biography for 9 year olds

Living Well + Learning Well

with Alicia Hutchinson

100+ Beautiful Biographies Your Kids Will Love

73   95 100+ Biographies for Kids

This post was originally posted in 2014 with 73 biographies and there been TONS more biographies for kids published since then. As I added to our library, I updated this post again in 2018. I gave this post a THIRD revision in 2020 to add in even more amazing biographies for kids! Here’s the updated list, categorized for easy searching and saving.

Biographies for Kids: Scientists + Mathematicians to Admire

• The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbably Life of Paul Erdos  by Deborah Heiligman

2. Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne

3. The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter

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4.  Rosie Revere, Engineer  by Andrea Beaty

5.   Who Says Women Can’t be Doctors: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone

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6.  Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein by Don Brown

7. Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit up the World by Elizabeth Rusch

8. Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed our Lives by Gene Berretta

9. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

10. On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne

11. Summer birds: the Butterflies of Maria Marion by Margarita Engle

12. Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci by Joseph D’Agnese

13. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of James John Audubon by Jacqueline Davies

14. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

15. Caroline’s Comets: A True Story by Emily Arnold McCully

16. Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness by Donna Janell Bowman

17. Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer  by Robert Burleigh

18. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin  by  Julia Finley Mosca 

19. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World  by  Rachel Ignotofsky

Artists + Musicians to Learn About

20. When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Munoz Ryan

21. Mr Cornell’s Dream Boxes by Jeanette Winter

22. Ella Fitzgerald : The Tale of a Vocal Virtuoso by Andrea Pinkney

23. The Iridescence of Birds: Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLaughlan

24. A Splash of Red: the Life and Art of Horace Pippin  by Jen Bryant

25. Duke Ellington: the Piano Prince and his Orchestra  by Andrea Davis Pinkney

26. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell

27. Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter

28. Becoming Bach by Tom Leonard

29. Viva Frieda by  Yuyi Morales

30. Prairie Boy: Frank Lloyd Wright Turns the Heartland into a Home  by Barb Rosenstock

31. Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle

Biographies for Kids: Heroes from History

29. Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Everything by Maira Kalman

30. To Dare Mighty Things: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt by Doreen Rappaport

31. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candice Fleming

32. Amelia lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candice Fleming

33. The Lincoln’s: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary  by Candace Fleming

34. Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

35. What to do about Alice? by Barbara Kerley

36. Elizabeth Leads the Way by Tanya Lee Stone

37. Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley

38. Leif the Lucky  by Ingri Daulaire

39. Columbus  by Ingri Daulaire

41. George Washington by Ingri Daulaire

42. Benjamin Franklin by Ingri Daulaire

43. Buffalo Bill  by Ingri Daulaire

44. Abraham Lincoln  by Ingri Daulaire

45. Bard of Avon:William Shakespeare  by Diane Stanley

46. Leonardo Davinci by Diane Stanley

47. Good Queen Bess by Dianne Stanley

48. Peter the Great by Dianne Stanley

49. Cleopatra by Diane Stanley

50. Along Came Galileo  by Jeanne Bendick

51. Joan of Arc: Warrior Saint by Jay Williams

52. Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock

53. Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta

54. Eleanor by Barbara Cooney

55. A Boy Named FDR  by Kathleen Krull

56. Alexander the Great by John Gunther

57. George Washington’s World by Genevieve Foster

58. The World of Captain John Smith by Genevieve Foster

59. The World of Christopher Columbus and Sons by Genevieve Foster

60. Augustus Caesar’s World by Genevieve Foster

61. Abraham Lincoln’s World by Genevieve Foster

62. Louis and Clark: Explorer’s of the American West by Steven Kroll

63. Encounter by Jane Yolen

64. Picture Book of Daniel Boone by David Adler

65. The Secret Subway by Shana Corey

66. Abraham by Frank Keating

67. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford

68. Brave Clara Barton by Frank Murphy

69. Teedie: The Story of Young Teddy Roosevelt by Don Brown

70. The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans  by Barbara E. Walsh

71. First Mothers  by Beverly Gherman

72. Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford

73. Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero  by Marissa Moss

74. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson

75. Before She was Harriet   by  Lesa Cline-Ransome 

76. Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  by  Doreen Rappaport 

77. Nelson Mandela   by  Kadir Nelson

78. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History  by Vashti Harrison

Biographies about Writers

79. The Boy on Fairfield street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Suess by Kathleen Krull

80. Louisa: the Life of Louisa May Alcott  by Yona Zeldis McDonough

82. Noah Webster and his Words  by Jeri Chase Ferris

81. Going Solo by Roald Dahl

83. The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant

84. Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

85. The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome

86. Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel

87. Malala’s Magic Pencil  by  Malala Yousafzai 

Biographies for Kids About Amazing Athletes

88. Ali an American Champion by Barry Denenburg

90. Brothers at Bat by Audrey Vernick

91. The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game  by Nancy Churnin

92. Charlie Takes His Shot: How Charlie Sifford Broke the Color Barrier in Golf   by Nancy Churnin

93. Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win   by  Rachel Ignotofsky 

Too Cool for Categories: Everyday Folks Who Made a Extraordinary Impact

94. Mr. Ferris and his Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis

95. Iggy Peck, Architect  by Andrea Beaty

96. The Story of Johnny Appleseed  by Aliki

97. The Fairy Ring: Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World by Mary Losure

98. The Great and Only Barnum by Candice Fleming

99. Bon appétit! The Delicious Life of Julia Childs  by Jessie Hartland

100. Daredevil: the Daring Life of Betty Skelton  by Meghan Macarthy

101. Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi

102. Here come the Girl Scouts by Shana Correy

103. The Man who Walked Between the Towers by Mordecai Gernstein

104. Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet

105. Pocket Full of Colors:  The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire by Amy Guglielmo

106. Manjhi Moves a Mountain

107. Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

108. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God 

109. Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Dee Romito

110. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

My hope is that, as a result of this big ol’ list, you and your children will discover amazing people whose stories should be continued to be shared. Most of all, I want my kids to know that reading and continuing to read will keep expanding their world!

YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

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• 36 of the Best Children’s + Young Adults Books Made into Movies
• Colonial Life Books + Resources
• Building a Book List for your Homeschool Year
• Our Huge List of Books for the Middle Ages

23 Comments

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Great list!

Additional picture book biographies that we’ve enjoyed: Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre & His World of Insects by Matthew Clark Smith The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating Pippo the Fool by Tracey Fern

This list is fantastic! I order the biographies for our library and we were missing several of these. You know it’s a good list when the library already has most of the books and they are regularly checked out!

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This looks like an awesome list! However please note that Rosie Revere Engineer is NOT a biography. It’s a wonderful book about a little girl who wants to be an engineer, but it is NOT about Rosie the Riveter. There is an implication that the character’s great great aunt is the riveter but this is not a biography. Thank you very much for this list, it’s super helpful!

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Thank you so much! I love getting my kids biographies! Great looking list!

This is a goldmine! Thanks so much for compiling this list Alicia! My little bookworm will thank you for this. xo emily

This is incredible! I am always on the hunt for book list and adding in some biographies would be such an excellent learning tool. Like you, life fascinates me and I love reading about them!

http://www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com

My daughter's class does a book report a month. She has done mysteries, but this month she will be reading the story of olympic gymnast Shaun Johnson. Callie is a gymnast as well (a newcomer)and I love that she will be reading about one of her heroes. You have compiled a great list. Makes me truly miss teaching reading.

Love this list! I'm looking for books to steer my kids to. 😉

Oh how I nerdily love this list! My girls have been reading a lot of biographies about people in the Revolutionary War and they have been loving them! Hooray for raising future biography nerds!!

Love love love this post! Thank you!

