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Little People, BIG DREAMS

Little People Big Dreams Marcus Rashford

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32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2022

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About the author

Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara

208 books453 followers
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director perhaps best known as the author of much of the Little People, Big Dreams series. Each book tells the childhood story of one of the world's female icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, allowing them to identify with the characters in each story.


You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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5 stars
104 (47%)
4 stars
69 (31%)
3 stars
41 (18%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Emma.
1,041 reviews1,027 followers
June 9, 2022
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

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.
I remember seeing Marcus Rashford play on TV, but I must admit that I did not know about all he did for his community and for people in general. It's remarkable to see, especially for such a young man and I'm sure he could be a greta example for everyone.
Profile Image for Martina.
339 reviews41 followers
August 23, 2022
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.
Here we have the story of Marcus Rashford, the world-famous footballer and campaigner against childhood hunger. He truly is a very inspirational figure because despite his success he never stops thinking about those who need help. 
Profile Image for Kate Henderson.
1,674 reviews53 followers
August 24, 2022
I love this series. I have read tons in the 'Little People, Big Dreams' series and they're such a fabulous set of books for young people.
I was intrigued to read this book as it feels so current - we're not talking about great historical figures, we're talking about stories that were just a couple of years ago.

However, I did feel a bit let down by this book. The writing was so american-ised - lots of phrases that we don't say in the UK. So it just felt really disjointed for me, particularly as Rashford is a UK figure.

The illustrations were as beautiful as ever, and it was definitely inspiring - but the writing style just stood out to me here.
Profile Image for Lee Peckover.
203 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2023
This series is becoming a really mixed bag. It started off great with genuine opportunities for aspirational growth in children. This particular book, on Marcus Rashford, falls into this category. A child on free school meals who rose to international fame through hard work in the area he had the most passion, then used this platform for social good. The series should focus more on these stories, and less on figures like Kind Charles, who was born into a position children cannot aspire to emulate for themselves.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
5,033 reviews99 followers
September 21, 2022
This Little People, Big Dreams biography is about a contemporary figure and current events, covering Marcus Rashford's childhood dreams in the midst of poverty, sports career thus far, and advocacy for others during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a timeline with additional information and photos in the back. There are a lot of inspiring elements, but I found aspects of this book disappointing.

The text is Americanized, referring to soccer instead of football, but concepts related to the British government aren't explained for American kids. For example, one illustration shows a newspaper headline about Marcus becoming a "member of the British Empire," and the notes in the back refer to him being awarded an MBE, but there's no explanation of what this means. Since the author culturally translates other elements of the book, it seemed odd for her to not provide context about this.

I also wish that this book had focused more on Marcus's personal charitable efforts during COVID-19. The book emphasizes his political advocacy, showing how he wrote letters and raised awareness to persuade the British government to fund meals for families after schools shut down. One page mentions him working with charities and shows him handing out food, but the book focuses on his political activism so much that it doesn't share context or information about how he helped people in personal, sacrificial ways. He showed up instead of just telling powerful people to fix a problem, and I wish that the book had highlighted this important aspect of his service to others.

The book is also rather preachy about social issues. The double page spread of Marcus and his teammates kneeling before a match does nothing to advance the story, and it's not a significant social statement anymore either, since players in every major sport have been doing this for years. It seemed like the author was checking off a box to show how woke Marcus is, instead of focusing on the positive things he has done to actually make people's lives better.

I also found the ending rather patronizing: "And, as long as there is a cause worth fighting for, little Marcus will be there to give a helping hand. Because stars only become true heroes when they inspire others to stand together for what is right." I've read a lot of these books, and even though some of them might have used that adjective to describe their subjects, it's not something that I remember. "Little Marcus" seems like an insulting way to describe a twenty-five-year-old man, and I found it jarring.

Overall, this is a decent biography about a sports figure. I enjoyed learning about him, and I did more research online afterwards to fill in some of the gaps this book left. I think that he deserves better than this book gave him, but despite my critiques, this will appeal to many children who enjoy books about athletes and their lives outside of sports.

I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,467 reviews29 followers
September 16, 2022
WoW! Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara books must be one of the best little books to purchase for children, these are the best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists etc. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

This little book is about the incredible life of Marcus Rashford, the world-famous footballer and campaigner against childhood hunger.

