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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.

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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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10 Contemporary Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs for Teens

Real-life personal stories to inspire today's teens

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For some teens, reading the life stories of others—whether they're famous authors or victims of a civil war—can be an inspiring experience. This list of highly recommended contemporary biographies , autobiographies , and memoirs written for young adults includes life lessons about making choices, overcoming monumental challenges, and having the courage to be a voice for positive change.

Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos

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In his autobiographical memoir, "Hole in My Life" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2004), award-winning children’s and young adult author Jack Gantos shares his compelling story about making a single choice that altered his destiny. As a young man of 20 struggling to find direction, Gantos seized an opportunity for quick cash and adventure, signing on to help sail a 60-foot yacht with a cargo of hashish from the Virgin Islands to New York City. What he hadn’t anticipated was getting caught. Winner of the Printz Honor Award, Gantos holds nothing back about his experiences with prison life, drugs, and the consequences of making one very bad decision. (Due to mature themes, this book is recommended for ages 14 and up.)

While Gantos clearly made a huge mistake, as evidenced by his critically acclaimed body of work, he was able to turn his life back around. In 2012, Gantos won the John Newbery Medal for his middle-grade novel "Dead End in Norvelt" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2011).

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

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"Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board" (MTV Books, 2006) is Bethany Hamilton's story. At 14, competitive surfer Bethany Hamilton thought her life was over when she lost her arm in a shark attack. Yet, despite this obstacle, Hamilton found the determination to continue surfing in her own creative style and proved to herself that the World Surfing Championships were still within reach.

In this true account, Hamilton chronicles the story of her life before and after the accident, inspiring readers to overcome obstacles by finding and focusing on an inner passion and determination. It's a wonderful story of faith, family, and courage. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

A movie version of ​​"Soul Surfer" was released in 2011. Hamilton has since written a number of inspirational books spun off from her original memoir.

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara

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Brutally attacked by rebel soldiers who cut off both her hands, 12-year-old Mariatu Kamara from Sierra Leone miraculously survived and found her way to a refugee camp. When journalists arrived in her country to document the atrocities of war, Kamara was rescued. Her tale of survival as a victim of civil war to becoming a UNICEF Special Representative, "Bite of the Mango" (Annick Press, 2008) is an inspiring story of courage and triumph. (Due to mature themes and violence, this book is recommended for ages 14 and up.)

No Choirboy: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row by Susan Kuklin

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In their own words, four young men sent to death row as teenagers speak candidly with author Susan Kuklin in the unflinching nonfiction book, "No Choirboy: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row" (Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2008). The youthful offenders talk openly about the choices and mistakes they made, as well as about their lives in prison.

Written in the form of personal narratives, Kuklin includes commentary from lawyers, insights into legal issues, and the backstories leading up to each young man’s crime. It's a disturbing read, but it offers teens a perspective on crime, punishment, and the prison system from people their own age. (Due to mature subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 14 and up.)

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure

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“He said goodbye with YouTube links.” What happens when you ask teens ranging from high-profile to just your average kid to summarize their hopes, dreams, and troubles in just six words? That's just what the editors of Smith Magazine challenged teenagers across the nation to do. The resulting collection, "I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure" (HarperTeen, 2009), contains 800 six-word memoirs ranging in emotion from comical to profound. These fast-paced, intuitive takes on adolescent life, written for teens by teens, read like poetry and just might inspire others to think up their own six-word memoirs. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

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Reminiscent of heart-tugging characters like Gilly Hopkins ("The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson) and Dicey Tillerman ("The Tillerman Series" by Cynthia Voigt), the life of Ashley Rhodes-Courter is a series of real-life unfortunate events that are the everyday reality for too many children in America. In her memoir, "Three Little Words" (Atheneum, 2008), Rhodes-Courter recounts the 10 harrowing years she spent in the foster care system, poignantly giving voice to children trapped in circumstances beyond their control. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

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In the early 1990s, 12-year-old Ishmael Beah was swept up in Sierra Leone’s civil war and turned into a boy soldier. Although gentle and kind at heart, Beah discovered he was capable of horrific acts of brutality. The first part of Beah’s memoir, "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2008), depicts the frighteningly easy transformation of a typical child into an angry teen with the ability to hate, kill, and wield an AK-47. The final chapters of Beah’s story are about redemption, rehabilitation, and ultimately, coming to the United States, where he attended and graduated college. (Recommended for ages 14 and up.)