What a fun list'. We haven't really done much biography reading at all. This list will be a great place to start!

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Top 10 Biography And Autobiography Books for 9-12 Year Olds

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20 Biography Books For Kids To Help Them Dream Big

Brandie DeRusha

With her MA in English from Rutgers University-Camden, Brandie spends her days chasing around her toddlers and writing. She loves to pair wine with her reading; preferably a Brontë, or an Elliot, or a Woolf novel. Depending on the mood. She currently lives in Florida with her husband, two kids and furry beast.

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Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, I forgot how to dream for my life. It was in between those “you can do anything you put your mind to” platitudes from my mother, to “you’ll never make any money if you get a degree in art” realities — also from my mother. As a good child, I believed everything people would say about my potential. If I expressed interest in writing or journalism, they would scoff at me that it was “too hard” for me; if it was acting or dancing, it was “too competitive.” Clearly it was confusing and sent me into an adolescent identity crisis. Who could I be if I couldn’t be who I was?

Now, as a grown up and a mother, I realize that in order to live our truth…we must follow our curiosity. We must embrace our curiosity. We must be allowed to explore. To get things wrong. To find out how we individually interpret the world around us. That will help us make the world a better place.

Thankfully, the way has been paved before us by millions of amazing people who refused to internalize the negative messages about their dreams. People who were so into what they were doing that nothing else mattered except that one thing. Who knew that what their heart was saying was the way without someone’s expectations of them.

Here are stories of 20 people who made their own way and changed not only their lives but ours. 20 stories of people who followed their curiously, followed their love, and led the way for us to be a better society. These 20 biography books for kids can help your kids dream big.

20 of the Best Biography Books for Kids

The Story of Harriet Tubman by Christine Platt

Before she became known for her fight to free people from enslavement, she was a little girl who was sad to see her family be separated. Tubman is going to be a key person in most kids’ history classes — so this book also gives a timeline of her life, with age appropriate discussion questions. And if you love this, the series also has Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Benjamin Franklin biographies, and more.

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Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant and Boris Kulikov

This picture book biography tells the story of how Louis Braille lost his sight and invented an alphabet. Young Braille wanted nothing more than to be able to read after an accident causes him to lose his eyesight. His invention gave blind kids all over the world a new way to navigate a world that wasn’t made for them. This book is not only inspiring, it shows children that everyone is capable of doing good things.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne and Éric Puybaret

Once there was a boy named Jacques. He loved to explore the oceans. This whimsical and poetic biography of Jacques Cousteau will inspire kids to follow their explorer natures, as well as help them realize that every person who has made history started as a kid with curiosity.

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote by Tanya Lee Stone and Rebecca Gibbon

From a young age, Elizabeth understood that things weren’t equal in her life. How could only a few people have the right to vote? Voting is the foundation of our democracy. So she went to college, gathered like-minded friends, and made their statements, not stopping until women in the United States won the Right to Vote. She was a girl who saw a problem, and grew up to find the solution.

Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonya Sotomayor and Lulu Delacre

The first Latina on the Supreme Court, Sonya Sotomayor recollects her life and the steps that brought her there. For her, it was books. Books helped her cope with difficulties in her life, connect with her roots, and helped her see that her future was full of possibilities. In her autobiography, Sotomayor encourages kids everywhere to read, dream, and puzzle for themselves.

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kera Ascoet

As a girl, Malala wished for a magic pencil. A tool she could use to make everyone happy. To make the world around her a little brighter. As she got older she realized that even if she didn’t have a magic pencil, she could still work hard to make the world a better place. Told in a way that’s appropriate to children, we learn about the struggles that Malala faced to follow her dreams and how even then she held onto a hope for a better future for herself and her friends.

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People by Monica Brown and Julie Paschkis

Sometimes people create with paint, but for a little boy in a city in Chile, words were better. Pablo wrote poems about all the things he loved. Things he found in nature, things his friends made, and the things he found at the marketplace. He wrote about the people of Chile, their struggles and passions. It all started with a little boy who loved to paint with words.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle and Rafael López

Millo Castro Zaldarriaga dreamed of drumming. However, girls weren’t allowed to drum on her little island. She dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. One day, she decided to follow her dream — what happened next when her bright music was heard was magic: people dancing and singing and deciding that boys and girls can make music. Showing that both boys and girls can be free to drum and dream, Millo’s story is an inspiration for children everywhere.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and George Ford

Ruby was just a normal 6-year-old until she was chosen to be the first Black person to be enrolled in an all white elementary school. A lot of people didn’t like that idea and said some mean and threatening things. Ruby did what she was told to do, and went to school anyway. How does a little girl change the world? By being brave in the face of racism and injustice.

A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russel-Brown and Laura Freeman

How did a quiet and shy girl from Detroit become the Queen of Soul and the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? She stayed true to herself and her ideals by refusing to play for segregated audiences and never forgetting her roots. She stood up for what was right. Aretha Franklin proved that with passion, perseverance, and R-E-S-P-E-C-T, you can do anything.

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician by Lesa Cline-Ransome and Raúl Colón

When NASA used mathematicians called “human computers,” one woman stood out among them all. Katherine Johnson was integral in getting John Glen around the world, helping men walk on the moon, and getting Apollo 13 home safely. This book is for girls who love numbers — who don’t let problems stand in the way from the work.

Vincent Can’t Sleep by Barb Rosenstock and Mary Grandpre

Vincent Can’t Sleep is the story of how one of the most beloved and creative artists found his inspiration. When Vincent Van Gogh couldn’t sleep, he’d walk during the night, giving him the inspiration for his famous painting Starry Night . With lovely poetic writing, it tells kids to follow their passion, even if they don’t see the return in their lifetime. (Maybe wait to walk outside at night alone until after they’ve grown up, though.)

Magic Ramen by Andrea Wang and Kana Urbanowicz

“Peace follows a full stomach,” thought Momofuko Ando while working in his lab to find a quick, easy, and tasty way of making ramen soup. He wanted to help those in the long daily lines for soup after WWII. This is the story of one man, his commitment to his cause, and the world’s most popular “easy soup.”

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson and Christian Robinson

Florence was a little girl who loved to sing. She also loved her parents, who were formerly enslaved. So when her beautiful singing and dancing inspired patrons and playwrights alike, she knew that she wouldn’t be happy without standing up to the injustice that she saw daily.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley

“Disagreeing does not make you disagreeable” was something that young Ruth Bader Ginsberg had to learn. This book is the first picture book of Ginsberg’s life. Kids get to see how one girl who stood up for what she believed and became the most beloved Supreme Court justice.

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos by Stephanie Roth Sisson

“The Earth and every living thing are made of star stuff.” —Carl Sagan. As a boy, Carl Sagan loved learning about the stars. His trip to the 1939 World’s Fair opened up the universe to Carl. A boy who was captured by the wonder of the cosmos became a man who would launch satellites and teach the world about the stars.

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls

Sometimes being told you can’t do a thing gives you all the incentive to do it more, especially if EVERYONE thinks you can’t. Emmanuel Ofosu Yepoah only had one leg — and this is the true story of how he biked across the entire country of Ghana (almost 400 miles!) and went on change the way many people in his country thought about people with disabilities.

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Vernick and Don Tate

Effa Manley loved baseball. She loved to go Yankee Stadium and see Babe Ruth swing for the fences. Soon she became her own hero by becoming the manager and owner of the Newark Eagles. Effa was the first (and only) woman inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame, because of her work with the Eagles. From a girl growing up in Philly to a Hall of Famer, Manley shows us how to swing for the fences.