When Marcus was a kid, he had a family that loved him and a talent for football. His mom, Melanie, worked long hours to provide for her family, but sometimes she would go without food herself to make sure that her children had enough to eat. With his mom's support, Marcus pursued his dreams and progressed through the youth academy at Manchester United Football Club. He worked hard and trained for years to reach the top of the game, making his debut in the Premier League in 2016. But no matter how successful he became, he never forgot where he came from and his experience as a hungry child. When schools were closed during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020, the situation left schoolchildren without free meals that they would have had. And so Marcus took it upon himself to lead a nation-wide campaign to ensure that no child would go without food

This enchanting book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the footballers life.

It's one book, you should definitely buy for your little readers so they can learn about this wonderful artist.

I am so glad these books are being published and I highly recommend all of these books

Big Thank you to netgalley and the Quarto Publishing Group for a free copy for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for karla_bookishlife.
1,208 reviews49 followers
August 26, 2022
You don't need to be a football fan to appreciate how amazing this book and Marcus Rashford are. What a superstar and what an amazing read. Marcus Rashford was born in humble beginnings and with the support of his mother and close family, he pursued his dream of football to become a rising star, even in the face of some horrible racist remarks from some people. as lockdown hit Marcus Rashford realised that many young people in receipt of free school meals would go hungry. Hungry children cannot pursue their dreams. Marcus raised money for a food charity to help support those children and worked alongside them to help feed thousands across the UK and raise awareness within the government so that extra money would go to the families in crisis. Marcus continues to be a voice for these children and families and continues to rise as a football player and be an incredible role model to children across the UK. This is a wonderful addition the the Little People, Big Dreams series with the amazing art work we know so well from the books. As per usual the book is short enough to read in one sitting to young kids and a great book for young readers to try out. My 9 year old finds these easy to read but adores the short biographies and colourful artwork. #MarcusRahford #Netgalley #MariaIsabelSanchezVegara #LittlePeopleBigDreams
Profile Image for Hana.
97 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2022
Another addition to the series of 'Little People, Big Dreams' books.

Whilst I enjoyed the book, overall I was a little disappointed with this entry. I appreciate that the text needs to be simple and you cannot include too much information for a book aimed at young children. However, I wish it had included more detail about his hard work to support children and communities. It made it seem like he wrote a letter and fixed a problem. He has continually campaigned to get politicians to extend the support and has not given up. I think this could have be included very simply and still keeping it age appropriate, to demonstrate his passion and determination even when met with opposition.

I'm British and know what an MBE is, not all people reading this book will. I think this could have been explained more to help the wider audience. Additionally, Marcus is a British football player but it is referred to as soccer in the text. I appreciate that this is what it is called elsewhere but I think the sport should be referred to as the person themselves would call it. If it was an American player, I would fully expect it to be called soccer. It could have said ‘He plays football, a sports others call soccer’.

As always, a well illustrated book that brings the text to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,814 reviews204 followers
August 23, 2022
Do you have a little soccer player in your home? Your family?

If so, you need to pick up this great book about a budding soccer player who made it to play for Manchester United.

One of the admiral things young people will learn from this book is that despite becoming a big soccer star, Marcus Rashford never forgot where he came from. They’ll read about his work with charities during the pandemic to ensure that families, like the one he came from, had food to eat. Kids need to see that yes, it’s wonderful to be a hero on the field, but it’s so much more important to be a hero off the field.

My 6 year old nephew read this story to me and it prompted so much conversation about the definition of a hero. We looked up YouTube videos and listened to/watched Marcus stressing how important it was to read. My nephew instantly went to the bookcase and took out a few books. He’s still sitting reading quietly while I prepare this review!

Cheers to another win for Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara! Kids will love this book about a little boy who had a dream and worked hard to achieve it.

I was gifted this advance copy by Quarto Publishing Group, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Carla.
8,019 reviews189 followers
November 12, 2022
Marcus Rashford is one of several sports heroes highlighted in this wonderful series for children. He was born in 1997 and before he was 6, it was apparent that he had a natural talent to play soccer. His mother was raising 5 children on her own, and although she worked hard, they often had to rely on food charities and school lunches to get healthy meals. As Marcus' abilities improved, he moved from a local team, to the youth academy and then onto the national team. When the pandemic hit, soccer was suspended, but Marcus used this time to work for a charity and convince the government to fund lunches while schools were closed, and provide food vouchers to families. He wanted to support family, friends and communities who had supported him when he was young and when he became a target for racism. Once again, the quirky illustrations are kid friendly and add to the story. I know I am not the only one who has not heard about this generous, conscientious sports hero that used his fame and his name to help others. A great book for school libraries, classrooms and public libraries.
9,786 reviews139 followers
June 9, 2022
Now, what did I laugh at the most about this entry to this series? The horrendous art? No, it was the horrendous woke wash it put on every aspect of the subject. Marcus Rashford, a player who was doing alright for his multi-millionaire self until he decided to pretend a Corona-hit government budget should be spent bailing everybody out, has never once had the form he had since he started his Rashford Rations campaign. It's only the sanctimonious "think as I think or else!" lefties who decided the scoffing directed him and the two other players of colour who flucked up their penalties at the Euros was entirely down to a small, racist minority. It wasn't. And don't get me started on the taking the knee nonsense, wherein eleven ignorant idiots kowtow, BLM fashion, for no benefit to anyone anywhere whatsoever except the woke, socialist media's own agenda.