I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda

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"I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives" (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2015) is a true-life tale that begins in 1997 when “typical 12-year-old American girl” Caitlin Alifirenka is tasked with a pen pal assignment at school. Her correspondence with a 14-year-old boy named Martin Ganda from Zimbabwe will eventually change both of their lives.

In the letters that go back and forth, readers learn that Alifirenka leads a life of middle-class privilege, while Ganda’s family lives in crushing poverty. Even something as simple as sending a letter is often beyond his means, and yet, Ganda makes “the only promise that I knew I could keep: that I would always write back, no matter what.”

The narrative takes the form of a dual pen-pal autobiography told in alternating voices and woven together with the help of writer Liz Welch. It covers the six-year period from Alifirenka's first letter to Ganda’s eventual arrival in America where he'll be attending college, thanks to a full scholarship arranged by Alifirenka's mom. Their inspiring long-distance friendship is a testament to just how much two determined teens can accomplish when they put their hearts and minds to it. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

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"I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliba" written by Malala Yousafza and Christina Lamb (Little, Brown and Company, 2012) is the autobiography of a girl who more than anything, wanted to learn—and was nearly put to death for her efforts.

In October 2012, 15-year-old Yousafzai was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school in her native Pakistan. This memoir traces not only her remarkable recovery but the path that led her to become the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize . It’s an account of a family touched first-hand by the brutality of terrorism, and the indomitable will of a girl who will not relinquish her education at any cost.

In a society dominated by males, it is also the heartening story of unconventional and courageous parents who bucked convention by encouraging their daughter to be all that she could be. Yousafzai's revelations are a bittersweet homage to all the remarkable accomplishments she’s achieved—and the price both she and her family have had to pay for her to achieve them. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition by Katie Rain-Hill and Ariel Schrag

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"Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition" by Katie Rain-Hill and Ariel Schrag (Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2014) is the story of a 19-year-old transgender teen who grew up as a boy, but always knew she was a girl. Bullied and suicidal, Rain-Hill finds the courage to follow her truth, and with her mom’s help, is able to transform both her body and her life.

This first-person memoir not only explores what it means to identify as transgender and what it takes undergo gender reassignment surgery but also gives a non-sugarcoated account of the challenges Rain-Hill faced once the body she was living in finally aligned with her gender identity.

It’s all told with self-deprecating humor and disarming candor that draws readers in, while at the same time, reinventing the standard teen coming-of-age tale and the meaning of what it is to be “normal.” (Recommended for ages 14 and up.)

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20 Best Biographies for Teens Teachers Recommend

April 20, 2022 //  by  Jaclyn Hamod

Biographies can provide powerful reading material for teens. For reluctant readers, biographies are a great way to immerse themselves in a true story. Reading inspiring books allows young adults to learn valuable life lessons that go beyond their own experiences.  Learning about the successes and failures of others is important for what lies in the future for teenagers.  Here is a list of 20 middle school biographies that teenagers would benefit from reading.

1. The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

A perfect book for middle schoolers.  No matter the size of your group, big or small, and whatever your goal is, Daniel Coyle takes you through the culture chemistry principles that can turn individuals into teams with the capabilities to create and accomplish great things.

2. Educated: A Memoir

A heartfelt story exploring the role of education in 17-year-old protagonist Tara Westover's coming of age. Westover's journey to literacy opens up a whole new world for her - but will she find her way home?

