Member Reviews

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Book through NetGalley.
This series continues to introduce a variety of people's lives to young readers. Sanchez Vegara offers information on Cox's life with sensitivity and facts. Readers learn of her journey to find who she is and how she chose to share herself with the world. I appreciate the writing style for elementary level readers. The illustrations support the text and provide more detail on her life. For those readers who want more information, Sanchez Vegara provides a timeline for more research.

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Another biography in this ever expanding series for young readers. This time we learn about the struggles that Laverne Cox had to undergo, in order to be able to live the life that they felt was right for them and be the person they felt inside. It is an excellent addition to the series and gives a lot of information and support.

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Everyone who follows my reviews knows how much I love this series! They are perfect for classrooms and at-home libraries. I wish this one had a little more substance about Laverne's early life and career, but I'm glad a new generation will know her name!

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

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I love all of the Little People, Big Dreams collection and this is no exception. I love how beautifully written the story is (especially the first pages where it talks about everyone having gotten her gender wrong).
This is a really uplifting story which will provide inspiration and comfort to anyone struggling with their assigned gender. The pages are bright and beautiful and the story very easy to read.

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This series is always a joy to read and I always keep an eye out for new books being released, they are lovely little introductions to well-known people for little children and as a mum I love reading them to my daughter.

This one is about Laverne Cox who really had to fight against adversity and came out as a really successful character against the odds and what was being thrown at her - she followed her heart and carved out a successful career doing what she loves, she is an inspiration and I am sure anyone in the same position who reads this will be inspired as it shows you can follow your dreams and make the changes to become and be who you know you should deep down in your heart.

Laverne became the first transgender woman of color to lead a TV series, and was the first ever trans actress to be nominated for an Emmy. She inspires kids all around the world to live their lives how they want to, and to be their true selves.

I loved the images and this is a 4 star read for me - highly recommended!

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I couldn't love this book more! I had never heard of Laverne Cox before reading this book. It makes me so happy that we are normalizing talking about important issues like gender identification and transitioning. I think it's very important to have Laverne's story shared with all kids.
As always this is a great series and I will continue to read them!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

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I love this series and this this one introduced someone I knew little about.

This series allows a child friendly way to introduce people across the diversity of society and this one told Laverne’s story sensitively and thoughtfully.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this title.

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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.
This little book here is about the incredible Laverne Cox, the first transgender woman of color to be the leading actress in a TV series and the first transgender person ever to be nominated for an Emmy. She's a brilliant actress and person, so it's amazing that children have the chance to get to know about her life and achievements.

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Read this book from the series Little People Big Dreams last night, and the careful way that Laverne Cox's story was shared felt like a big hug was given to anyone who is learning that they are a different gender. than that assigned to them at birth. The hardship Laverne Cox had to face in her young years showed her perseverance to be her true self. I love to see how her mother was with her, truly supporting her and that is what we can all wish for. Especially for children who may not be supported by their parents in their transition, the idea of pushing through, finding your passions, and being yourself because you matter is a very important lesson taught by her story. Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara has once again done a brilliant job writing this book for her series.

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This book continues this amazing book collection of inspiring people and Laverne Cox inspires many. The illustrations helped show Laverne throughout her life and transitions and show the importance of queer non-fiction, as children of all ages and adults may feel the same way but not know how to vocalise themselves and this book my help. I would definitely read it to my nephew.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #netgalley, thank you. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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I love how this series allows me to find out about people I have never heard of. And should have heard of. In this case, it is Laverne Cox, a transgender activist, who was assigned male at birth, even though she told people throughout her life that she was really a girl.

And it is age appropriate, for kids to read and if they have more questions, to ask them.


<em> Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. </em>

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The illustrations are beautiful. The Story is written in an adequate language and makes it possible for children to relate to Laverne. I am very happy, that a trans woman of color is included in this amazing series!