Many are the brilliant entries to this series. This one should not see the inside of any school worthy of respect.
Profile Image for Ellie Dunne.
441 reviews3 followers
Read
September 11, 2022
This is the newest upcoming addition to the 'Little People Big Dreams' series and it didn't disappoint! I always appreciate it when these books focus on modern day figures- I know that my little brother at least also loves to learn about people that he can keep an eye out for in the media. I learned a lot about Marcus Rashford who I found really inspiring and previously knew next to nothing about despite seeing him all over social media. My only issue with this book was that football kept being referred to as 'soccer', which I found especially irritating as this book is about a British footballer- I just don't understand why the book was written this way. Regardless, this is probably one of my favourite in the series so far and I would really recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced ebook copy of this title!
Profile Image for J. d'Merricksson.
Author 12 books51 followers
April 29, 2023
Marcus Rashford by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara explores the life of this awesome athlete. From a young age, Rashford had a penchant for football (read soccer). With his family's support, he went to the youth academy of the Manchester United Football Club and by 2016, he'd hit the bug time.

During the beginning of the pandemic, Rashford led a campaign to ensure that school kids then at home still got the free meal they otherwise would have gotten. At the end is a section with more detailed information on Marcus Rashford's life, suitable for older readers. Inspirational and educational both, this entire series is great, and full of delightful art to engage younger audiences!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
5,727 reviews126 followers
August 24, 2022
I love the books in this series and always find something new in them.

This was a book that focused on a fairly new sporting legend - Marcus Rashford who has become more well known to some due to his campaign regarding school dinners and food for children. I knew who he was in terms of him being a footballer but I don't follow that sport and I was more aware from the changes he managed to push through government in pretty much a day - that is some influence!

The book has a little about his home life when he was younger and what gave him the passion and drive to do what he did for children in the Uk to make sure that they did not go hungry if it could be helped.

Lovely images and another great addition to the series - 4 stars from me for this one
Profile Image for Ancillar.
672 reviews58 followers
September 9, 2022
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is my first  Little People, BIG DREAMS book and I want to read all of them . The book tells the Marcus Rashford story from humble beginnings to international superstar on and off the field. The author highlights what kind of family he came from ( a loving and supportive family) and how his talent was honed from childhood. I loved the fact that we see his resilience, his hunger and his passion in the few pages. Every child and child at heart that has ever needed a sign to push on must read this book.

What I loved about the book: It's a children's book and I appreciate that it was written as so and that it is wonderfully illustrated .
2,714 reviews9 followers
August 19, 2022
Here is a new entry in this terrific series for kids. This time they will spend time with football/soccer star Marcus Rashford. Kids will see how he came to build an amazing sports career. What I think is equally impressive though is Rashford’s social conscience and desire to give back. I hope that readers will also be inspired by this aspect of his life.

This book has enticing illustrations that go so well with the text. As always, there are additional sections at the end of the book with more information.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this excellent title. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Emma Nelson.
222 reviews10 followers
August 23, 2022
Marcus Rashford is an excellent and joyful addition to the highly acclaimed Little People, Big Dreams series.

It details Rashford life story - which is quite some achievement considering he is still only 24 years old. I really did enjoy reading it - but from an English primary school teacher's perspective - I feel that there are things that have been missed out - there isn't any reference to Marcus's books that he has published - both fiction and nonfiction and I feel that as Marcus is British - the author should have written football - not soccer.
However, I still enjoyed the book and I am sure my class will love it too.
Profile Image for Pam.
10.3k reviews60 followers
September 11, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
This series introduces younger readers to current cultural heroes such as Rashford. Sanchez Vegara takes readers from Rashford's childhood through his compassion and push for justice during the pandemic by feeding Britain's children. The illustrations bring his passion for soccer to life as readers see him grow from a child learning the game to a hero of Great Britain's national team. The writing style is simple for elementary level readers to follow and also informative for older readers. I always look forward to seeing who will be added next to this series.
Profile Image for Wayne McCoy.
4,352 reviews33 followers
November 1, 2022
'Marcus Rashford' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Guilherme Karsten is an ebook for young readers about a football star.