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix by Gary Golio and Javaka Steptoe

Can someone paint pictures with sound? Jimi was a normal kid who loved to paint and listen to music. This is the story of a kid who interpreted the world in his own unique way, and over time learned how to weave music and imagery to become one of the most influential people in the world.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora

Mary Walker was born into slavery. She had her first child at the age of 20, lived through a Civil War and two World Wars, and worked many many jobs. Finally, at the young age of 116, Mary Walker learned how to read, proving that it is never too late to follow your dreams and also recognize how incredible life can be.

Want even more after reading this list? Check out historical fiction classics for kids and these picture book biographies of Black leaders and creatives.

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Best biographies and autobiographies for children

Our world and our history are full of inspiring people and their stories. Through biographies and autobiographies for children those stories are brought to life with captivating imagery, memorable anecdotes and age-appropriate honesty. Young readers today have access to a huge number of wonderful biographical titles and collections, so whether your child would like to read about singers, sufragists or scientists you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

Biographical stories inspire the next generation

According to a new survey of 1,000 UK children aged 6‐16, when asked “Who, if anyone, would you most like to be when you grow up?” one quarter (25%) of young people answered that they’d like to be a scientist, closely followed by athlete (17%) and artist or designer (16%).

Three‐quarters of respondents agree they want a career in which they can be creative, with a further 73% stating they want a career where they can help people. Just under a fifth (16%) stated they would like to be an environmentalist or climate change activist.

‘ Young people today are often accused of only wanting fame and fortune ,' says Katie Cotton, Group Publisher for the Little People, BIG DREAMS books at the Quarto Group. 'I’m delighted that this research has shown something that we know already: they’re more inspired by people working hard to make a difference in our world .’  

Our favourite biographies and autobiographies for kids

Boy: Tales of Childhood  by Roald Dahl

(£6.99, Puffin)

Roald Dahl's best-selling autobiography, which covers his childhood years, is packed with sad, idyllic, funny, unpleasant and incredibly vivid stories. The perfect autobiography read for primary school children (who will also enjoy the sequel, Going Solo ).

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician  by Lesa Cline-Ransome

(£13, Simon & Schuster)

An informative and inspiring picture book biography of the remarkable mathematician Katherine Johnson, one of the NASA "human computers" whose work was critical to the first US space launch in the 1960s. 

Becoming: Adapted for Younger Readers by Michelle Obama

(£14.99, Puffin)

Adapted for children aged 10+, with a special introduction. Michelle Obama's life story, "in all its messy glory", encourages readers to think about their own life and how they will become themselves as they grow up and keep growing and changing.

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille  by Jen Bryant

(£13.99, Random House)

When Louis Braille lost his sight as a child there were no books for him to read. And so he invented his own alphabet that could be read by touch, a system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today. A beautiful picture book portrait of one of the world's greatest inventors.

Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo  by Lucy Brownridge

(£10.99, Wide Eyed Editions)

A colourful, thoughtful art book for children, telling the story of Mexican artist's Frida Kahlo's life through her masterpieces. The text is accompanied by stunning, detail-packed original imagery from award-winning illustrator Sandra Dieckmann. 

Greta's Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went On Strike To Save The Planet  by Valentina Camerini

(£6.99, Simon & Schuster)

On 20 August 2018 fifteen-year-old Greta Thunberg didn't attend school but went on strike in front of Sweden’s parliament building. This KS2 biography introduces children to the climate activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who has inspired millions with her campaign.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

(£6.99, Harper Collins Children’s Books)

Judith Kerr's semi-autobiographical classic fictionalises her Jewish family's experiences of escaping Nazi Germany in the days before WWII. Told from the point of view of ten year old Anna, this account of life as a child refugee is extremely moving and highly recommended.

The Extraordinary Life of Alan Turing by Michael Lee Richardson

Alan Turing started life as a quiet boy who loved maths and become a mathematician and codebreaker who helped save millions of lives in the Second World War by building a machine to decode secret enemy messages. The Extraordinary Lives series profiles modern and historical figures and is packed with figures and illustrations.

Emmeline (First Names)  by Haydn Kaye

(£6.99, David Fickling Books)

The First Names series of biographies is designed for young readers and packed with illustrations. Emmeline brings Emmeline Pankhurst's fight to get the vote for British women to life with witty, engaging details (including why she hated school, the fact she took lessons in stone throwing and what she thought when her daughter spat at a policeman!).

David Attenborough (Little People, BIG DREAMS)  by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara  

(£9.99, Frances Lincoln Children's Books)

A boy who spent hours in the library and created his own mini animal museum became the world's most famous broadcaster and conservationist, and this is his story. All the Little People, BIG DREAMS books are beautifully illustrated and packed with fascinating details about inspiring individuals from all walks of life.

Malala's Magic Pencil  by Malala Yousafzai

(£7.99, Puffin)

In this warm picture book read for KS1 the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize tells her inspiring, brave story and encourages children to believe in themselves and recognise that their voices can make a difference. The illustrations are gorgeous and make the difficult subject matter very accessible for younger kids.

The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II  by Michael Rosen

(£6.99, Walker Books)

A personal, sensitive account of the Holocaust by one of the UK's best-loved children’s authors, Michael Rosen. Through prose, poetry, maps and pictures he shares the true story of his search for the relatives who “went missing” during the Second World War and the shocking and heart-breaking information he uncovered.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark  by Debbie Levy

(£12.99, Simon & Schuster)

US Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her life disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book explains what she achieved through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.

The Diary of Anne Frank (Abridged for young readers)  by Anne Frank

(£7.99, Puffin)

This abridged edition offers younger readers their first introduction to the extraordinary diary of an ordinary girl. With beautiful line drawings, family photographs and an afterword to explain why the Diary ends so abruptly, this version of one of the world's most widely known books is suitable for younger children who want to read Anne's words for themselves.

The Story of Marie Curie: A Biography Book for New Readers by Susan B Katz 

(£5.08, Rockridge Press)

Marie Curie was told she couldn't be a researcher because she was a woman but she is now recognised as one of the most celebrated scientists in history, who changed the world with her discoveries in physics and chemistry. Colour illustrations, a glossary and a quiz present the details of her life in bite-sized chunks for newly-confident readers.

Through My Eyes  by Ruby Bridges 

(£13, Scholastic Press)

In November 1960, the world watched as six-year-old Ruby Bridges joined an an all-white school and faced angry mobs of parents who refused to send their children to school with her. An icon of the civil rights movement, in Through My Eyes Ruby writes for children and chronicles each dramatic step of this pivotal event in history in her own words.

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20 fantastic picture book biographies for kids

I love all kinds of picture books, but I particularly love picture book biographies for kids where the life of someone famous is brought to life with spectacular illustrations, interesting and surprising stories, and just enough information.

I’ve been collecting my favorite picture book biography titles for months and am so happy to share some of them with you today (you better believe there are more coming in the next several months – the list is way too long for one post!).

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens I’d never heard of Eugenie Clark before this book, but I was immediately fascinated by her story. She fell in love with sharks at an early age when she saw them at an aquarium and wanted to know everything she could about them. But many people thought sharks were ugly, terrifying creatures. Plus, women shouldn’t be scientists anyway. Eugenie spent her life proving the naysayers wrong, both abut sharks and female scientists. (Also check out Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang, illustrated by Jordi Solano).

John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler I’m certainly familiar with the beloved Lord of the Rings series, but I didn’t know much about J.R.R. Tolkein (and I REALLY didn’t know much about his growing up). So I loved this clever biography about his growing up where he loved dragons, and how much of his young life felt surrounded by dragons, from losing his mother early in his life to fighting in WWI. But until he invented a dragon of his own (which sparked off his Middle Earth writing), he never found one in his actual life.

Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story of Six Novels, Three Notebooks, a Writing Box, and One Clever Girl by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Qin Leng Before Jane Austen became one of the most famous English writers of all time, she was a quiet girl. And while you might not have noticed her, she probably would have noticed you. And it might have ended up in her writing. This beautiful picture book is a delightful introduction to a woman who disregarded the publishing trends of her time and created a completely new kind of story.

