New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the incredible life of Maria Montessori, the pioneering teacher and researcher, in this inspiring true story of her life. Maria grew up in Italy at a time when girls didn`t receive an equal education to boys. But Maria`s mother was supportive of her dreams, and Maria went on to study medicine. She later became an early years expert – founding schools with her revolutionary educational theories and changing the lives of many children.