Marcus Rashford grew up in a loving family. They did what they could, but sometimes there wasn't enough food. Marcus fell in love with soccer early and trained hard to be a member of Manchester United. When 2020 hit, Marcus remembered how hard it was to find food when he was younger and he worked to keep kids fed while schools were closed.

This is a great series, and I learned about an inspiring young man that I didn't know about. The illustrations are as unique as the people the books are about.
Profile Image for Ryan.
6,089 reviews33 followers
October 28, 2022
This is the soccer player I had never heard of until this book. He is relatively new having been born when I graduated high school. I loved that this book pointed out that not only was he a great soccer player, but an all-around great guy. During Covid lockdown, he helped ensure that children got fed and that on school holidays from now forward in England, children were fed. He used his celebrity, and his power to help others in need. I’m very excited to read this book and share it with others and show kids that they too at a young age can create great things.
Profile Image for Ann Cowling.
44 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2022
A nice book to help introduce children to the idea of there being role models in society. Social injustice and various social issues are covered sensitively and with a kind approach within this book.

Marcus Rashford has achieved a lot for his young age and will no doubt go on to achieve more. It is nice for children to be able to read about him in a book which adopts a fairly simple approach appropriate for the target demographic.
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,227 reviews23 followers
September 7, 2022
I love the Little People, Big Dreams series of books. This one is about Marcus Rashford, who is a football player from the UK. I was very interested to read about him and his life, and especially how he helped the children of the UK get access to free school meals when they needed them.

The book has lovely graphics and it is fun, colourful and interesting.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
121 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2022
I love this series of books and always find they sum up a persons achievements in enough detail that you know what they have achieved and how they are special but in a really accessible way and the brightly coloured graphics help. a well deserved book to celebrate Marcus and his rise from a difficult start in life to being a successful footballer and importantly how he helped feed children and made a massive impact during the covid 19 pandemic
Profile Image for Sharley.
610 reviews8 followers
September 11, 2022
This series never fails to disapoint and it is nice to finally have a subject that is appealing and so very relevant for my children in that they know exactly of the story that is being told so they can relate to it.
The illustrations and colours used are enticing and draw in any child but I can't help wonder if because this is such recent history whether the book is really telling my children anything they dont already know??
I still love it and think it still provides an important message.
Profile Image for Teresa Gardner.
46 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2022
A great book about someone modern. Marcus was brought up in a poor household but felt rich from his family love. He scored 2 goals in his debut game.
During the pandemic he helped families who would have struggled to eat, even writing a letter to the government telling them, they needed to do something about it.

My only issue with this book was that football kept being referred to as 'soccer', which I found especially irritating as this book is about a British footballer.
Profile Image for Bethany.
1,211 reviews20 followers
May 16, 2023
I'm not a soccer fan, so had never heard of this kid. I like that we mix in some modern heroes with the old classics in this series so the current affairs clueless like myself can be made aware. Anyhoo, my kids instantly recognized the face masks in this book as Covid-19.... what does that tell us? I appreciate that Marcus worked hard and used his "position" for good, and I imagine he'll do even more great things in his life.
Profile Image for Danielle.
414 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2022
I love that the Little People, Big Dreams books are publishing books about people that have accomplished their goals so recently and are so young. I think it really gives kids role models to look up too.
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.
Profile Image for Rahila S.V..
Author 1 book12 followers
September 26, 2022
A beautiful mini-biography of world renowned player, Marcus Rashford. Detailing his life and how he patiently went through life's struggles and worked really hard to become what he is. Having a heart of gold and never forgetting his humble beginnings, he still strives to provide for those in need. A hero not only in soccer, but also in real life. My 10 year old loved the book.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,174 reviews
October 5, 2022
Marcus Rashford Little People Big Dreams...
LPBD is my Favorite series of non fiction kids books for both kids for both kids and adults!
They are always excellent quality; cover, binding, and paper; & beautifully illustrated! Fun facts and we always learn something!
We also really like the time lines in the back of the books!
Profile Image for Lauren Sparks.
243 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2023
I love these books but this one has a very special place in our hearts ❤️

Seeing Marcus’ life and achievements written and drawn is fantastic and the illustrations capture him and his family perfectly!

We loved this one and have bought the physical copy for our collection. And an brilliant addition it is to this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews