Little People, Big Dreams Books in Order

Mary Kom grows up in rural India with a love of sport, then discovers boxing. This illustrated biography follows her determination to compete despite doubts about girls in the ring, and her efforts to support other young athletes.

Young Rafa Nadal develops a talent for tennis under his uncle’s coaching. This illustrated biography follows his dedication to training, his rise through professional competition and his persistence through injuries and setbacks on the court.

Sally Ride’s enthusiasm for science leads her to study physics and apply to NASA’s astronaut program. This illustrated biography follows her journey into space and her later work encouraging children to explore science through better educational opportunities.

Young Salvador Dalí discovers artistic movements that encourage him to see the world differently. This illustrated biography follows his training and development as a surrealist painter, exploring how he pursues an individual style despite other people’s doubts.

A visit to a gym introduces young Simone Biles to the sport that will shape her life. This illustrated biography follows her gymnastics career and her advocacy for mental health, showing how ambition and self-care can coexist.

Young Stan Lee loves reading and making up stories before finding work at a comic book publisher. This illustrated biography follows his development as a writer and his role in creating superheroes whose flaws make them recognizably human.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift falls in love with country music and begins writing her own songs. This illustrated biography follows her early recordings, move into pop and commitment to telling stories through music.

As a child tending yaks near the Himalayas, Tenzing Norgay dreams of climbing the mountains above him. This illustrated biography follows his work on expeditions and his determined journey toward Everest’s summit with Edmund Hillary.

Young Usain Bolt’s speed catches his coach’s attention in Jamaica. This illustrated biography follows his athletic training, his response to physical challenges and his rise to record-breaking sprinting, alongside his efforts to help other children pursue their ambitions.

After struggling to find satisfying work, Vincent van Gogh receives encouragement from his brother Theo to become an artist. This illustrated biography follows his dedication to painting and the personal feelings he expresses through his distinctive pictures.

Harry Styles grows up loving performance, singing with friends before entering a television talent competition. This illustrated biography follows his time in One Direction, his solo career and his encouragement of kindness, creativity and individual expression.

Katherine Johnson’s early talent for mathematics flourishes despite segregation limiting her schooling. This illustrated biography follows her education and work in the American space program, where her calculations help make pioneering missions possible.

Playing football with her family leads Mary Earps to discover a talent for goalkeeping. This illustrated biography follows her pursuit of a professional career, international success and efforts to give girls equal opportunities in the sport.

Growing up around professional sport, Patrick Mahomes develops a passion for football and becomes a quarterback. This illustrated biography follows his sporting journey, emphasis on teamwork and charitable efforts to create opportunities for children.

Young Roald Dahl loves reading and sweets but finds school difficult. This illustrated biography follows his adventures, wartime flying and development as a children’s author, while also addressing the harm caused by his antisemitic remarks.

When famine forces William Kamkwamba to leave school in Malawi, he keeps learning at the library. This illustrated biography follows his efforts to build a windmill from discarded materials and bring power and water to his community.

Young Yayoi Kusama turns vivid experiences of the world into art, despite her parents’ disapproval. This illustrated biography follows her development of dot-filled paintings and installations, alongside her openness about mental health and commitment to creating.