The World is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter I’d never heard of Zaha Hadid before this book, but I instantly loved her story. She grew up in Iraq and wanted to be an architect. But as a Muslim woman, this wasn’t going to be an easy dream to chase. Now, decades later, you can see her buildings all over the world!

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley Most of us are probably familiar with Dr. Temple Grandin and I love this introduction to her for young children (all the text is told in rhyme). She was diagnosed with autism as a young child and expected never to talk. But she grew up to become a groundbreaking scientist, thanks to her love of animals and her rare ability to connect with animals.

The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary GrandPre Vasya Kandinsky was one of the first abstract artists and this is a beautiful retelling of his story. He had a very proper upbringing and his family expected that his art would also be very proper. But his art was anything but – it came to life, swirling with color and even sound, because throughout his life, he experienced colors as sound and vice versa. (By the way, if the illustrations look vaguely familiar, it’s likely because you recognize Mary GrandPre’s illustrations from the original Harry Potter books).

On a Beam of Light: A Story About Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky If you’d seen young Albert Einstein riding his bike down the road, you would have probably just seen a boy on a bike, But in his mind, he saw himself traveling at the speed of light. This book is a delightful look into Einstein’s lifelong curiosity and discovery, and perfect for every child who loves to imagine the impossible.

The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life With Chimps by Jeanette Winter This was one of the picture books that really helped me see how AMAZING picture book biographies could be. I love that it begins in her childhood and goesthrough her current work, accompanied by breath-taking illustrations. I also love Me….Jane by Patrick McDonnell as a simpler biography of Jane Goodall.

Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick I have loved Brian Selznick’s illustrations since I was a child and his black and white drawings bring this amazing story about Amelia Earhart and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to life when, at a White House dinner party, Eleanor and Amelia sneak away to take an evening ride over Washington D.C. in a jet. All while wearing their evening gowns!

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow, illustrated by Steven Salerno I love picture book biographies that bring to life the inventor of a product children love and use daily. This book does exactly that with the man who invented crayola crayons and I loved every page of it – who knew that so much went into those boxes of 50 cent crayons you can now buy at Target?

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade  by Melissa Sweet I am legitimately obsessed with this book and I love bringing out my copy every Thanksgiving about the boy who loved puppets and grew up to create the famous balloons that make up the Thanksgiving Day parade. The color and art in this book bring it to life and the end notes and photos and make it even more special.

Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs: The Story of Ken Nedimeyer and the Coral Restoration Foundation by Kate Messner, illustrated Matthew Forsythe Sometimes the changes we want to see in the world seem too big, too overwhelming to tackle. But I love this biography of Ken Nedimyer, founder of the Coral Restoration Foundation, that shows that even one person can make a difference.

Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Howard Bryant, illustrated by Floyd Cooper I’ve never watched a professional tennis match, but I was in tears by the end of this gorgeous picture book about Venus and Serena Williams and hard they work and, even more impressively to me, how much they support each other.

Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, A Kitten, 10,000 Miles by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Hadley Hooper Just over a century ago, two friends, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke set out from New York City to spread the word about giving American women the right to vote. Crammed in a little yellow car, with a kitten along for the ride, they drove 10,000 miles in pursuit of their goal.

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand New Colors by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani Put neon colors on the list of things I’ve never given a second thought to. Until this book, about two brothers who loved to invent things and discovered neon coloring that’s now used all over the world. Who knew? The black pages with bright neon coloring make this book really pop.

Tree Lady: The Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry When I think San Diego, I don’t think dry desert town. But more than 100 years ago, when Katherine Olivia Sessions became the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, she moved to San Diego and was horrified by the lack of trees. So she started a movement to transform her new home into the garden oasis we now know it as.

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson I’ve love everything Kadir Nelson touches and this book is no exception, about the lengths one man goes to in order to gain his freedom. After Henry’s family is sold, he comes up with a daring and dangerous plan to escape north, by having some friends nail him into a box and mailing him to a free state. Unbelievably it works!

Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Julia Denos I love this beautiful book about Audrey Hepburn and her life, from her early difficult childhood during WWII under Nazi occupation to her emergence as a style icon and her work with UNICEF. Star, particularly, took a shine to this book and I read it to her dozens of times (we also both loved Just Being Jackie about Jackie Kennedy Onassis).

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington When Mae Jemison was young she longed to be an astronaut. Her teacher suggested she find something more practical, but her parents encouraged her to work hard and achieve her seemingly impossible dreams. And she did, becoming the first African American woman to travel in space. My girls loved this book and as a parent, it was so encouraging to me to let my own children dream big.

And if you’d like a printable copy of this list that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!

If you liked this list of picture book biographies for kids, you might also like these posts:

• The Best Picture Books to Read Aloud in a Classroom
• 10 Children’s Books about Death, Loss and Grief
• 13 Fantastic Easy Reader Chapter Books

Reader Interactions

September 17, 2019 at 11:29 am

This is a great list. I am excited to read as many as I can. Picture books really are the best and you can learn a ton!

September 17, 2019 at 6:28 pm

I love Karlin Gray’s picture book biographies! My favorite isThe Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still about Nadia Comaneci. Gymnastics + beautiful book = yessss

September 17, 2019 at 7:16 pm

I love the Noisy Paintbox, too! ☺ Another one I love is The Boy Who Loved Math.

September 17, 2019 at 9:34 pm

Have you ever read any of the Little People Big Dreams series? I am in a different country and these are some of the only biography childrens books I have access to. I am wondering if anyone has experience with them and would recommend them.

September 18, 2019 at 6:19 am

This list is my love language. Thanks!!

September 18, 2019 at 3:36 pm

I just discovered Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor and my daughter loves it.

September 19, 2019 at 9:54 am

I LOVE these sorts of picture books. I’ve learned SO MUCH about so many different people and things from reading them to my son! Just added all the ones we haven’t already read to our library list! (I am with you on being obsessed with Balloons over Broadway…I really just need to buy that one.)

October 25, 2020 at 11:42 pm

We love Mr. Ferris and His Wheel!

March 11, 2022 at 11:45 am

I learned so much from The Day-Glo Brothers – thanks for recommending it!

March 23, 2024 at 1:38 pm

Nonsense about Edward Gorey is also amazing.

May 3, 2024 at 12:48 pm

We love this genre and recently read Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine and the Indestructible Tom Crean. Both were fantastic.

[…] 20 fantastic picture book biographies for kids […]

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10 best biographies for kids to learn about inspiring figures

From sporting figures to historical household names, these books make for interesting and easy reading for you and your children, article bookmarked.

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While fairy tales and myths are so popular with small people because they are removed from reality – which are filled with lavishly furnished castles, dragons and pixies and houses made of sweets and women with hair that princes can use as ladders – that doesn’t stop children having a hunger for true stories.

But biographies are especially tough to write for even the most well-read audiences because they are by definition a detailed, factual account of a person’s life and achievements.

But when the reader is a child, a biographer’s job is much, much tougher. Children are engaged by drama: highs, lows and the exciting headlines of a story.

10 best kids’ colouring books that will keep them busy for hours

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10 best kids’ toy brands: From educational games to wooden playsets

Much of the important detail which underpins drama is dismissed as boring by children – and this is why biographies for kids which manage to retain all key facts, provide context and make another person’s life feel, well, alive are so precious.

The same goes for biographies that can use accessible language and explain complex ideas without being patronising. We think everything in this round-up fits these briefs.