3. Into the Wild

How McCandless came to die is the unforgettable story of life, reflection, and struggle in the wilderness.

4. Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery

Scott Kelly is a four-time space veteran and holds the American record for the longest consecutive days spent in outer space.  In his life story, we gain a deeper understanding of the human imagination and persevering strength.

5. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption

An Army Air Forces bomber crashes into the Pacific Ocean and is captured by the Japanese. Zamperini faces desperation with ingenuity; suffering, hope, resolve, and humor.

6. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

A story of a childhood survivor of the Cambodian genocide, this is a war crime narrative that reveals the unnerving strength of a small girl and her family.

7. Twelve Years a Slave

A reliable and accurate eyewitness account of the daily lives of slaves; in particular, an authentic narrative of a man starved of his freedom.

8. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Perfect for casual readers, this bestselling memoir by the creator of Nike shares the company's early stages as a start-up and how it evolved into one of most iconic household names and profitable brands in the world.

9. The Story of My Life by Hellen Keller

The remarkable story of Helen Keller's blindness and deafness.  A truly inspirational biography that shows the struggles and joys of her life.

10. The Bell Jar

A look into the life of Esther and her deep, dark descent into insanity which feels all too real and rational.

11. The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom

In the Dutch Underground, Corrie Ten Boom and her family become leaders in hiding Jewish people from the Nazis.

A brave and inspiring story of Will Smith - his learning curve that leads to an alignment of success, inner happiness, and human connection.

13. Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster

A trek in 1996 to Mount Everest that leads to a disastrous expedition that claims the lives of eight climbers.

14. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Drawing on experiences as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Julie Smith shares the skills needed to navigate typical life challenges while also taking control of your mental health and emotions.

15. Becoming

A deep reflection on Michelle Obama and her experiences that have shaped her to be one of the most iconic women in our era.

16. Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler

A story of an American childhood during the Civil Rights Movement that shaped Octavia Butler into the science-fiction storyteller that she became.

17. Up From Slavery: An Autobiography

An African-American history story where freedom, self respect, educational programs and industrial training are worth fighting for black Americans.

18. Up Close: Jane Goodall

The story of a young woman from London who travels to Africa to revolutionize views on chimpanzees, forest conservation, and women in scientific fields.

19. Autobiography of a Face

A heart-wrenching story about the author's disfiguring cancer and how she dealt with the pain and healing. In a world that obsesses over physical attributes, she looks for acceptance, inner peace and love.

20. We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist and author of many biographies for teens. A story that paints a vivid picture of what it's like to live in a refugee camp during war and border conflicts.  A fascinating story that reminds us that every displaced person has hopes and dreams.

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14 fascinating teacher interview questions for principals, tips for success if you have a master’s degree and can’t find a job, 14 ways young teachers can get that professional look, which teacher supplies are worth the splurge, 8 business books every teacher should read, conditional admission: everything you need to know, college majors: everything you need to know, 7 things principals can do to make a teacher observation valuable, 3 easy teacher outfits to tackle parent-teacher conferences, 12 inspiring biographies for teens.

We enjoy recommending a top-notch memoir or biography to the young adult readers we are familiar with. There isn’t a better approach to enable children to relate to the history and see life from another person’s perspective. Here are our top picks for recent teen memoirs and biographies.

• Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Heiligman details the extraordinary and bizarre lives of the Van Gogh brothers, their interactions with one another, and their creative output.

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

Nellie Bly, well-known for her breakthrough work documenting the abuse of asylum patients, defied the stereotypes of female reporters and became a trailblazing columist.

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

In a poem, Engle describes the stress of juggling two worlds, Cuba and LA.

• Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lower y

Lowery talks about her experience participating in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights march as the youngest marcher.

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

Simone Biles, an Olympic gold champion gymnast, describes her path from foster care to success.