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Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a digital arc of this book!
I love Laverne Cox and I loved reading more about her! ❤️
The illustrations were so beautiful and her story will forever be inspiring. She is such a trailblazer for LGBTQIA representation on Tv and especially for Trans representation. She really is a phenomenal woman.

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We loved this book! The art was beautiful and this story was very special. Sharing Laverne Cox’s story, success, and joy is so important and very needed. This representation and the message of allowing children to find out who they are as they grow is very powerful.

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Thank you so much to Quarto/Frances Lincoln and Netgalley for the Ebook to read and review.

What an inspiring and strong woman she is, she helped to pave a path and a way for all Transgender people out there to be themselves and to never stop being who they truly are.

Growing up being told you are someone you know you’re not must be impossible and so difficult, but she kept fighting for herself and found her ways to express herself and be herself and grew into her true self. Then she shared it with the world and became an icon to so many out there.

I loved this book, getting to read about who she was as she grew up and how hard her life was for so long, but it was nice to read how she grew and changed and overcame everything to get the opportunity to actually be herself.

I love this book series, the illustrations are always adorable, the stories are always inspiring and showcase so many amazing people. They are a great series fir younger children.

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As a fan of Laverne Cox, I was excited to sit down and introduce my child to her through the Little People, Big Dreams series. The story was simple and fast paced, as you'd anticipate for a young age audience! It was interesting to learn a little bit more about her life, and the photographs at the end were a lovely way to connect the illustrated story to her real life self.

That being said, I felt like the illustration of Laverne did not match what she looks like and I felt pulled out of the story a bit because of that. The illustration style is much different than the other books we own from the series, which led to my child being a little confused and let down - as this is one of her favorite series to learn about new role models from. I just felt like the overall style and delivery was too different to follow the style we've come to love from the series.

Additionally, there weren't many things explained in the book. From an adult lens, it reads just fine as many of us have this knowledge already. From my child's eyes, it forced us to discuss what "beating up" means, despite the book not discussing it at all and glossing over it, which is what was done with the one sentence about how deeply hurt Laverne was by her mom's treatment over her. A few pages later, they're saying how proud the mother is. It brought up more questions than answers in my young child's eyes.

Overall, I would recommend this book to 5-7 year olds with knowledgeable adults nearby to help guide the discussion around bullying and when your parents make you sad.

My rating: ★★★ 1/2
My child's rating: ☺☺☺♥

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UM I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!

Little People Bug Dreams is one of my favorite Children’s book series and this is such a timely and perfect addition to the group.

Laverne Cox is such an inspiring human and to have a children’s book so boldly and simply introduce that gender is a construct and each individual should be given the time and opportunity to decide for theirselves and Laverne’s lasting impact in that…well it’s inspiring and touching.

I just preordered a copy for my kids and will be grabbing a few more once this releases to add to our community LFLs.

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This picture book biography is written about Lavern Cox, a transgender woman who experienced significant bullying as she came to terms with her gender identity. She found herself in the world of dance and won a scholarship to join the Alabama School of Fine Arts. She finally felt able to truly express herself and try new things. She went on to act and dance in theatre and on film and was then able to fully transition so the way she looked on the outside matched how she felt on the inside. The meaning of transgender and the message sent by this book will be easy for children to understand because it is really about how someone feels not discussing the details of transitioning or anything related to a person’s reproductive organs.

Each page has beautiful, colour-filled pages with 3-4 lines of text. The story ends with a timeline and some pictures/biographical information about her. There is a lot of great biographical information, but it also follows a story that will hook young readers. I believe this book would be best fit for children in the 7-11 age range. As a grade 3 teacher I could definitely see this book in my classroom library in the future! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review a digital ARC of this book!

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I first came across Laverne in the tv show Orange Is The New Black but didn’t realise at the time what an inspiring trail blazer she is!
She’s such an inspiration and definitely deserving of featuring in one of these beautiful series of books, if I had the money I’d buy them all!

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Another great addition to the collection "Little People , Big Dreams".
Laverne Cox is an icon.
Highly recommend to children and adults .

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