Jesse Owens

This was such a powerful story of determination and resilience.

I enjoy the ilistratuons some truly portrait the emotions and I almost cried.

Definitely one of the pioneers in the fight against discrimination.

Awesome biography about one of the most historic figures in the past century! Can’t wait to add to my classroom library.

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The ‘My First Little People, Big Dreams’ series provides informative and inspirational biographies about people who left a mark on this earth, no matter what difficulties they have encountered.
These stories are very short, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a very smart and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
In this volume we have the story of Jesse Owens, the famous American track and field athlete and four-time gold medalist in the 1936 Olympic Games. I liked how here is shown not just his success but also his struggles with racism and segregation.

I can't say enough about this series! Simple without being overly so. Great illustrations and the perfect amount of information for little learners! We look for these books every time we visit the library. Another excellent addition to the series!

This was a pretty solid overview of Owens' life for a picture book. It hit the major events and it didn't gloss over the racism he faced both at home and internationally.

A better entry to this series that has to be given the over-arching verdict of 'patchy to good'. This is not at all patchy, and nicely combines the details of Jesse Owens' formative years, Olympic fame and so on with all the attendant racism that hampered his existence throughout. The artwork is still a naff, childish design, all cheesy ball-shaped cheekbones sticking out from all the faces and all dodgy lack of perspective, as if one of the target readers had drawn it themselves (you know, I THINK young kids are OK with books that look like they had an adult hand in creating them). It does at least contain some nice beats, though, such as Hitler storming off his VIP box at the sight of Owens getting Berlin Olympic gold. But the text in these books hasn't always been wondrous, either, so it's nice to say this really does pin down why we look up to the athlete Owens to this day – it was both what he had within him as a natural talent and how he reacted to all that was going on around him. Classy, and even though this doesn't look to fit that descriptor, it more or less is.

This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known people for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
This volume is about Jesse Owens, an athlete who had to face segregation and racism. I've always admired him for his achievements and it's sad to see that his own country recognized him as he deserved only later in life when segregation was finally over. His achievements in the 1936 Olympics sure made history and I'm very glad children can read his story.

This was another great addition to this series - it is a series I would definitely recommended to all!!

This book featured Jesse Owens, I knew a little about Jesse but even as an adult I would the book to be informative and I did learn more about his back story. I liked how the story told not only his success but also the issues he faced at the times with racism and segregation too - it was a well rounded book.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, it was a great book, I loved the images and the way that the story of Jesse Owens was told - his is a very positive story of determination through adversity.

Classic Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, another amazing addition to this wonderful library of inspiring legends , I cannot recommend these enough for big people as well as little, they are a joy to read and may teach you something new.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful biographical board book about the life of athlete Jesse Owens. The fastest man of this time. I admired how the author included a realistic picture of his life and battle with racism. Although he was one of the most admired athletes of the world he was still met with prejudice and racism. Loved it!

5 out of 5 🌟 Educational and nicely illustrated

Little People, Big Dreams are short books for children about exceptional people who shaped our world. They're enjoyable pieces of non-fiction to enjoy by children. I love biographies of people who dared to be different, and these short books are one of my favorites.

What I especially like about the series ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ are simple and friendly illustrations to make children feel it was truly made for them. Graphics to 'Jesse Owens' were made by Anna Katharina Jensen and they're fit perfectly amid the spirit of the first half of the XXth century with their sepia warm colors.

The biography is highly educational and besides Jesse Owens' history, it touches problems of segregation and racism in the United States and in the World. It should be read along with children to help them explain the struggles Jesse Owens had because of his skin color. I love the most in 'Little People, Big Dreams' that I keep learning something new about influent personas in the history.

*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and feelings are my own.*

It impresses me how the author of this books manages to make everything seems positive without ignoring horrible things went on. In this book, we meet Jesse Owens as a child, youngest of ten, and see how he started training despite having to earn money for his family, being admitted to university and later becoming an athlete who competed at the Olympic Games - and stole Hitler the show.

The unnecessary and harmful practises like having to wait to shower till the white athletes were done are not ignored, or how he was honored guest for a dinner and still had to use the servants entry just because of having more melanin in him. All is shown and explained in a way children can understand, and which make even me feel like we can do better in the future, just because we have to.
Despite being very depressed at the moment, I could read this without feeling even more down, and I had this experience multiple times with this series.

