off the court where she would change the tennis scene for young girls and women."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Captain Tom Moore
Born into humble beginnings in Yorkshire, Captain Tom Moore would lead a life that would see him train as a civil engineer, fight for his country and enjoy plenty of daily walks. Always one to rise to a challenge having lived through WW2, when the global health pandemic struck in late 2019 Tom decided to do what he does best at his age and went for a nice long walk...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Fundraising, veteran, NHS, life story 'a word about books' says…”A big spoonful of kindness and a huge sprinkling of gratitude. This is a truly inspirational and uplifting life story that goes to show ordinary people are more than capable of achieving extraordinary things. Captain Tom Moore is the epitome of a hero"
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Little People, Big Dreams: Charles Dickens
Born in England when movies didn’t exist, Charles made up his own adventures. He loved watching people and making up stories about them. When a Dickensian twist of fate landed his father in prison for unpaid debts, Charles had to work in a factory. Eventually finding his way out, he tried his luck as a law clerk, then as a performer before settling as a writer and a storyteller. He would become one of the most beloved novelists of all time whose books are still read today…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Author, books, life story 'a word about books' says…”Despite Dickens living in the 1800’s he can teach today’s children plenty about getting back up after knock-downs and dusting yourself off and trying again."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Coco Chanel
As a child, Gabrielle Chanel lived in an orphanage and loved sewing. With a head full of dreams she imagined patterns and shapes and the wonderful things she could create. Sewing by day and singing by night, her loving audience named her Coco. And soon Coco Chanel was making hats and dresses and was on her way to becoming the most famous fashion designer in the world…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Fashion, life story 'a word about books' says…”The Chanel brand is as strong as ever and doesn’t show any signs of slowing. All of this created and built from the ground up by a girl who was viewed as strange by the nuns at the orphanage and whose early clothing designs were deemed as too different."
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Little People, Big Dreams: David Attenborough
The son of a professor and a linguist, David grew up on a university campus. From an early age he studied animals, collected fossils and curated his own collection of specimens. He studied hard and became an expert in natural science but what he wanted more than anything was to see animals in their natural habitats. Through the power of television he showed people the natural world like never before, becoming one of the most famous naturalists in the world…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Nature, animals, conservation, life story 'a word about books' says…”If anyone is going to inspire future generations to care about animals, nature and the planet then it will be Sir David Attenborough."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Dolly Parton
One of twelve children, Dolly din’t have much but she did have something that money couldn’t buy…a wonderful voice. Singing and performing from an early age, Dolly was a natural. Her early career would see her perform on local radio stations and TV shows before a move to Nashville. And that’s when her career would really take off as country girl became global singing sensation...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Music, life story 'a word about books' says…”Dolly Parton…singer, song-writer, business-woman and with a personality that was as bright and sparkly as her outfits. A great rags to riches story about the “dirt-poor” girl from the country who made it big."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald grew up in a home filled with music but her childhood wasn't always happy. Singing on the streets of Harlem trying to make a few dollars, her life would change dramatically when she won a talent competition. Soon she was taking her incredible voice all over the country and singing in clubs and it wasn’t long before all the jazz greats wanted to perform with her...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Music, diversity, BAME, life story 'a word about books' says…”A definite rags to riches story as the little girl with the difficult childhood went on to become a global singing sensation. As Ella said, 'It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts.'”
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Little People, Big Dreams: Emmeline Pankhurst
As a child, Emmeline was fascinated by the stories of those who stood up for others. When she learnt that women were treated very differently to men and were not afforded the same opportunities she knew something had to be done. Inspired by the heroic stories that she read, Emmeline knew what she had to do, she must change the world. And that she would do in the most remarkable of ways…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Political issues, personal & social issues, human rights, equality, life story 'a word about books' says…”Emmeline Pankhurst’s story is one of bravery, courage, standing up for what you believe in and a determination to change the world. Packed full of 'Girl Power!'"
