Cover Image: Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt

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Member Reviews

I remember Usain Bolt running in the Olympics but didn’t realise it was such a long time ago now. He was inspirational then but even more so since reading this book. I didn’t realise that he’s got a curved spine making one of his legs longer than the other, so definitely not a model for an Olympic gold medallist! I remember his famous poses after winning his races and always looked forward to watching him perform in any competition. Something I didn’t know was that he’s set up a foundation to inspire children to reach for their dreams and has donated equipment to classrooms across Jamaica and supports track and field events at his old school!

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Lovely read about the very popular Usain Bolt. Gives a well-pitched and accessible look at his life before and during his Olympic success.

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In this series of picture book biographies, the format is similar to that of a fictional picture book. Half of the text focuses on the subjects’ youth, the other half on their achievements as adults, which makes sense since most of them are fairly young.

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Usain Bolt is an icon and someone I grew up knowing about, but my daughter had never heard of him and I was floored! This book sparked her interest in him and was a wonderful introduction to such an inspiring human.

We know him as the fastest man alive and as a love able athlete who is charitable and full of life, but I didn’t know he started running after his high school coach redirected him to that sport from cricket! I also didn’t fully understand all that Usain overcame to break his records.

The book not only focuses on his wins and achievements, but teaches a valuable lesson: “success requires more than natural talent; it demands effort, discipline, and dedication.”

This is another gorgeous addition to the beloved Little People, Big Dreams series and one we cannot wait to add to our home library!

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Thank you NetGalley for an advanced ecopy for an honest review

I watched Usain Bolt in the Olympics, and getting to read this to my kids, they loved it. I loved that there was a lesson in their about working hard to make your dreams come true

Easy text, colourful pages.

Will definitely be getting a physical copy and then adding this to our home library.

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Well done! Yes, I am an adult. Yes, I enjoyed this book. Although not a person that follows any sports, I have heard of Usain Bolt. As a grandparent, I believe in reading to children and supplying good books when they can read it themselves. I loved learning more about his story. The pictures are great. The story is even better. It is short, precise and I loved the recommendation at the end of the book that offers a chance to learn more about him.

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Another great addition to the Little People Big Dreams series! I enjoyed seeing the depiction of events that I remember from years past, and learning about the years leading up to them. I think this book will be inspiring for young readers and help them believe they are capable of doing similar great things.

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Book 072 of 300 ~ 2024

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Usain Bolt is cray cray talented and yet appears to be such a humble down to earth fella. Kinda reminds me of Shaq.

It's interesting to know his passion is cricket and wasn't till later that he focussed on sprinting.

As always, great storytelling for kids and adults alike. I love this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Pros: I adore the Little People Big Dreams series of children's books and find myself requesting each one on NetGalley because I end up learning something from them. The attention to detail in the illustrations of each book is always impressive and shows the care given to each subject. Specifically to this book about Usain Bolt, I loved learning about how Bolt became the Olympic gold medalist he is known to be. I did not know anything about his upbringing or his path to being an Olympic champion before reading this book.

Cons: None! I can't wait to read more in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the opportunity to read this book.

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As usual, this series brought up so many interesting people. And Usain is interesting. He's not a well-known person until he broke his record, but of course, there's a story behind each accomplishment, his story is a good lesson-learnt one. What kids usually lazy at, sometimes made them failed hard.

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Another lovely inspiring Little People, Big Dreams book, and honestly I'm kind of surprised Usain Bolt didn't already have one! Having now heard the story of his early life, he's an even more inspiring person than I realised. I didn't know about his medical condition, or that he hadn't actually wanted to run at first. The colourful illustrations as always were beautiful, and super bright. Very engaging for young readers and I think this was a particularly inspirational one. Loved it!

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This is another nice biography for children to enjoy. I have been impressed with other books in this series, and while this was is well done, the illustrations were less impressive.

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I found it very hard to rate children's books so everything is a 5 star read for me!!
I really loved this book, the illustrations are so beautiful and captivating that I found myself smiling through every page I read.
Amazing book and amazing story of life. Also, this book collection is amazing! Can't wait to read the all!!

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I learned a lot of Usain Bolt in this book as an adult. I didn’t know very much about him prior to reading this. I think this is a great book for classrooms and homes to educate kids on an important figure like Usain Bolt. The illustrations are engaging and the sentences and words are great for kids. I highly recommend this book!

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Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.

Oh, little Usain must be very proud of himself!

It was very nice to know a little bit more about him, his story, his background and his struggles.

It is amazing how far he went and everything he achieved! Literally the best athlete ever!

Thanks a lot for this book!

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"Usain Bolt" by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is a compelling addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series. With charming illustrations and accessible language, young readers are introduced to the incredible journey of Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth. This book not only celebrates Bolt's remarkable athletic achievements but also highlights his determination, hard work, and positive mindset. Through Bolt's story, children are inspired to chase their dreams and never give up, no matter the obstacles they may face. Sanchez Vegara's narrative and engaging artwork make Bolt's story accessible and captivating for children of all ages. "Usain Bolt" is a wonderful addition to any child's library, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons.

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As with the rest of the Little People Big Dreams series, this book did not disappoint.

I read this book with my children, the story kept their attention and prompted them to ask questions.

The narrative was simple yet provided enough detail for children to gain a good insight into the life of Usain Bolt.

The artwork is beautifully done, colourful and in keeping with the rest of the series.

Another enjoyable book which will definitely be added to the collection once published

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Another installment in the fabulous Little People Big Dreams series sees the life of Usain Bolt told and illustrated for a young audience. Beautiful artwork alongside text perfectly pitched at the target age range as usual.

I particularly liked how the book focused on never giving up - after a medical diagnosis, Bolt continued to work hard and achieved his dreams.

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This is such a successful series of mini biographies, Little People, Big Dreams with inspiring stories of lives that can lift our young children’s imaginations.

You might think they’d be a shortage of new subjects to take the books forward. You might think that celebrity has become the focus as sports stars and pop idols fill the pages.

I wondered if this was happening when I picked up Usain Bolt a charismatic sprinter and Olympic gold medalist across three games.

When I read his story I saw how quickly adults might judge where children absorb simple aspects and find encouragement.

Usain loved sport and found joy and reward in running. The prompting of a coach and the support his school set him on his way. However the young athlete had some hard lessons to learn to find ultimate success and personal medical issues.

Simple text and vivid, colourful illustrations complete the piece and are the hallmark of these unique books.

I have learned about Usain Bolt and my grandson has further been influenced reading this story along with me.

The measure of a human being perhaps is how someone deals with their fame and success. The foundations and resources he has established in his home island of Jamaica are a credit to him and a true measure of the man.

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Usain Bolt by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vergara is a great, age appropriate way for children to learn about Usain Bolt. I love how this book not only talks about his achievements, but also qualities that helped him achieve them like discipline. I love the entire series of Little People Big Dreams. I would have a whole library of these books for a small child. They teach children about public figures, but also go into other important qualities like being a friend, generous and helping. The illustrations are great too!

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