This was not my favorite entry in the series, but that was mostly due to the formatting choices of text colors that made portions difficult to read. It did a good job telling the story of Jesse Owens and giving an introduction to the extremely difficult subjects of racism, segregation, and Nazis.

A powerful story of determination and perseverance

"Find the good. It's all around you. Find it, showcase it and you'll start believing it."

The "Little People Big Dreams" series can be a bit hit or miss. This one is definitely a hit! Jesse Owens is an important African American track athlete with a very inspiring story. He worked very hard to overcome poverty and racism. The language in the book is easy but powerful, with beautiful illustrations and a short biography with pictures at the end. A very inspiring and important book.

Jesse Owens is the newest to be spotlighted in this latest edition of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. This series is such a delight and the perfect way to educate not just kids but everyone about historic and cultural icons.

Jesse Owens is a track and field star who won four gold medals in the 1936 games. While I was aware that Owens was a widely acclaimed runner in history, I wasn't aware of how he got that recognition. This book highlights Owens getting his nickname "Buckeye Bullet", the racial discrimination and segregation he endured, and Owens breaking three world records at the 1936 Olympics.
Anna Katharina Jansen illustrates this installment and does an fantastic job. Jansen's art style was so captivating and her art definitely further helped tell Owens' story. This installment easily became one of my favorite in the series. I love collecting these books and am so thrilled to add this one to the rest of my collection.

I love this series. It features ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things in our world. The short, non-fiction board books are educational and inspiring.

Jesse Owens was the youngest of ten children and he grew up working in the cotton fields of Alabama. His powerful biography is one of determination and perseverance despite the cultural problems of segregation and racism that were prevalent during his lifetime. His uncanny ability as an athlete powered him from his poverty-stricken life to one of a superstar but he had many struggles along the way. It was almost impossible for him to gain recognition for his superman abilities because of the colour of his skin.

This magnanimous American track and field contender won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. His long jump record stood for 25 years.

The quirky illustrations greatly enrich the text and the author has included extra facts and a biographical timeline with historical photos at the back of the book. Finally in 1976 President Gerald Ford awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

I am not familiar with this personality but this book gave me.enough insight to understand his struggle and success.

Jesse Owens is an inspirational children's story about a young man who became the first
African-American Captain of the Ohio State University Running Team. He soon became an Olympian who competed and won a medal at the Berlin Olympics in the 1930's. This is another great book in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy.

This series is wonderful and this is another great addition. It is a perfect introduction to biographies and allows children to explore great people's lives. This book is great for classrooms and at home and for many ages. I highly recommend this book!

Jesse Owens came from humble beginnings. He was the 10th child of a farmer in Alabama, Jesse was a great athlete. He was able to be captain of his college track team and wen5 to the Olympics, even though his opportunities were restricted due to his race.

This book describes Jesse Owens’s life in detail, but. In easily understood language for children. The illustrations are well done.

As an educator, I would recommend this book to children to see that they can do big things even if they come from very little material wealth. Everyone can make a difference.

Thank you to the Quarto Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jesse Owens was such a talented athlete. I appreciate the book digging into the racism he had to face at home and how it affected him before and after the Olympics.

This book was one of the times where I really wished that the Little People books started with a date. Owens accomplished so many firsts, some for his skill and some simply because he was black in a segregated time. The locker room and post-Olympic reception spreads were especially powerful.

Great book explaining segregation, prejudice, and the importance of equal rights through the life of an Olympian. Jesse Owens made pursuing his dreams of being the greatest athlete a priority while living in a world that was treating him as if his accomplishments were less than what they were because of the color of his skin. This is also a good read when exploring what are acts of good sportsmanship. The illustrations are contrasting in color and there is a lot of primary color usage, which is a great way to catch the attention of young readers. There is some nudity in the fact a bare bottom is depicted.

Received galley for unbiased review.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Another superbly positive and inspiring book in the Little People Big Dreams series!
This one is about Jesse Owens who became the first African American captain of his university's running team and went on to win gold medals in the Olympic games in Germany during Hitler's reign.
These books are so inspiring for chikdren as they show that life can be hard but if you are determined enough and follow your dreams you can achieve great things.