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

Sandra Uwiringiyimana fled a refugee camp in the Congo and went to America after seeing her mother and younger sister killed. Through action and creativity, she overcame and recovered.

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

Abdul-Jabbar discusses how he overcomes obstacles and challenges to establish himself as a leader.

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

The story of Knud Pedersen and his friends is chronicled in The Boys Who Challenged Hitler. Their attempts to destroy Hitler led to the Danish resistance.

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

Brierley tells the tale of how he spent years questioning his existence, looking for his home, and ultimately finding it after being abandoned on a train at the age of five, becoming homeless, and then being placed in an orphanage.

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

Tim Howard, who was just diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, describes his inspiring upbringing, lengthy soccer career, and unexpected success.

• Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Saedi recalls her childhood in America as an undocumented Iranian.

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

A terrible crime forever alters the lives of two teenagers from very different areas and brings them together.

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Best Memoirs for Kids and Teens

Kids crave authentic stories, and what's more authentic than the story of a life written by the person who lived it? These compelling memoirs and autobiographies reveal the challenges and triumphs of ordinary people, often in extraordinary situations -- from war, poverty, and physical disability to athletic stardom, social activism, and the search for love and acceptance. These books can help build empathy, make kids feel less alone in their struggle, and inspire young readers as they see what people went through to get where they are. For more stories of kids' lives, check out our Coming-of-Age Books and Books with Stories of Extraordinary Women .

Just Help! How to Build a Better World

Inspiring portrait of service urges kids to give back.

My Journey to the Stars

Exciting memoir rockets future astronauts to space.

Chasing Space Young Reader's Edition

Stellar memoir of an elite athlete and astronaut's journey.

Mo'ne Davis: Remember My Name: My Story from First Pitch to Game Changer

Inspirational memoir of Little League history maker.

Real Friends

Painfully honest, hopeful memoir of coping with frenemies.

Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day

Lyrical memoir in verse traces fight for MLK Day.

Charming, funny comics memoir of growing up deaf.

Just Pretend

Making fantasy fiction helps tween cope in heartfelt memoir.

Funny, moving memoir is great for younger comics fans.

This Is Your Time

Powerful true tale of girl who desegregated school in 1960.

A First Time for Everything

Delightful details of the author's first Euro trip and kiss.

Be Prepared

Smart, funny account of summer camp discomfort.

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court

Thoughtful memoir by basketball star and civil rights icon.

The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor

Inspiring memoir teaches kids to dream big.

Brown Girl Dreaming

Captivating poems depict coming-of-age in tumultuous 1960s.

Colin Kaepernick: Change the Game

Super Bowl QB's early years make engaging memoir.

The Dumbest Idea Ever

Funny, affecting memoir of growing up crazy for comics.

Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith

Inspiring autobiography by Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas.

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

Inspiring memoir of teen Nobel laureate shot by Taliban.

Permanent Record: Young Readers Edition

Exciting spy memoir hits digital privacy, exposing secrets.

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• How to Raise an Optimistic Human in a Pessimistic World

50 Must-Read Biographies

Rebecca Hussey

Rebecca holds a PhD in English and is a professor at Norwalk Community College in Connecticut. She teaches courses in composition, literature, and the arts. When she’s not reading or grading papers, she’s hanging out with her husband and son and/or riding her bike and/or buying books. She can't get enough of reading and writing about books, so she writes the bookish newsletter "Reading Indie," focusing on small press books and translations. Newsletter: Reading Indie Twitter: @ofbooksandbikes

View All posts by Rebecca Hussey

The best biographies give us a satisfying glimpse into a great person’s life, while also teaching us about the context in which that person lived. Through biography, we can also learn history, psychology, sociology, politics, philosophy, and more. Reading a great biography is both fun and educational. What’s not to love?