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Little People, Big Dreams: Ernest Shackleton
Ernest Shackleton was born and raised on the family farm in Ireland with a dream of travelling to places far away. Joining the navy was the start of his adventuring and exploring and would take him towards the South Pole. Inspired and challenged by the feat of Roald Admundsen, Shackleton assembled a crew and embarked on a daring journey to cross Antarctica from sea to sea via the south pole. He would never make it but what did happen is truly remarkable...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Explorers, resilience, bravery, courage, life story 'a word about books' says…”The life of Shackleton reads like a fabulous fiction adventure; you regularly have to remind yourself that this unbelievable survival story actually happened."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Evonne Goolagong
The daughter of Wiradjuri people and raised on a hot, dusty farm, Evonne Fay Goolagong was not privy to the same privileges as white people. As an Indigenous Australian she was not allowed to enjoy many things and that included tennis; she would look through a fence and watch the white kids practice on the courts. Such things were never going to stop little Evonne though and with her old tennis ball and a homemade wooden ‘racquet’ her incredible tennis journey began…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Sport, tennis, diversity, BAME, Indigenous, life story 'a word about books' says…”The phrase 'inspire a generation' is often banded around but it is very appropriate to attribute it to Goolagong. A must read for sporting stars of the future."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Frida Kahlo
Born in Coyoacán, a small Mexican town, Frida was a happy go lucky child who despite contracting polio at a young age never complained, she liked being different. Her life changed dramatically when she was badly injured in a road traffic accident. Bed bound and unable to walk she picked up pencils and brushes and nurtured a love of art. And when she shared her pictures with the rest of the world people were amazed by what they saw…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Art, disability, life story 'a word about books' says…”An empowering read with a wonderful message. We must wave goodbye to the bad and not let difficulties stop us. As Frida said, ‘Viva la vida’…‘Live life’."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Hans Christian Andersen
Born in Denmark, little Hans was not privy to luxury and every penny was carefully accounted for. But there was one priceless thing in the family home…a book, and Hans loved it when his father would read him stories. Hans wanted to perform on stage and help retell the stories written by others but when that didn't work out he wrote his own wonderful stories of mermaids, princesses, princes and ducklings. These stories would be read by millions around the world…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Author, books, life story 'a word about books' says…”It is very fitting that one of the world’s greatest storytellers has his own story told in a book for the very children who he wrote his books for."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Iris Apfel
Growing up in Queens, New York, only child Iris was surrounded by fabrics and loved nothing more than exploring the different colours and patterns. These early childhood experiences led to a life dedicated to fashion. Iris had style, flair and creativity and she made it her mission to find textiles that she wanted to wear, not to impress others but to wear to be herself. Bringing colour and fun wherever she went, the ‘rarest bird in the fashion world’ was her own style icon…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Fashion, life story 'a word about books' says…”In a world where we are expected to conform and fit in, Iris’ story is a wonderful one about the joys of standing out and daring to be different."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Jane Goodall
When Jane was little her father gave her a stuffed chimpanzee called Jubilee that would spark a love of animals that would last a lifetime. She loved hearing stories about animals and dreamed about seeing chimpanzees in the wild. On a trip to Kenya, her wish would come true. And Jane's observations, work and learnings would forever change our understanding of chimpanzees...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Nature, animals, conservation, life story 'a word about books' says…”Women have made many key contributions through the course of history and Jane Goodall’s outstanding work on primates and her understanding of our closest animal relatives ranks up there with the most important. A fantastic role model."
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Little People, Big Dreams: John Lennon
Born and raised in the city of music, Liverpool, John was introduced to music and instruments at a young age; his mum bought him his first guitar and taught him how to play the banjo and piano. Despite not being the model student at school, John always showed potential for the arts and he was soon performing at the Cavern Club with his good friend Paul. After releasing their first single, Love Me Do, John and The Beatles never looked back, they were global superstars...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Music, peace, politics, life story 'a word about books' says…”A wonderful read about the boy from Liverpool who dreamt of peace and who was part of one of the earliest boybands that achieved global fame."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris was an activist from an early age and was raised with strong values of justice and equality. Accompanying her parents on civil rights marches, she developed a clear sense of right and wrong. When a friend was being treated badly, Kamala not only helped her but decided that she wanted to become a lawyer so that she could help others in need. This was just the start of an incredible journey that would lead to the grandest office of all…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Politics, diversity, BAME, life story 'a word about books' says…”An incredible women who has fought, and continues to fight, to make a difference and whose life epitomises what a worthwhile endeavour it is to help others."
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Little People, Big Dreams: Malala Yousafzai
As a young girl, Malala looked forward to being old enough to go to school. But a group of people called the Taliban had very different ideas about what people and children should be allowed to do. It seemed impossible to defeat the Taliban - they had guns and bombs. But Malala had something more important, she had her voice and her voice needed to be heard by the world…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: School, education, human rights, politics, diversity, BAME, life story 'a word about books' says…”Malala’s story is incredible. It shows the determination, resolve and courage of one young girl who hoped for a better world and found the strength and inner-belief to use her voice to take action."
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