We wanted to feature a broad range of subjects in this round-up – from historical figures to contemporary icons, household names to lesser-known heroes. We have included books dedicated to individuals as well as anthologies full of life stories.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

‘Gloria Takes a Stand’ by Jess Rinker, published by Bloomsbury

The life of women’s rights activist Gloria Steinem is beautifully laid bare in this tome. The perfect way to encourage girls and boys to debate, speak up and listen, as well as educate them about the fight for women’s equality.

Gloria’s love of reading and writing, the courage of her own conviction and the way she advocated for herself is all the more impressive when you think that it happened at a time when it was very much a man’s world – rare for women to be highly educated or have careers.

Gloria wanted gender equality for all and made it her life’s work to achieve that. She is the ultimate feminist icon and a hero for everyone regardless of their age or sex.

‘Young, Gifted and Black’ by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins, published by Wide Eyed Editions

With acid-bright illustrations, this book is a glorious celebration of 52 black heroes – past and present. It’s such an inviting book – everything about it is big and bold, the pages teem with detail and information. There are household names here – the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela, as well as lesser-known heroes like chess player Maurice Ashley and tennis pro Yannick Noah. “You have to see it to be it” is the driving force of this book – this is what young people of all races need to see.

The verdict: Biographies for kids

Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo is a thing of beauty and a prompt for thought. We think it's one ot the most beautiful books we've ever come across.

Biographies

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8 Autobiographies By Children Your Child Must Read

What better way to build empathy in children and expand their perspective than with real-life stories written by children. These eight autobiographies are must-read for children 10 years and above.

"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney, an American entrepreneur, animator, voice actor and film producer.

Children often display a maturity far beyond their age. Autobiographies or memoirs are beautiful insights for adults, especially parents, to go into their world. These books give a peek into their understanding of the world and its going on. These autobiographies should be read by children to understand the world better, and adults to understand a child's mind better.

Benefits of reading autobiographies

Looking for some books to keep your child occupied when they are at home? The onus of introducing the right books to your child always lies on you. Biographies by young adults are always a source of motivation for young readers. If you want your child to be worldly-wise, make biographies and autobiographies a part of the reading list for your child.

However, there are the other benefits of reading autobiographies too. These are:

Teaches life lessons - Autobiographies are often interesting as these are usually written by people who have found themselves in extraordinary situations or had an interesting life story to tell. There are many life lessons to be learnt on how they dealt with their hardships and overcame their difficulties that shaped their lives. And as autobiographies are true stories, that makes it all the more inspiring.

It acts like a mentor/guide - Sometimes teenagers are reluctant to open up to their parents or listen to their parents. In such situations, introducing books which could deal with a situation the teen is facing could be helpful, it could act like a wonderful mentor or guide.

Your child can view the world from a different perspective - We all tend to get caught up in the day to day nitty-gritty. More so, kids. So introducing autobiographies and biographies is a great way to open up their minds to gain a new perspective.

There have been extraordinary autobiographies written by children who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances - war, denial of equal rights for girls, self discovery and perseverance in abject poverty. For your convenience, we present 8 such autobiographies which showcase the world the author lives in. It is a must-share reading list for your kids.

Here are the examples of a few inspiring autobiographies.

1. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

"When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful." - Malala Yousafzai

About the author: When many preteens may just be bothered about their looks and homework, Malala Yousafzai, in 2009, 11 years at that time wrote an anonymous blog for BBC Urdu about her life under Taliban rule. She was very vocal about human rights, especially education for the girl child which was sometimes denied during the Taliban rule in Pakistan. She survived an assassination attempt when she was shot in her head. She recovered and her voice only grew stronger. She is the youngest person to have received the Nobel Laureate.

About the book: The book is about the importance of education especially the education of the girl child to transform societies. With guns you can kill terrorists, with education you can kill terrorism, she says. Powerful words indeed.

What children can learn from it: I am Malala is an inspiring account about how even one voice is enough to stand up for a cause and change the world.

Parent speak: "Both my daughter and I love this book. Ashita, my daughter is quite forthright and outspoken - the book is an inspiration to look beyond your own world, said Shilpa Prashanth, mother of 11-year-old, Ashita.

2. Hope in a Ballet Shoe by Michaela DePrince

"There are practically no black dancers in ballet, so I need to speak out." - Michaela DePrince

About the author: Often extraordinary circumstances give rise to extraordinary stories and Hope in a Ballet Shoe is one such extraordinary autobiography. Penned by Michaela DePrince, who today is an international ballet dancer with The Dutch National Ballet, and one of the few black ballet dancers. Michaela grows through many atrocities as a child growing up in war-torn Sierra Leone. Dance becomes her salvation - the road to become a professional dancer is not that easy - competitive and racist. A must read for all ages.

About the book: An inspiring first person account of how a victim of war crimes transformed her life through the power of dance.

What children can learn from it: You can negate your childhood trauma and focus on new beginnings.

Parent Speak: " We tend to forget that we lead privileged lives, but perhaps adversity is needed to bring out the best in us, the book gave me goosebumps," said Dhakshinyaa Subramanyam, 12 year old avid reader.

3. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." - Anne Frank.

About the author: This autobiography needs no introduction. Written by then 13-year-old Jewish Anne Frank in Dutch language while she hid with her family from Nazi occupation in Netherlands. The book is written with surprising candour - about life in isolation, her random thoughts about growing up, war, discrimination, school girl musings about crushes and sexuality.

About the book: Her words on war, humanity and hope for mankind make her diary exemplary. It is hard to believe it is a 13-year-old penning her thoughts.

What children can learn from it: Even in times of adversity, do not lose hope and always look at the bright side.

Parent Speak: "My daughter Muskaan loves 'the diary of a young girl' by Anne Frank. She finds it very interesting as it is one of the major sources of information about the holocaust (the incidents that occurred in Nazi Germany). It is fascinating to her to see these events (the crimes committed against the Jews) through the perspective of a thirteen year old Jewish girl, " said Jyotsna Awasthi.

4. A Long Way Home - Memoirs of a Boy Soldier By Ishmael Beah

"Some nights the sky wept stars that quickly floated and disappeared into the darkness before our wishes could meet them. " - Ishmael Beah

About the author: Another book from the Sierra Leone, from Ishmael Beah is a first person account of what it means to be a boy soldier in a war-torn African country. The writing is clear, the descriptions are gut wrenching and the memoirs gives a perspective that many children across the world are still being robbed of their childhood. Ishmael Beah, since writing the book has won many accolades - he is a UNICEF Ambassador and Advocate for Children Affected by War and a member of the Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Advisory Committee. His memoir has been published in over thirty languages. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

About the book: The haunting odyssey is a triumph of human spirit to and the capacity to overcome against all odds.

What children can learn from it: Gain a perspective on civil war, refugee crises, world politics and how it effects innocent lives.

Parent Speak: " My son, 16-year-old, was moved by the book," Arshia Zafar.

5. Soul Surfer By Bethany Hamilton

"I don't need easy, I just need possible." - Bethany Hamilton

About the author: This autobiography is the true story of Bethany Hamilton. The writer was a competitive surfer, and at 14, at the stage when life is beginning for many, thought her life was over, after she got attacked by a shark and lost her arm. She tracks her life, before and after the accident - and her story is awe-inspiring.

About the book: This a is true story about getting your life back on track and achieving your dreams.

What children will learn from it: It is a must read for anyone having doubts about their capabilities or anyone who is going through setbacks. Pick up the book today!

Parent Speak: "As an athlete myself in my school and college days, I was keen to pick up this book for my daughter. We need such stories to be shared," said D. Vishwanath, daughter of teenager Dharti Vishwanath.

6. El Deafo by Cece Bell

"I found that with a little creativity, and a lot of dedication, any difference can be turned into something amazing." - Cece Bell

About the author: A disability can become a superpower! El Deafo is a beautiful graphic novel that deals with being different due to a physical ailment (hearing loss) - it is a loosely based on the author's life. In an interesting quirk - all the characters in the graphic novel are bunnies. Why bunnies? Because they have large ears and extraordinary hearing abilities.

