Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara has written three children’s books that will be released in early 2024: Lenny Henry, Tenzing Norgay, and Sally Ride. These books are part of the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS biography series for kids. Each book is 32 pages and beautifully illustrated. They are perfect for reading to small children during “quiet time”.

Sally Ride shares Dr. Ride’s exciting journey from a young female scientist to becoming the first American astronaut in 1983. After she retired from NASA, Dr. Ride and her friend, Tam, founded Sally Ride Science, an organization that encourages better science education. Her inspiring story motivates all young people to shoot for the stars.

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is yet another fantastic biography for a young reader. I love that they are putting out strong historical figures for children to discover.

From the bestselling biography series for kids comes an inspiring read about Sally Ride, the first America woman in space. Growing up in California, Sally discovers she has a passion for science and goes on to study physics. When NASA opens up their program to women, she eagerly applies and in 1983, Sally becomes the first American woman to fly in space.

These Little People, Big Dreams board books have become some of my favorites. The illustrations are amazing, and the writing gives just enough information without being overwhelming. It's a hard balance to strike between too little and too much, and this series does a good job. The book also includes a timeline of Sally's life and a little more in-depth information at the end. It's a great introduction for K-2 readers, and just enough of a teaser for older students.

I really do love these books for introducing heroes from history. They are a great way to get your students thinking and gauge their interest for deeper studies. This is a book I would read WITH my students are there are a few tough topics elluded to, including the media's treatment of Sally. That and other topics would make a great starting point for conversations between teacher and student, parent and child. All in all, a good introduction to an American icon.

*Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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.

It's my first time reading a book from the 'Little People, Big Dreams' collection, and I enjoyed it quite a lot! It is an empowering book about an impressive woman. It's pretty short, making it readable by young kids, and the illustrations are very cute. I appreciated the addition of a more detailed biography at the end, coming with a few photos as well.

Definitely the kind of book that every kid--and especially girl--should read, because it is so motivating!

Sally Ride is best known for being an astronaut. In this charmingly illustrated title, young people will find out how young Sally grew up to reach for the stars. It was with a combination of her intelligence, drive, hard work and the influence of good teachers.

Sally did more than travel in space. She was a talented tennis player. In addition, after she stopped traveling in space, Sally did much to encourage kids to pursue and enjoy science.

This is another good entry in a strong series. Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

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.

This picture book biography has cute, engaging illustrations, and it tells the story of how Sally Ride's early years and trailblazing career as a female scientist and astronaut. The book also briefly touches on her advocacy work in her later life, which she did alongside her long-term partner, Tam. The book doesn't focus on Ride's sexual orientation, but accurately represents this aspect of her personal life.

This book briefly mentions the Challenger explosion, depicting the grief that Ride and her coworkers felt during that time. However, it only mentions the seven astronauts that died, and there's no acknowledgement of the civilian passenger who also died. I wasn't sure if the author just felt that a teacher's death was too sad to include, or if this was an oversight, but the omission bothered me.

Fans of the Little People, Big Dreams series will enjoy this new installment, and families and teachers who are looking for stories about girls in STEM will appreciate this, especially since the author writes some about Ride's childhood and how she first became so interested in math and science. Overall, this is a good book that I would recommend.

Thanks for letting me read and review this book.

I want more of these amazing books about brave and smart women! I love this author for her fun and enjoyable yet educating historical books. It makes it fun to learn about these important, world-changing people.

I will always recommend books from this series.

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!

The latest instalment in the Little People Big Dreams series, this time describing the life of Sally Ride. I didn't know the name at all, so was pleasantly surprised by the amount of information I gathered from a short book. Sally was an American female scientist and astorunaut, indeed she was the first American woman in space.

Fabulous illustrations, with the story sensitively touching on the Challenger disaster. I really liked how the book encourages girls into science, and provided just the right level of detail for the target audience.

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.