Leo Messi (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Little People, Big Dreams Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (200)
What’s inside...
Zahra sees the world in vivid color, associating different emotions with different hues. However, she struggles with mixed feelings about the color of her skin due to comments from schoolmates, despite her mother's encouragement to be proud. 'The Proudest Color', created by a diverse team and based on extensive research, serves as a sensitive and timely introduction to the topics of race, racism, and racial pride.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Lionel Messi's passion for soccer help him overcome challenges in his life?
What qualities do you think make Messi a good team player and leader?
How did Messi's family and friends support his dreams? Can you think of ways we support each other's dreams in our family?
Messi faced many obstacles on his way to success; how do you think he felt during tough times, and what kept him going?
What have you learned from Messi's story that you can apply to your own life or goals?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read the story with your child, emphasize the perseverance and dedication Messi showed, relating it to challenges your child might face in their activities.
Discuss the importance of practice and hard work in achieving one's dreams, and tie it back to Messi’s consistent efforts despite his setbacks.
Highlight the role of Messi’s support system, encouraging your child to think about who their supporters are and how they can actively support others.
Encourage your child to talk about their own dreams and ambitions, and discuss steps they can take to follow through on them, inspired by Messi’s journey.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The story of Leo Messi highlights his journey from a young boy with health challenges to a world-renowned soccer player, emphasizing his unwavering dedication and hard work.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by consistently working hard and not giving up on their dreams, be it in academics, sports, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of passion
Explanation: Messi's love for soccer is evident from an early age in the book, showing how his passion drove him to succeed despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to identify what they are passionate about and pursue it actively, understanding that enjoyment can be a powerful motivator.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Messi’s career at Barcelona highlights how teamwork and collaboration with others lead to greater success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects, sports teams, or family activities, fostering a sense of community and shared goals.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity
Explanation: Messi’s health issues and his smaller stature were significant challenges that he overcame through resilience, a key theme in the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that obstacles and setbacks can be overcome with determination and resilience, encouraging them to tackle their own challenges with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Setting goals
Explanation: Leo Messi's story demonstrates how setting clear, achievable goals was crucial for his development and success on the soccer field.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to set realistic goals for themselves and understand the steps needed to achieve them, helping them gain a sense of accomplishment and direction.