About the book: A graphic novel that deals with the sensitive topic of having a disability and trying to fit in.

What children can learn from it: The book is a great way to tell children that it's okay to be different, and it is what makes us different that also makes us special.

Parent Speak: " As a parent I am always looking for book that teach empathy. Glad I got this for the kids," said Divya Kuldeep.

7. Red Scarf Girl by Ji - Li Jiang

"This is the most frightening lesson of the Cultural Revolution: Without a sound legal system, a small group or even a single person can take control of an entire country. This is as true now as it was then. " ? Ji-li Jiang, Red Scarf Girl

About the author: How do you make sense of the changing political environment? How does one go for being a popular child in school to being betrayed by friends for having an affluent family background in a changing political environment in China. She was inspired by the Diary of Anne Frank and the book is her offering for the world to understand China better.

About the book: Ji-Li-Jiang in this historic memoir talks of the cultural revolution in China in 1966 and how it changed her world.

What children can learn from it: The memoir is a very painful and very personal account of a young girl and is recommended to gain an understanding of Chinese history.

Parent Speak: " I have always been interested in political memoirs. I enjoyed it and so did my daughter Diya," said Mridul Nath

8. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodsoon

"But on paper, things can live forever. On paper, a butterfly never dies."- Jacqueline Woodson

About the author: Jacqueline Woodsoon grew up with her grandparents as her mother was working. The writer has many other books to her credit and is best known for Brown Girl Dreaming and Miracle's Boys .

About the book: An autobiographical book written in verse about a black girl's experiences of growing up in America in the 1960s. It is a short read, but lyrical and the poetry is beautiful. The verses are in anecdotal style and imagery is stunning.

What children can learn from it: Poignant and endearing, the book is recommended for readers looking beyond the usual authors and to understand black voices and their writings.

Parent Speak: " The poetry is beautiful. My daughter started penning her own poems after reading this book. This one is for the dreamers and the doers," said Naveen Sekhar daughter of 19-year-old Tanisha.

Order online or head out to libraries and book stores and help your child discover these gems. Give them a window to a new world and a new perspective. You can thank us later!

Also read: Top 10 Story Books For Your Toddler This Summer

About the author:

Written by Vidya Nesarikar on 12 March 2020.

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12 Inspiring Memoirs and Biographies for Teens

Looking for biographies and memoirs for teens? We got you.

We love handing over an excellent biography or memoir to the young adult readers we know. There’s no better way to help them connect with history and take a walk in someone else’s shoes. Here are some of our favorite recent memoirs and biographies for teens.

Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!

1. Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Heiligman chronicles the amazing and eccentric lives of the Van Gogh brothers, their relationship with each other, and their work.

2. Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of the Original Girl Reporter by Deborah Noyes

Known for her groundbreaking work exposing the mistreatment of patients in an asylum, Nellie Bly did not let the traditional expectations of female reporters stop her from becoming a pioneering journalist.

3. Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle

Written in verse, Engle shares the tension of living between two worlds, Cuba and Los Angeles.

4. Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery

Lowery shares her experience as the youngest marcher fighting for civil rights alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

5. Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance  by Simone Biles

Gymnast Simone Biles shares her personal journey from foster care to Olympic gold medalist.

6. How Dare the Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

After witnessing the murders of her mother and younger sister, Sandra Uwiringiyimana escaped a refugee camp in the Congo and immigrated to America. She survived and healed through art and activism.

 7.  Becoming Kareem: Growing up on and off the Court  by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Abdul-Jabbar shares how he overcame setbacks and difficulties to become a leader on and off the court.

8. The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip Hoose

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler chronicles the life of Knud Pedersen and his classmates whose efforts to sabotage Hitler lead to the Danish resistance.

9. Lion: A Long Way Home Young Readers’ Edition by Saroo Brierley

Lost on a train at age five, homeless, and then placed in an orphanage, Brierley shares the story of how he spent years wondering about his life, searching for his home, and finally finding it.

10. The Keeper: The Unguarded Story of Tim Howard Young Readers’ Edition by Tim Howard

Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, Tim Howard shares the encouraging story of his childhood, long soccer career, and sudden success.

11. Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Saedi recounts her childhood as an undocumented Iranian living in America.

12. The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater

The lives of two teens from very different neighborhoods are forever changed and bound together by a horrific crime.

What are your favorite biographies for teens? Come and share in our  WeAreTeachers Helpline group on Facebook.

Plus, some of our favorite high school reading lists .

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Category: ages 9-12.

Children’s books which are generally suitable for children age nine to twelve

Listen, Slowly

A beautiful story of Viet Nam and a young American-born girl meeting her ancestral culture.

Echo Mountain

In this exceptional children’s book, set in the Great Depression, we learn about intuitive skills for today as well…

The Beatryce Prophecy

Published: 2021 Best for: 9 – 12 In this marvelous children’s book by beloved author Kate DiCamillo, we discover the time-honored values of truth and loyalty.

Every Home Needs an Elephant

In this delightful, readable children’s book, with a small amount of graphic content that creates a change of pace, 9-year-old Sarah gets her voice…

Giant from the Fire Sea

Published: 2019 Theme: Value of Knowledge Best for: 9 to 11

“This giant’s understanding came slowly, seasons upon seasons. I looked and looked at the markings-letters, you mans call them… The letters held open my head, like a stick propping open an oaken door on a day of snapping winds.” This is a thoughtful adventure story that makes some essential points about the need for questioning our societal beliefs, no matter what the cost.

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies

Published: 2018 Theme: Biography; Science Best for: 9 and up

“At the age of thirteen, Maria had watched, waited, and witnessed with her own eyes. And she had created a record of study, just as scholars did at universities.” This is a visually beautifully and factually rich children’s book about an important young woman who pursued art and science on her own.

Published: 2019 Theme: Speaking Up Best for: 9 to 12

“Different isn’t wrong,” Pixit said with such utter certainty that Mina couldn’t help but believe him…Mina said, “I just need to find a different way, a way that works for me.” To get to the point, this is a must-read, about the power of children to change the world, finding their own voice along the way. Very inspiring fantasy that’s not so fantastical in the end!

One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street

Published: 2011 Theme: Friends Best for: 8 to 11

“Ms. Snoops’s memory, whispered the angel, was like the lacy antimacassars on the organ and green striped sofa’s arms. Ms. Snoops’s memory had little holes in it, here and there…” A simple and easy to read story about friendships, generations, and healing the past.

Knights vs. Dinosaurs

Published: 2018 Theme: Knights Best for: ages 9 and up

“Mel wavered. She was feeling beaten. The flying lizards were too large. Too fast. Too attentive. It was hopeless. But I mustn’t give up, she thought.” A very fun and entertaining book great for all genders and middle-school age kids.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

Published 1972 Theme: WWII refugee Best for: 9 and up

“Next morning before school Anna ran into Papa’s room to see him. The desk was tidy. The bed was neatly made. Papa had gone.” Neither overly melodramatic nor depressing, this is an excellent look at the life of a WWII Jewish refugee family…

Searching for Lottie

Published: 2019 Theme: Holocaust and Family Memories Best for: 9 and up

“When Charlie asked how many of the people in the photo album had survived the Holocaust, Mom simply looked away.” A down-to-earth children’s book about the importance of sharing and remembering the past.

Daughters of Steel

Published: 2018 Theme: Fantasy; Courage Best for: Girls age 11 and up

“I’ve been looking for a way to find out more about my powers, about my destiny. This is the sign I’ve been waiting for, I’m sure of it. This is where I need to go.” She pointed at her rough drawing of the shrine…” A sequel to Sisters of Glass, and every bit as dramatic and compelling. Fantasy genre.