Now this was a person I knew nothing about, and I'm sad for that because what an achievement Jesse made. I felt heartbroken for him that he faced all these prejudices, it would have dampened my spirit, but he said "find the good. It's all around you" and this, I feel, will stay with me.

I'd actually love to read a full biography about this athlete, which is the first time I've willingly wanted to read more about a sportsperson.

Another inspiring read from this series.

My seven-year-old and I read this together and he was very impressed with Jesse Owens' story. I liked that the story didn't erase the racism that he experienced, because it helped to initiate a conversation with my child that I believe every parent should have. We talked about injustice and inequity in our society and what it might have felt like for Owens. We also discussed his achievements and the hard work he put in.

As lovely as all the other books in this series which has become both loved and admired in my household. The book tells the story of Jesse Owens, probably the greatest athlete ever and the difficulties which he faced almost all his life. With beautiful illustrations the book attempts at making the children aware about this great man who could run real fast. The section at the end highlighting the special years in his journey are very imformative.

I love the Little People, Big Dreams series. It features ordinary children, accomplishing extraordinary things. These short, non-fiction books include a short story of how these amazing people began life and pursued their dreams. There is a short biography, photographs and timeline at the end of the book to add to what the reader learns in the story. This addition to the series is one of my favourites. We meet a young Jesse Owens, aka J.C. He was fast, even as a young boy, but had too much to do helping his family and working to join a team. When he went to University, he still had to work in order to remain, but was part of the track team. He even became captain of the team, which was a bit hypocritical, as he was subject to racism and segregation. He had to sit and wait until the white members of the team showered before he was allowed to do the same. His achievements, specifically at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, are legendary, but again, he was not recognized in his own country until segregation ended. I loved reading about this hero, both in sports and human rights, and his gentle way of dealing with the life he was dealt. As always, the illustrations were quirky, yet fit the story perfectly. This is a wonderful starting point to learn more about this great man, as well as to research and learn about racism and segregation in the US. I definitely recommend this to libraries (public, school, classroom, family).

I love the little people, big dreams books. They are well written, tell a delightful true story in an age appropriate way and have beautiful illustrations.

I didn't know much about the story of Jesse Owens before reading this little book. I was grateful to have the opportunity to read this story and will want to learn more about Jesse. I highly recommend this book for anyone who reads to children. They will have fun getting to know this special story.

The publisher made a copy of this book available on Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions here are my honest review.

I learned a lot that I didn’t know from this book. I think it was beautifully written, beautifully illustrated, and a wonderful book to read to your kiddos.

Another very informative and cute "Little People, BIG DREAMS" book and what a treat it was! Beautifully illustrated, easy to read and a joy to behold - I absolutely recommend to get a printed hardback! A treat for a child (or an adult - and includes quite a bit of 20th Century history.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the book for free in exchange for a fair review.

My 5 year old son loves the 'Little People Big Dreams' books and I adore reading them to him! This book on Jesse Owens did not dissapoint. As all of the books in the collection do, this tackled very complex themes of racism and class in a way that is easy for children to process and understand. The illutrations were beautiful and overall the book was stunning. Will be recommending to customers once I return to work.

Please note that we are not premitted to add bookseller reviews on Waterstones.com whilst on furlough and as such I will post online as soon as I return to work.

I really like this series, and I think it features a bunch of very different and interesting people! This is one of those I've enjoyed the most since I feel like it dealt with racism and the historical time period in a good way. This would also make this perfect to use in the classroom, especially since I'm sure a lot of people struggle to find the parallels between Nazi Germany pre-war and the US.

Jesse Owens was someone deserving of the sobriquet 'legend' but somehow, he was forgotten far too soon to enjoy it. had he been white, that might not have happened, but had he been white, his blazing trail across the athletic world would carry far less weight than it does.

Something this book doesn't make clear is that his actual name was James Cleveland Owens. He went by 'JC', but when he was inducted into his new school, the person writing down the names didn't understand him and thought he was saying 'Jesse'. The name stayed with him ever since.