Below I’ve listed 50 of the best biographies out there. You will find a mix of subjects, including important figures in literature, science, politics, history, art, and more. I’ve tried to keep this list focused on biography only, so there is little in the way of memoir or autobiography. In a couple cases, authors have written about their family members, but for the most part, these are books where the focus is on the biographical subject, not the author.

The first handful are group biographies, and after that, I’ve arranged them alphabetically by subject. Book descriptions come from Goodreads.

Take a look and let me know about your favorite biography in the comments!

All We Know: Three Lives by Lisa Cohen

“In  All We Know , Lisa Cohen describes their [Esther Murphy, Mercedes de Acosta, and Madge Garland’s] glamorous choices, complicated failures, and controversial personal lives with lyricism and empathy. At once a series of intimate portraits and a startling investigation into style, celebrity, sexuality, and the genre of biography itself,  All We Know  explores a hidden history of modernism and pays tribute to three compelling lives.”

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

“Set amid the civil rights movement, the never-before-told true story of NASA’s African-American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in America’s space program. Before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as ‘Human Computers,’ calculating the flight paths that would enable these historic achievements. Among these were a coterie of bright, talented African-American women.”

The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage by Paul Elie

“In the mid-twentieth century four American Catholics came to believe that the best way to explore the questions of religious faith was to write about them – in works that readers of all kinds could admire.  The Life You Save May Be Your Own  is their story – a vivid and enthralling account of great writers and their power over us.”

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester

“As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.”

The Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser

“In a sweeping narrative, Fraser traces the cultural, familial and political roots of each of Henry’s queens, pushes aside the stereotypes that have long defined them, and illuminates the complex character of each.”

John Adams by David McCullough

“In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life-journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot — ‘the colossus of independence,’ as Thomas Jefferson called him.”

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Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable

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Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

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Want to read more about great biographies? Check out this post on presidential biographies , this list of biographies and memoirs about remarkable women , and this list of 100 must-read musician biographies and memoirs .

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Having My Say: A Multigenre Autobiography Project

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

Students can be guided to make powerful connections between their life experiences and the world surrounding their individual narratives. In this lesson, Elizabeth and Sarah Delany's autobiography, Having Our Say , serves as a model for student texts. Students read and analyze passages from Having Our Say looking for specific examples of multigenre writing within the text. Students then choose to narrate a life event that has connections to or is informed by a larger event in their lives or in the world around them. They compose a multigenre paper that includes the autobiographical narrative essay as well as an informational nonfiction piece that provides context for and connections to the story from their life.

Featured Resources

Autobiographical Narrative Component Peer Review Guide : This handout includes a chart to guide students in a thoughtful peer review of a classmate's autobiographical essay, but it could be adapted for use with any peer review. Contextual Essay Planning Sheet : This handout provides a chart that guides students in thinking about the kinds of information an audience might need to know to understand their autobiographical essay.

From Theory to Practice

In Blending Genre, Altering Style: Writing Multigenre Papers , Tom Romano describes his ideal ELA classroom as one in which students "are both consumers and producers of all kinds of literature and media" (43).  As students are exposed to or are expected to have gained "mastery" of certain genres, teachers can challenge students by asking them to combine genres into cohesive multigenre pieces.  In her article discussing the use of multigenre writing assignments in her classroom, Nancy Mack states "I know that assignments must be innovative and interesting enough so that they appear unlike the old drudgery of hackneyed assignments. The format must be open and attractive to invite the possibility of doing something engaging rather than merely pursuing the trivial school game. Topics for writing should make use of the unique knowledge and skills that students already have, connecting school work in a respectful way to things that they value in their personal lives. The completed assignment should be personally significant and full of power and integrity for the author so that the writing itself demands to be heard by a real audience." (98) The writing assignments in this lesson do just that, as they challenge students to write in multiple genres with connections to stories from their lives. Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 2. Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.
• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• Copies of Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years by Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany with Amy Hill Hearth (Dell)
• Overhead or large post-its for recording student responses
• Pens, paper for drafting in class or time in a computer lab for composition and revision
• “Teaching Racially Sensitive Literature: A Teacher’s Guide” (optional)
• Multigenre Autobiography Planning Sheet
• Contextual Essay Planning Sheet
• Autobiographical Narrative Component Peer Review Guide
• Contextual Component Peer Review Guide
• Multigenre Autobiography Project Rubric
• Understanding the Two Genres Handout (optional)