Published: 2000 Theme: Power of Love Best for: 9 to 12

“I put my hand beneath his should to steady him. I felt something there, something held in my his jacket. I reached across his back and felt something beneath his other shoulder as well. Like thin arms, folded up.” Children have the ability to see the miraculous, and to hope… and this book brings it home in a well-told story.

My Name is Mina

Published: 2011 Theme: Children’s Creativity Best for: 9 to 12

“My name is Mina and I love the night. Anything seems possible at night when the rest of the world has gone to sleep.” The best thing to say about this children’s book is …read it. It will uplift your spirit and inspire creative teaching.

Pay Attention, Carter Jones

Published: 2019 Theme: Fathers and Sons Best for: 9 and up

“I decided to revolt. I mean, wiping up dog vomit, nearly drowning in an Australian tropical thunderstorm, drinking tea with mild and sugar, and I haven’t even told you about the forty-five minutes of Mr. Barkus’s word problems.” A great coming- of-age book, as well as dealing with family drama, with lots of humor.

Finding Orion

Published: 2019 Theme: Father and Son reconciliation Best for: 9 to 12

“It’s hard, sometimes, reconciling the difference between what you really feel about something and what you think you’re supposed to feel.” A slow-starter with a very unconventional ending worth staying with.

Beavers – Superpower Field Guide

Published: 2018 Theme: Beavers (Natural History) Best for: 6 and up

“This is a beaver. Just an ordinary beaver. But even ordinary beavers are extraordinary. In fact, even ordinary beavers are superheroes.” A great way to present facts of natural history to young readers; enjoyable yet fact-filled.

Tree Castle Island

Published: 2002 Theme: Nature Adventure and Adoption Best for: 9 to 12

“I felt unbound. I was free as the wind. And I wasn’t in just any old canoe, but one I had made myself. She floated, she sped, she was unreal.” A great book by a classic children’s book author, about adoption, and self-sufficiency in nature.

The Lacemaker and the Princess

Published: 2007 Theme: Historical Fiction; French Revolution Best for: 11 and up

“I know how to make needle lace and sew and hem and build a fire and tend it and clean the ashes out. I can make tea and toast and cook a chicken if I have to. I can empty chamber post and scrub floors…” This very well-written historical fiction about the French Revolution is based on a true incident…

The Night Diary

Published: 2018 Theme: Historical Fiction, India’s Partition Best for: 11 and up

“We would go somewhere fresh and new where people were happy. All kinds of people practicing all kinds of religions..[where] nobody would mind that you were Muslim and Papa was Hindu….” This is a no-holds-barred experience of the tragedy that ensued from the Partition in 1947 into India and Pakistan. For 11 and up.

Be a Perfect Person In Just Three Days

Published: 1982 Theme: Self-acceptance Best for: 8 to 11

“Milo wondered how in the world wearing a stalk of broccoli around his neck could possibly help make him perfect…” This children’s book is perfect medicine for any young person thinking they need to be perfect! Silly but convincing…

The Jamie Drake Equation

Published: 2017 Theme: Light-weight Science Fiction Best for: 9 and up

“I’ve got a doctorate in astrophysics and a black belt in karate,” the woman replies, poking me hard in the chest with her telescope. “So sit down before I knock your block off.” This book does a great job of making both space and science fiction, very readable and enjoyable.

Ellie Engineer: The Next Level

Published: 2018 Theme: Breaking Stereotypes Best for: 8 to 11

“Ellie hated it when her friends got in trouble in front of her, especially when she had something to do with it. She thought about what her dad said – that engineering was supposed to help people- and her stomach went squiggly.” . Let’s hear it for books that let girls be engineers, boys like dolls, and old people doing more than just drinking tea…

Totally Joe

Published: 2005 Theme: Gay Teens Best for: 9 and up

“I took one of the pins Aunt Pam had given me and put it on my shirt. It said Celebrate Diversity. Then I took it off, thinking I’d give it to Addie, because it’s one she’d really like, and I put on another one: Being Who You Are Isn’t A Choice.” A superbly written, sensitive and humorous children’s book dealing with being gay as a teen.

Dragons in a Bag

Published: 2018 Theme: Magical Fantasy Best for: 8 to 12

“Something must have hatched inside that box! And the mysterious creatures must be strong enough to have rocked the box as they were being born. Yet they’re small enough to fit inside the empty mint tin.” A delightful and lightweight fantasy with witches, time travel, and baby dragons, set in Brooklyn.

Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment

Published: 2018 Theme: Saving the World Best for: 8 to 11

“Max didn’t have a mother or father to tell her when it was time to wake up, go to bed, do her homework, eat her vegetables, turn off the TV, or hurry because she’d miss the subway. Max was completely on her own.” An odd and quirky book that tries to have children solve the mess of the world, with a bit of adventure thrown in.

Finding Langston

Published: 2018 Theme: Healing through books Best for: 9 and up

“It’s better to read in the library. Sitting at my favorite table… reading and listening to the sound of other folks turning pages makes me feel I’m in a house full of company I don’t have to talk to.” A beautiful and lyrical small book set in 1946, exploring the loneliness that comes from being uprooted from South to North.

The Eleventh Trade

Published: 2018 Theme: Refugees, Compassion Best for: 9 and up

“The middle school cafeteria always makes me wish for the school in Istanbul. We often shared meals there, seated on the ground, with little to give. But most important, it was quiet.” It is time, past time, to bring our children into the conversation about religious tolerance, and immigration. This book is a start.

Nowhere Boy

Published: 2018 Theme: Moral Courage; Refugees Best for: 10 and up

“Ahmed–he had a name, Max reminded himself–was just a boy, a boy who liked soccer and comic book heroes. He had lost his parents, he was alone, and he seemed far more frightened than dangerous.” All I can say is – read this to crack open your heart with compassion for the plight of refugees.

A Whale in Paris

Published: 2018 Theme: Optimism Best for: 10 and up

“No one knew where the Mona Lisa was hiding. Chantal made a fist. How she hated the war. It had scared all the art way from the city.” A truly uplifting story about hope even during the direst of times, this will make your heart smile.

You have exceeded your limit for simultaneous device logins.

Your current subscription allows you to be actively logged in on up to three (3) devices simultaneously. click on continue below to log out of other sessions and log in on this device., 9 biographies and memoirs to inspire readers for pride month and throughout the year.

They are politicians and artists and athletes. They are young people, and people with a few years of life under their belts. And their stories can inform and encourage young readers in June and throughout the year. These books can change lives—and even save them.

They are politicians and artists and athletes. They are young people, and people with a few years of life under their belts. And their stories can inform and encourage young readers in June and throughout the year. These books can change lives—and even save them.

Picture Books

Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five by Phil Bildner. illus. by Daniel J. O’Brien. Farrar. ISBN 9780374391225.  Gr 1-5 –Glenn Burke on the field was a “five-tool” talent. He could run faster, connect bat to ball, hit with power, catch anything that came his way, and his throwing arm was a  cannon ! This Black man should have been one of the greatest names in baseball history, but his story takes a melancholy turn. Burke is gay.  VERDICT For all sports/Black history/LGBTQIA+ shelves, this book is a must, but supplement it with historical resources.

Door by Door: How Sarah McBride Became America’s First Openly Transgender Senator by Meeg Pincus. illus. by Meridth McKean Gimbel. ISBN 9780593484654.  Gr 2-5 –This heartwarming biography begins with McBride’s childhood and goes through her win as state senator. The book’s framework is to pivot during key moments of her life between her two truths, which Pincus makes clear from the first page: McBride’s love of politics and her realization that she, assigned male at birth, was a girl.  VERDICT This is a recommended purchase for libraries.

Chapter Books

Hispanic Star: Sylvia Rivera by Claudia Romo Edelman & J. Gia Loving. illus. by Cheyne Gallarde. Roaring Brook. ISBN 9781250828163.  Gr 3-6 –This entry of the “Hispanic Star” chapter book biography series covers Sylvia Rivera, a trans woman who fought for trans rights. This book is more about trans liberation than specifically about Rivera, but readers will get a lot out of it.  VERDICT Purchase this foremost to round out collections with a much-needed historical exploration of trans rights, not as a biography.

I Have Something to Tell You—For Young Adults: A Memoir by Chasten Buttigieg. Atheneum. ISBN 9781665904377.  Gr 6 Up –In this YA adaptation of advocate and teacher Buttigieg’s memoir, he recounts growing up in rural, conservative northern Michigan where he was simply different. From a quick stint on the basketball team to studying abroad in Germany, he relays stories of how he grew confident in himself and came out as gay, sprinkling tips for navigating the cruel world of adolescents along the way.  VERDICT A solid pick for any collection where memoir is popular or any growing LGBTQIA+ collection.

Homebody by Theo Parish. illus. by author. HarperAlley. ISBN 9780063319592; pap. $18.99. ISBN 9780063319585.  Gr 7 Up –In this uplifting graphic memoir, Parish recounts their journey to feeling at home in their body and gender identity.  VERDICT The portrayal of gender identity as a journey with no set destination is affirming and reassuring, and this hopeful tone will appeal to teens. Recommended for purchase.

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat, says she has pancreatic cancer

FILE - House Judiciary Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, delivers opening statements during a hearing on oversight of the Drug Enforcement Administration, July 27, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Lee says she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is undergoing treatment. The Texas Democrat is seeking a 16th term and said late Sunday, June 2, 2024 that she’s confident that doctors have developed a strong plan to target her disease. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

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HOUSTON (AP) — Longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee announced that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is undergoing treatment.

The 74-year-old Texas Democrat, who is seeking a 16th term, said in a statement late Sunday that as a member of Congress, she has been honored to be a leader in the fight for justice and equality and will approach this more personal fight with faith and courage.

“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease,” Jackson Lee said. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”

Jackson Lee said that it’s likely that she will be absent from Congress occasionally as she pursues treatment, but that her office will continue to serve constituents. She said she is committed to working with congressional leadership to be present for votes.

Jackson Lee first took office in 1995 and won the Democratic nomination in March, just months after losing a bid to become Houston’s mayor . She had sought to be the first Black female mayor of the nation’s fourth-largest city. Jackson Lee’s district includes downtown Houston and some of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods.

Does being the oldest or youngest sibling really shape your personality?

The psychological debate about sibling order has persisted for decades—but it might be time to break up with the popular theory.

Are you a responsible oldest child, an overlooked middle, or a free-wheeling baby? For those who adhere to the theory that birth order influences personality, the answer to that question may hold the key to who you are as a person. At parties, family dinners, and therapy sessions, people can use birth order as a kind of shorthand for personality traits—an only child’s selfishness, perhaps, or a middle child’s struggle for visibility.

But though your personal experiences may very well indicate that birth order forms the personalities around you, psychologists beg to differ. Here’s why it might be time to drop the stereotypes.

Origins of the psychological theory of birth order

The idea that birth order influences a child’s personality might be as old as people themselves. After all, various societies have long privileged—or overlooked—people based on where they stand in their family.

In many ancient societies, for example, the arrival of a first child—and thus a parent’s transition to the head of a family—often translated to a higher social status. It also gave rise to ceremonies like special baths for first-time mothers in Micronesia and the traditional pidyon haben   ceremony in Judaism, during which a first-born son is “redeemed” by paying five silver coins to a priest.

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Birth order has also long determined inheritance rights and royal lines of succession, as in the British monarchy which has long demanded a first-born “heir” and one or more “spares” as backups should something happen to the heir.

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But the psychological theory of birth order didn’t develop until the early 20th century, when psychologist Alfred Adler theorized that birth order influenced not just social status, but a child’s development and personality. Known as the father of individual psychology, Adler theorized that an individual’s “family constellation” results in predictable personality traits. “The position in the family leaves an indelible stamp upon the individual’s life style,” Adler wrote in 1931.

According to Adler, the birth of a sibling deprives oldest children of their parents’ undivided attention—and as a result they are neurotic, more prone to conservatism, and inclined to imitate their elders. Second children are competitive attention-grabbers, while youngest children are pampered and lazy. Finally, he theorized that people who grow up without siblings have a “mother complex” and are in rivalry with their father.

Famous for his international lectures, popular psychology texts, and psychotherapeutic techniques, Adler’s influence still resounds throughout the field of psychology—and as a result, generations of psychologists undertook research that attempted to prove his theory of birth order.

What the research actually says about birth order

Studies conducted since Adler’s time have found associations between birth order and everything from educational attainment to sexuality to middle children’s success in team sports.

Frank Sulloway, one of the theory’s most prominent modern advocates, looked at adults and their careers in the 1990s and 2000s to assess the influence of birth order. He found a tendency for conservative research among famous firstborn scientists, with more radical research, such as the theory of evolution and relativity, more common among famous scientists born later in their family order. He also found differences between military and political strategies among militant firstborns like Maximilien Robespierre and moderate, nonviolent methods among famous middle-borns.

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But the studies that most applicable to personality development look at the “big five” personality traits of openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. And more recent birth order studies throw cold water on the theory that your birth order can shape your personality.

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Rodica Damian, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Houston, conducted one of the largest such studies in 2015, using data from a longitudinal study of over 440,000 U.S. high school students. After controlling for socioeconomic status, sex, and age, the study showed that “the association between birth order and personality traits is as close to zero as you can get,” she says.

Another 2015 study underscored Damian’s findings: After analyzing three nationally representative samples from the U.S., Great Britain, and Germany, researchers wrote “we consistently found no birth-order effects on extraversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness, or imagination.”

But both teams of researchers found evidence for one trait that would please firstborn children (and dismay their younger siblings): The studies each showed that firstborns were slightly more likely to have high verbal intelligence.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that firstborns are smarter or learn more easily, Damian says. More likely it’s because firstborns spend more time around adults in their early childhood—and she points out that in her study, the difference was a matter of a single IQ point.

Overall, the other study team wrote, “we must conclude that birth order does not have a lasting effect on broad personality traits outside of the intellectual domain.”

What really makes a personality?

As a scientist, Damian is cautious about claiming that any theory has been “disproven.” However, she says that modern research essentially debunks the theory that birth order affects personality—which she calls a “zombie theory” because it just won’t die. So why does the idea still enchant the public—and why do researchers continue to plumb the question?


“Everybody has an opinion on it because everybody has a birth order, even only children,” says Damian. And part of the reason we just can’t quit birth order psychology may have to do with our own experiences that will always appear to support it. Older children will always seem to be more responsible and sophisticated than their younger siblings because they are more developmentally mature.

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“Even though you see this and it's true, you don't have a magic lens to go back in time and observe the children at the [exact] same age,” Damian explains. It’s a “perfect confound,” she and her colleagues write—and it’s “one circumstance where personal experience will be wrong and the truth can only be discovered through good scientific reasoning and investigation.”

In truth, the science of personality development is anything but settled. Modern research using twin studies suggests that personality formation is about 40 percent due to genetics. The rest may be a matter of a complex combination of environment and cultural practices that help shape the disposition with which we’re born.

Though researchers can measure the “big five” personality traits, it’s harder to quantify the subjective experiences that shape our everyday lives and, perhaps, our personalities. Damian is currently studying the possible effects of people’s life narratives —the stories they tell themselves about their own experiences—on the people they become. But for much of the public, teasing out the complex web of nature and nurture is far less fun than teasing our siblings.

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