Sally Ride

The Little People, Big Dreams books are ones that I always look at when I see them in bookshops, and have gifted a few to friends. Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara has written a really engaging and inspiring series of books, accompanied by Pili Aguago’s distinctive illustrations making them instantly recognisable and a reliable gift for the youngsters in your life.

Sally Ride’s life story is what grabbed my attention this time, and I’m so happy it’s being shared, hopefully inspiring a new generation to look up at the stars and want to learn more- and feel confidence that they can.

Released in January 2024 this is an inspiring read to start the year with.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

The series of Little People, Big Dreams books is one of my favorite that I continuously read here on NetGalley. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this story in advance of publication. I found this story of Sally Ride to be very inspirational and give the right level of detail for the target audience. It is important to continue to share historical figures stories, especially women's and minorities stories, in a way that is digestible for kids. Making these stories accessible and understandable is an excellent way to spark kids interest and show them the possibilities for their own futures.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara brings Sally Ride to a wider audience. Her story may be one that many people have not heard of but Vergara's words accompanied by illustrations Aiona Millgram bring her accomplishments to light.
Sally loved maths and tennis but it was a science teacher that nurtured Sally's love of science. While studying physics, Sally came across a publication that claimed NASA was searching for would-be astronauts. Sally applied and was successful and she became the first American woman to join the Challenger crew who flew in space.
After she retired from being an astronaut, Sally used her knowledge to write children's books about science and she continued her work with NASA to set up a camera which meant that children could take pictures of space from the earth.
Vegara's books are accessible to all - and the timeline provides more confident readers with extra information about her life.

Sally Ride is such an inspiring person, and I was delighted to see that Little People, Big Dreams had decided to write a book on her.

I absolutely love sharing these books with my nephew, even as he is getting a little older. He has been on a big astronomy kick recently, and the two of us really enjoyed reading the story of the first American woman in space. She worked so hard and accomplished so much! I even learned more about her than I expected. I hadn’t known that she had worked on the investigation after the Challenger explosion. The illustrations were so lovely and soft.

I feel like I repeat myself every time I review one of these books, but each one has been a genuine delight.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Such a great educational series, especially when teaching about people you may not be familiar with. This book is a brilliant introduction to Dally and her incredible life.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review.

Little People, Big Dreams, Sally Ride... I remember watching history being made when Sally rocketed into space. I remembered being in awe, being proud. I remember teaching my children about Sally, and now this book will help a new generation. Learn about this amazing woman.

Little People Big Dreams is my favorite biography series for young children. After enjoying the appealing text information accompanied by delightful color illustrations, the reader is given photographs of Sally Ride along with more involved biographical information. What a great book to inspire young girls to study math and science and understand they could even work for NASA someday and possibly become an astronaut.

As always, very educational and worth reading for primary school readers. Sally is one of NASA’s first female astronauts and loved science as she grew up. This series is loved by my 7 year old granddaughter. She was impressed with this latest addition.

A wonderful introduction to Sally Ride, astronaut. As inspiration to all but, especially, to girls and young women to pursue STEM and achieve their goals. This series of little books are always well written, well illustrated and, in this case, about Sally Ride, a truly important scientist. Thanks for the lift, Sally Ride.

Another great entry in this series! I love this story and how it will inspire girls to be astronauts or in science!

I continue to love the Little People Big Dreams series and was thrilled to learn more about Sally Ride. The book covers her interest in math and science as a child and her talents on the tennis court earning her scholarships. I like that they include that as the first American woman in space she was asked sexist questions not taking her seriously. I remember her first space mission on Challenger, but was less aware of her other missions and work for NASA. This also touches on her later work encouraging children in science and creating science lessons for teachers. I appreciate it including mention of her partner Tam with whom she spent almost three decades. As always there is a timeline at the end with even more information. This is a worthy addition to the series and a good biography for young readers.

What a delightful look at one of my favorite figures from women's history—well, history more general, but Sally Ride was an absolute trailblazer for women. "Sally Ride" takes young readers through her life, from her interest in science from a young age to the company she started with her partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy.