Preparation

• Determine how much of the book you will ask students to read. You may wish to use this text in its entirety as an example of the genre of autobiography. Alternately, a few of the sections can serve as supplementary resources to existing units. For example, the section “I Am Free! ” could supplement a unit on slavery, “Jim Crow Days” could enrich a unit on Civil Rights and segregation, and “Harlem-Town” would integrate into a study of the Harlem Renaissance. A third option is to treat one of the sections as a stand-alone autobiographical piece.
• Preview the section(s) you plan to teach and read Teaching Racially Sensitive Literature: A Teacher’s Guide .  Having Our Say does contain frank conversations about race, including representations of blatant racism through language and action. Determine the type and level of preparation your students might need.
• Make copies of all necessary handouts.
• Think about an event from your life you would be comfortable using in the modeling the drafting process. (See Instruction and Activities Session 3.)
• Plan for computer lab/internet access for any sessions during which you will use ReadWriteThink interactives or students will be word processing.
• If you are unfamiliar with the story of the  Delany sisters, the Having Our Say Website includes brief information about the sisters and how their story came to be written, as well as a study guide for the book.
• Test the Venn Diagram and Timeline interactives on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tools and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page.

Student Objectives

Students will

• identify features that are unique to and common between informational and autobiographical nonfiction.
• choose an event from their life to narrate in essay form, adopting genre-appropriate voice, style, and methods of development.
• determine the specific historical, cultural, or familial background information that readers of the above essay would need.
• craft an informational nonfiction essay around that information, adopting genre-appropriate voice, style, and methods of development.
• successfully integrate informational and autobiographical nonfiction.

Session One

• Prepare students for the reading by discussing its unique structural features.  Have them leaf through the book and take note of its structure while you guide them through the different sections (major sections indicated by roman numerals and titles, unlabeled introductory chapters, alternating chapters labeled with the narrating sister’s name, etc. ).
• Point out that the third author, a writer for The New York Times , is the objective voice in the chapters at the beginning of the sections.
• Offer students the label of “multigenre text” and ask if they have read or are familiar with any multigenre texts (Avi’s Nothing But the Truth , Walter Dean Myers’ Monster ).  Ask them what genres seem to be represented in this work.  See the ReadWriteThink lesson Reading and Analyzing Multigenre Texts for more information on this specialized reading and writing, including a booklist with more examples.
• Have students produce a list of ways that informational nonfiction (perhaps students can conceive of it as “newspaper” writing) and autobiographical nonfiction are similar and different.  You may wish to use the Venn Diagram tool to facilitate this discussion.
• Extend this discussion into a conversation about what makes each of these genres especially effective.  Write students’ observations on an overhead or large sheet of Post-It paper for later use/reference.  You can then use these preparatory materials as a rubric for the final student product or use the Multigenre Autobiograpy Project Rubric included in this lesson.

Session Two

• Have students read the desired section(s) of the book. 
• direct presentation of ideas: “A generation after the end of slavery, freedom for black Americans was still elusive” (90)
• a focus on facts and events:  “1896…the Supreme Court ruling in the Plessy v. Ferguson case” (90)
• development with third-person examples and explanation:  “The case stemmed from an incident in which a Louisiana citizen named Homer Plessy lost his appeal to the Supreme Court, which sanctioned the establishment of ‘separate but equal’ facilities for blacks and whites” (90 – 91)
• formal, standard English throughout and objective perspective throughout.

The style here stands in marked contrast to the conversational style of the sisters’ chapters, where the narrative is driven by dialogue, descriptions, stories, and opinions.