He grew up in a large family - ten children, which is far too many for poor parents to support, but had he never been born he could never have made the impact he did. He was notable for his running speed even at an early age, and his gym teacher was so impressed with him that he allowed him special training privileges so he could fit his athletics in alongside his work - work that was necessary to help support his family.

He became renowned in his own lifetime after he set three world records and tied another at the 1935 Big Ten track meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan, something that's been described as "the greatest 45 minutes ever in sport" and which has never been repeated by anyone.

Perhaps his biggest triumph was sticking it to Adolf Hitler at the 1938 Olympics. While the dictator of the Aryan race, who considered black people to be inferior, sat and watched, Owens won four gold medals. Hitler couldn't even take pride in the fact that in an early case of sponsorship, Owens was wearing German running shoes made by the founder of the Adidas athletics-wear company!

This was an intriguing and educational book for young kids, and I commend it fully.

Very important title added to this series. This shows how Jesse Owens proved Hitler wrong and won 3 gold medals but still suffered racism. This can help start the important conversation of how racism is wrong in a sensitive way. Beautifully illustrated.

Find the good. It's all around you. Find it, showcase it, and you'll start believing in it.

The life story of Jesse Owens is one that is inspiring and a good role model for all of us. Being discriminated against because of race in the 1930's he rose above and lived his mantra.

Not to sure what to make of the shower scene. Again, these series of books are geared towards adults not toddlers unless you are progressive in nature.

A Special Thank you to Quarto Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Ms. Sancez Vegara does a beautiful job telling the story of Jesse Owens.  While reading this book, young readers will learn about Owens's many incredible athletic achievements, while also learning about  the racism and hardships that he endured.  This entry is most highly recommended.  As always, the illustrations enhance the text.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This picture book biography of Jesse Owens portrays his life story in a thorough, accurate way, showing what an inspiration he was as he harnessed his talent and triumphed in spite of bigotry and hatred. I enjoyed reading Owens's autobiography years ago, and this book hits the highlights and the hardest parts of his life, from his victory at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany to his struggles to find employment in the US afterwards.

The book is very direct about the racism that he experienced, showing that not even his fame could buffer him from its insults and limitations. He was expected to take the back entrance to parties celebrating his victory, and as the author's note mentions, FDR did not invite Owens to the White House, as he did with other Olympic victors. However, one thing that parents should be aware of is that an illustration about Owens's segregation on track teams shows him sitting outside while white men are showering, and although the other men's frontal nudity is hidden with clouds of soap suds, one man is illustrated buck naked from the back. This portrayal of people in the shower was unnecessary and distracting.

Despite that one objection, I greatly enjoyed this book and recommend it to people who are fans of Owens or are learning the details of his life and struggles for the first time. This is a great, accurate resource that covers his life without leaving out anything significant that would distort the rest of the story, and the historical note and pictures in the back are also excellent.

A beautiful, inspiring overview of Jesse Owens' life for children. I would recommend this book for children 7 and up as adults would have to explain the segregation and racism Owens faced during his life. Another great book in this collection!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

An adorable and insightful look into the life and career of Jesse Owens, very interesting to read and good for all ages and audiences.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.

This series is one of my favorites for picture book biographies. I am passionate about teaching my students about ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Reading Jesse Owens biography in this format will help my students become more comfortable with my favorite non-fiction genre.

Another installment in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Jesse Owens faced a lot of adversity in his running career. This book provides a great conversation starter for younger kids about his life and the racism he faced.

Perfect addition to school and public libraries.

Love Love Love this addition of Little People Big Dreams! Great illustrations. Great way for children to learn about people who have changed the world!
Thanks for the ARC NetGalley!

Jesse Owens by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara explores the life this Olympian who participated in the Games in Hitler's Germany, and who stood against racism on many fronts. I appreciate that the author didn't shy away from portraying the racism faced by young Jesse (and adult Jesse). The end of the book contains a more detailed look at Owens' life, using language suited for much older readers. Inspirational and educational both, this entire series is great! I read this with my cubs. We love this series! Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Beautiful book that is engaging for young children and older children with stunning illustrations with a great strong message of what he achieved and the discrimination he faced

Would make a lovely keep sake gift

This was a short book about an athlete I didn’t know a whole lot about. The bright illustrations are eye catching and were a great addition to the story. This book tackles difficult topics like racism gracefully, and would be a good way to teach children about mistakes that have happened in the past that we don’t want to repeat in the future.

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the Quatro Group in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a great book about Jesse Owens highlighting his amazing work ethic, his athletic abilities, and his achievements. I am glad that this series of books is introducing children to people they may not hear about through other learning avenues.

This series is defect fo children, especially those in the ks1/2 age bracket. Well written and illustrated, this book is perfect for the classroom or library.

I am totally digging this series, so it was only natural to pick up yet another great biographical picture book! And to top it off, a book about sports!!

This time around Jesse Owens is the star. This young boy grew up to be an Olympic runner! From a small town start, to the big leagues, this guy is truly incredible!

I had heard of Jesse Owens but didn't know his background, so this was yet another great book to read. I find that this series makes non-fiction and learning so easy and fun, and as an adult I love them!

Overall, this is another great book! I'd highly recommend picking up this book for your youngsters!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Group for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

I am so glad this book series exists. The illustrations are gorgeous and they are such an easy and fun way to get very young children interested in history early on while inspiring them with stories of little people who have changed the world in their own ways.

I was happy to learn so much about Jesse Owens that I had not known. I don't love the illustrations in this edition of Little People, Big Dreams compared to others. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital review copy.

First, I adore this series. This series is great for kids of all ages, but also informational for adults. Every book in this series that I read with the kids, I learn as well. The illustrations and words are informational without being overwhelming. The language used is appropriate for kids of all ages and easy to comprehend without being over simplistic. This, and all others in the series are fantastic!

This is yet another fantastic addition to the “Little People, Big Dreams” series, which is always popular in my house. Jesse’s story is truly inspirational, and is told in a way that is meaningful and accessible to both my young daughter and myself. There is enough detail to keep my daughter interested, but not overwhelmed. The artwork is stunning, as is always the case with this series, and we found much to talk about on each page.

I know that this is one that we’ll be revisiting over time, and I’m sure my daughter will get more from it with every read.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the arc to review.

This biography for kids is about Jesse Owens, a world class runner who overcame extreme prejudice to become an Olympic gold medalist.

The Little People, Big Dreams series is a great series for young children to learn about the great people who came before them. If you have children or grandchildren who want to learn about the past, you will like this series.

I received a free copy of this book from Frances Lincoln Children's Books and the authors via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

Jesse Owens is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 2nd June 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's presented in clear, accessible, age-appropriate language. The gentle and sweetly humorous illustrations were well done. The art by Anna Katharina Jansen is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. Both the illustrations and text are rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the illustrations based on historical photos, of him being a gracious winner at the olympics, and receiving the medal of freedom).

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Jesse Owens was an incredibly important sports and cultural icon under incredibly difficult conditions. It's vital for youngsters to learn about racial history and for their caregivers to never forget (lest we be doomed to revisit those awful times). For completeness (mostly for children's school and public library info): there's one illustration showing Jesse waiting his turn to shower while all the white athletes were showering and obviously there are strategically placed bubbles everywhere, but there is one, single, unoffensive, caucasian butt shown.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A truly inspiring book.
I was born in the 1950’s and knew of his exploits at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. I didn’t appreciate how this political capital for the Allies against Hitler was a touch hypocritical given his struggles at home as a Black American.
This story may surprise a younger generation but this road to equality and racial segregation must never be forgotten. I am pleased to see that Jesse was a humble man and despite being the youngest of 10 siblings worked hard and loved athletics.
He deserves his place in this wonderful collection of titles that covers so many people across many disciplines.
We may not be able to run like the wind but our hearts must be stirred up to confront and overcome any forms of prejudice and discrimination.
I hope others will love and enjoy sharing Owen’s life story with their children. The colours lend to the time and life pre-war. These booklets never disappoint and are worth collecting as these stories stand the test of time.

I love this series: Little People Big Dreams, short, kid friendly biographies, of people they study! This one chronicles the life of Jesse Owens, and shares the racism and prejudice he faced, even when he was one of the fastest runners alive. The soft illustrations add to the text and help children understand on their level who Jesse Owens was, why he was important, and some of the adversity he faced.