I vaguely remember the media about Sally Ride when she died, and when the fact that she was in a long-term relationship with a woman became public. I'm glad that this book mentions it, and casually at that. This is part of an extended series of biographies of famous people by this publisher, and they're clearly putting in the effort to make sure that diversity doesn't get lost in the shuffle, from making note of LGBTQ folks in history to ensuring that there's representation (is that an artificial leg I see?) in the illustrations. The text is on point, and the illustrations have lots of little details to find. It would make for a wonderful book for early readers who are interested in science.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

Another inspirational figure from this talented team of Little People, Big Dreams. Sally Ride fully deserves her own book and her life story will without doubt inspire your children to reach for the stars and follow their dreams.

Sally was a talented young girl who was encouraged by her parents. A gifted student with skills in sports as well. She love solving problems and grew to enjoy science which she went on to study at college.

While there she responded to an advertisement to join NASA and became one of just five women training to support and develop the space programme as potential astronauts. Her dreams were realised when she became the first female member of the space shuttle crew blasting off to space.

There is interest here on every page. Sally was a dynamic person who overcame prejudice when others thought a woman had little relevance in science let alone space. She had the belief and determination to carry on and succeed.

This is brought out in the quality text from this author who manages to simply tell Sally’s story. Her words are supported by a rich variety of page filling illustration beautifully coloured to match the mood and subject.

I love these books and sharing with my grandkids the lives of the less than famous people who don’t popularise today’s social media. But whose lives and way of living can inspire them and these books are a brilliant vehicle to bring that to children’s attention. As always the inclusion of a timeline and mini biography at the end makes the subject clear to older children and adult fielding questions.

A name I was aware of but who is now etched into my memory. Sadly the book is more poignant still as she died at a relatively young age. Yet I celebrate a life that achieved and then some, as she went on the teach and educate children in person and her own writing skills.

This book will continue her life’s work as it will encourage and inspire a new generation.

My kids absolutely love this series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Anytime a new person comes out, it's an auto library hold for us. Sally Ride is no different. Vegara tells Sally's life in a way kids understand. Love the illustrations too!

I remember that warm summer day in 1983, sitting in my neighbour’s living room, watching Sally Ride rocket into space on the Challenger. I sat glued to the TV, very well aware that I was watching history being made.

If you have little people in your life, you need to share this wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated book with them. We need more young people to engage in STEM!

Looking back, Sally Ride’s life is a testament to the idea that sometimes while in pursuit of a dream, we discover our calling and our lives take a path we hadn’t intended. For Sally, choosing a different path made all the difference in the world.

Children will learn that Sally was born 7 years before NASA was even created - being an astronaut wasn’t even her dream. It was in pursuit of her dream that Sally met a teacher who encouraged her strengths in Science. The rest is history. Sally became the first American woman to explore space.

In addition to showing children that it’s okay to shift gears and change focus, this book explores the notion of ‘giving it all.’ When Sally applied to NASA it was the first year that female applicants were even considered. Furthermore, there was a 0.004% chance of her being selected for the Challenger spaceflight. Sally channeled her energy and focused on her goal, breaking the gender barrier for US spaceflight.

This book will encourage us all to seek adventure and follow our dreams, regardless of age.

I was gifted this copy by Quarto Publishing Group, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This is exactly the kind of book I want to read my kids one day. I love the story of Sally Ride. I love that the author didn't sugarcoat the pressure she faced, how she did her job, or who she spent her life with.

This was really cute and great to see some more empowering female stories for kids. I didn’t find it political or anything like that, but just a nice story to encourage young readers to learn about real world people. I love this series.

My daughter is 7 and loves science, we read this at bedtime and she thought it was great. Sally is a real inspiration.

This motivating biography series for children (4-7 years) brings the inspiring figure of Sally Ride, an American astronaut who was passionate about science.

Sally’s story shows how important and impactful parents’ support and encouragement is. Sally and her sister were encouraged to reach for the stars. From childhood, she was fascinated with science and good at playing tennis. Tennis helped her in getting scholarship for studying science.

When NASA announced astronaut position, more than 8,000 people applied. Only 35 were accepted, among them Sally. Later, she was chosen to join the space shuttle Challenger crew. Thus, making her the first American woman to explore space.

After 9 years in NASA, she became a physics professor. And later, started her own company and wrote books for young minds, inspiring children to get excited about science.

This story is a wonderful inspiration for children to reach for the stars and not to be afraid of science. It is accompanied by delightful illustrations, and presented in easy to understand way for target audience.

As a woman who loves everything to do with space, this is a book that I would’ve loved to read as a child.
Showing you to science and NASA aren’t only for men, as a lot of people still want you to believe.

Loved the art style!

I'd not heard of Sally before (I'm British and imagine most of her work mainly took place in America so wouldn't have directly affected me) but I do like space and thought it would be a nice interesting one to read. It was lovely to see the choices in Sally's life that led to her becoming an astronaut because although she was interested in space from a young age she hadn't necessarily spent her whole life working towards her goal of becoming an astronaut. I loved the coloured pencil art style in this and it would definitely be a great one to inspire more girls into science. Another great Little People, Big Dreams book!

This is the cutest book if you want to learn all about Sally Ride! The illustrations are so wonderful! All of these books bring attention and the life story to so many!

Sally Ride is a great introduction for young readers to the first American female astronaut. This book would be a wonderful addition to a home or classroom library. Even adults can learn something new about Sally Ride from the book.

Another fabulous addition to the series! This installment, honoring the first American female astronaut, gives insight into the life of Sally Ride and the history of women at NASA. Quick and informative, Little People, Big Dreams is perfect for engaging the youngest of readers!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I’m not crying, YOU ARE. Sally Ride and her story are so inspiring and this newest installment in the beloved Little People Big Dreams series is one to make every bookshelf happy.

Starting with Sally’s early life and trajectory into the sciences thanks to a lovely teacher, we follow her journey to joining the space program, helping advance modern space flight, helping ensure the safety of other astronauts thanks to her grief, and her eventual retirement from the program, ultimately leading to her influence on girls in STEM through her organization she and her partner founded.

Sally is an inspiration and we cannot wait to add her encouraging story full of beautiful illustrations to our home library.

Another fantastic Little People Big Dreams book. These books are a great way to learn about important people who made an impact.
Not being American I did not know who Sally Ride was and enjoyed learning about her experience as a women working for NASA. In this particular book I really liked the colours used for the illustrations for some reason they really stood out to me!
I will continue to recommend these books and purchases for my nieces!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

These books are always fantastic and very educational and fun to read. This one was no exception. Lovey illustrations as always. Fun for adults and children alike. Recommended.

This is such an important book! This book is for everyone one but specifically girls in stem. It was enjoyable with great illustrations.

This is a great children’s book about Sally Ride. The artwork isn’t distracting and compliments the story told.

It shows how Sally’s love of learning started when she was young and continued with her as she grew up, while she was at NASA, and even afterwards.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a picture book designed for young readers to inspire them about the life of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. I would have read this as a child because I adore everything space-related. This is an excellent story for younger children. A wonderful book to add to the Little People, Big Dreams series.

The story was beautifully illustrated (Sally look adorable in these Illustrations!) and presented in an easy enough tone for small children to take in. I think the real life pictures in the back are fantastic for illustrating to children that the individual was an actual person who had a significant impact on the world.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher!

Another great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series, this time inspiring young girls to explore the world of science and astronomy.

Sally Ride
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Pub Date 02 Jan 2024
Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books,Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Biographies & Memoirs| Children's Nonfiction| Science



Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Sally Ride for review:


This engaging picture book explores the life of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.


Little Sally grew up in California and soon discovered her passion for science. As a result, she studied it at college and became a Doctor of Physics. While reading the student newspaper, Sally noticed NASA was looking for astronauts. Having never been able to apply before, she went for it! In 1983, Sally became the first American woman to fly in space. She believed that science should be exciting and inclusive, and that everyone should be able to achieve their dreams. With her partner Tam, Sally founded Sally Ride Science, an organization that promotes better science education, after hanging up her space suit. 


A biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the trailblazing astronaut are included at the back of this book, with stylish and quirky illustrations.


I give Sally Ride five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I love this series of books for allowing me to share biographies of influential people with my kids in a fun and engaging way- this was no exception!

The story was written simply enough for young children to understand, and accompanied by beautiful illustrations. I love the real life photos in the back- my kids always love seeing the real images of people from the stories that we've read!

Sally Ride by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is a wonderful addition to the Little People, Big Dreams collection. This series of books stands out to me every time I go to the bookstore and I am so glad to see more representation for young women interested in STEM!

The book gives us an overview of Sally's early interest in science. This passion pushed her to pursue a doctorate in Physics, not an easy task for most of us. When Sally saw a recruitment ad for NASA astronauts allowing women to (finally) apply, she jumped at the opportunity and eventually became the first American woman in space. Vegara details Sally Ride's career, accomplishments, and later life in a perfectly bite-sized read.

As a woman with a background in mathematics and engineering, it warms my heart to pick up books like this. I found myself smiling along with the similarities between Sally growing up and myself. This is one I will definitely be picking up for my niece when published.

As for the illustration, it is adorable and perfectly suited for the story.

5/5 stars: I highly recommend this book for any children interested in STEM, space, or inspirational women.

Thank you to NetGalley, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC. I will post a review to Goodreads shortly and to Amazon/B&N on the publication date.

I think this would be a great book for kids who are 4-6 years of age. I really liked the pictures and thought that the facts were interesting. I'm 8 years old and I would have liked for the book to have more facts. But, my 4 year old sister really loved this book! She listened carefully through the whole thing and really liked the photos at the end. I asked her how many stars to give and she said to give it five stars because she liked it so much!

Sally started college on a tennis scholarship and went on with her degrees in science (and a bit of engineering) landing a necessary position with NASA before becoming an astronaut and later a professor and writer. Yea Sally Ride!
The illustrations by Alona Millgram are clear, simple, colorful, and very inspiring.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
@QuartoKids @CBCBook @Frances_Lincoln #littlepeoplebigdreams @sanchezvegara @TheQuartoGroup

I love these books and this one did not disappoint! The art is gorgeous. I loved the vivid illustrations. I am so glad that Sally's experience not just as an astronaut or woman in STEM was depicted but also the challenges that accompanied her career and the limited imagination of society when it came to women in science and space. I was also deeply grateful that her relationship with Tam O'Shaughnessy was included.

Another amazing Little People Big Dreams book.

I love this series of books to teach young learners about accomplishments from people just like them.

Sally Ride by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is concise, educational, and inspiring for all ages.

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely love this series of mini-biographies, and this one is no different! I love the addition of Sally Ride to the mix, and it is absolutely inspiring to learn more about her and the way she influenced NASA. A perfect role model and a great historical figure that could influence young girls to go into STEM fields.

Also loved the illustrations and felt like the focus at different parts of her life and her ideas and focuses were very balanced and good.

A good one to use in the classroom!

We love this series. It’s got just the right amount of information for little minds. It keeps them interested without being overwhelming (generally none of the controversial things associated with the topic)

Sally Ride did not disappoint. My son was just doing a section at school on her so this was a wonderful opportunity to add information at home.

As always the illustrations are so cute.

Well I feel ashamed to admit that I had no idea who this lady was, or what she was famous for, so really enjoyed reading this, and learning about Sally Ride.
As always , it was told in a very simple way that appeals to readers of all ages
Great book.

I really enjoy the Little People, Big Dream series and this book on Sally Ride is no different. While Sally definitely dealt with a sexist media I wish (as a parent) that language was geared more towards a younger audience. The brief mention of the Challenger explosion also seemed to take away from the overall story. The illustrations and overall message were great. I’d still recommend this book,

Thanks for sharing a temporary ARC Netgally and Quarto publishing.

The first American woman who went to space. WOW! Nice to read about Sally Ride, who inspires children to reach high no matter what gender. Encouraged by her parents to do more, the sport prodigy and science lovers made her way into NASA and board Challenger twice. Surely we can reach as high as Sally did, to the limitless outer space.