• Use an overhead of the Multigenre Autobiography Planning Sheet to have students summarize the Delanys’ story in the center circle.  Then review the section opener to list context the third author provides and put the contextual information in the outer circle.  Point out that, diverse as the styles of the two sections may be, they work together to show how the sisters’ lives were part of a larger, more dynamic picture than their individual life experiences alone.
• Preview the multigenre autobiography assignment, noting to students that they will write about an event from their life as well as the larger context surrounding it.  Encourage students to make connections between their autobiography and the information they include in the contextual essay like the ones from Having Our Say .

Session Three

• Have students brainstorm a significant event or experience from their lives that they would like to share.  Some students will choose to start with a significant world, community, or family event first ( e.g. , the September 11 attack, the closing of a plant or factory in their town, the birth of a sibling) and then determine the personal narrative they will write in relation to that event.  Others will have an experience they want to narrate and will determine the focus of the contextual information later.  Either approach can work, but ensure that students choose a personal experience that will need to be contextualized.
• Refer to the list of qualities of narrative/autobiographical nonfiction the class produced in Session 1 (or use the Understanding the Two Genres handout ). 
• Remind students that they will need to work toward these objectives as they produce a rough draft of their personal essay.
• Distribute the Multigenre Autobiography Planning Sheet .
• Model for students the functionality of the Multigenre Autobiography Planning Sheet . Using an event from your own life, start jotting down the events, feelings, and reactions you would need to include in an autobiographical essay recounting the event.
• As the connections become apparent, or after you’ve modeled the inner circle, write down in the outer circle elements of context you would need to include.
• Answer any student questions about the process and give them time to start planning the autobiographical component in the inner circle.

Session Four

• At the beginning of this session, ask students to recall specific instances from the book to exemplify the qualities of autobiographical narrative writing (focus on events and reactions; indirect presentation of main ideas; opinions and reactions are central to the piece; etc .) from the Understanding the Two Genres handout or the list of qualities the class developed to help them focus their efforts.
• Give students time to work on composition of a draft of the personal essay.  Use the Timeline tool to help students plan the structure of their essay. 
• Ask students to complete a draft of the essay by the next session.  They should be ready for a peer review activity.

Session Five

• Put students in pairs to read each others’ drafts and provide feedback to their partners’ essays.  Use the Autobiographical Component Peer Review Guide or a similar resource reflecting the qualities on which you wish students to focus.
• After giving students time to share their comments with each other, tell students that their attention will now be shifting to concerns of audience as they prepare for the second essay in the project. They need to consider the questions  “Who will be reading this piece?” and “What kind(s) of information do those readers need to gain a full understanding of the experience?”
• Refer back to sections such as “Harlem Town” or “Jim Crow” to give students a model for this way of thinking.  Remind them that the essay at the beginning of each section provides historical, familial, or cultural context for the individual stories that the sisters narrate in the chapters that follow. 
• Ask for a few volunteers to tell what event they are narrating.  As a class, discuss the kind of context they will need ( e.g. , If a student is writing about moving from a large city to his/her new home in a smaller town, he/she could describe their city/neighborhood as a reporter would; If a student is narrating the divorce of his/her parents, he/she could provide a brief objective chronology of his/her family life up to that point).
• Direct peer response pairs to focus on the type and amount of contextualizing their essays will require.  Does the reader need background on the author’s family?  On a historical event?  About a cultural term or concept?  These mini-conferences will produce a plan for the second piece in this assignment.
• Have students record their needs on the outer circle of the Multigenre Autobiography Planning Sheet .
• For homework, have them further think about/refine their plan for the contextual essay using the Contextual Essay Planning Sheet . There they should make firm decisions about the amount and type of background information they will need to give their readers. 
• Ask students to begin the process of researching any information to which they do not have immediate access (family history, historical events).  This research need not be formal, but students should gather information they will need.

Session Six

• Check students’ plans for the contexual essay and review the guidelines for effective informational writing (see the Understanding the Two Genres handout). 
• Answer any questions students have about the contextual essay and allow time for the composition of the context opener. 
• Ask students to have the context opener drafted for the next session.  They should be ready for a second peer review activity.

Session Seven

• Students meet in the same response pairs and use the Contextual Component Peer Review Guide or a similar resource to provide each other feedback on their partners’ work. 
• Have pairs go back to the autobiographical essays as well as their plans from Session 5 to make sure the contextual essay sufficiently prepares the reader for the autobiographical essay.
• If time allows, give students time to begin preparations for revision.

Session Eight

• Allow students time to revise and polish their project based on feedback and self-evaluation.
• As a class, choose a unifying school, community, national, or world event.  Write a collaborative contextual essay and have students contribute individual autobiographical essays.
• Families can choose a unifying event and write a contextual essay together.  Individual family members can contribute individual autobiographical essays.
• Expand the multigenre requirement to include photographs, poetry, a play, or another genre of your choice.
• Deepen or expand your study of the literary piece or of autobiographical writing by exploring these related ReadWriteThink Lessons: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Critical Discussion of Social Issues , Paying Attention to Technology: Writing Technology Autobiographies , and The Year I Was Born: An Autobiographical Research Project .

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Use the Multigenre Autobiography Project Rubric to evaluate the revised student work.
• Students should also be asked to reflect on what they learned by putting their story into a larger context.  Although they may not have the dynamic connections that are present in the Delany sisters’ story, encourage them to see how putting their stories in a new perspective can help them understand themselves more critically.  This reflection could come as a preface or introduction to the completed multigenre piece.
• Calendar Activities
• Professional Library
• Student Interactives
• Lesson Plans

Students come together with family and friends to take part in a read-in of books by African American authors and report their results.

Students generate descriptive timelines and can include images in the description.

This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles, enabling them to organize their information logically.

To understand the historical background that influenced Maya Angelou's poems, students research events to produce trading cards using the ReadWriteThink Trading Card Student Interactive. Through the sharing of these trading cards, students understand the historical background as they analyze Angelou's poetry.

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• Kindergarten K

• Books About Death

12 Inspiring Biographies That’ll Change Your Perspective

Updated 09/26/2023

Published 06/17/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Biographies and autobiographies are some of the most life-changing books that exist. They allow us to learn more about individuals, both famous and relatively unknown.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Best inspiring biographies, most inspiring autobiographies, inspiring autobiographies for children and young adults.

We may find we form a deep connection to a stranger when we read about them based on shared life experiences. Or we may just learn more about someone who has a totally different background. Most of all, we can find ourselves inspired by witnessing the way a person has lived their life. 

Here, we’ll explore some of the best memoirs and biographies published in recent years that will make you see the world in a new light. 

People often want to be moved by the world around them. We look to other people to inspire us so that we can learn and grow. The right sources of inspiration can help us believe in ourselves.

They can even transform the way we live our lives. These biographies are sure to inspire you and challenge you. 

1. Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder

Over the past several years, infectious diseases have dominated the national consciousness.

Global pandemics, the anti-vaccination movement, and preventative HIV medication are all part of this conversation. This biography focuses on the work of Dr. Paul Farmer. Farmer, a physician and anthropologist, fought tuberculosis in Haiti, Peru, and Russia. His story gives us hope that dedicated individuals are fighting to protect our health.  

View This Book on Amazon

2. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

In 1936, distance runner Louis Zamperini competed in the Berlin Olympics as a teenager, an astonishing feat. But while that would be a notable enough accomplishment to warrant a biography, it’s only the beginning of his story. 

In 1941 he was commissioned into the United States Air Force, where he served as a bombardier. When he was just 26 years old, his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean on a search and rescue mission. Miraculously, he lived through the crash and went on to survive 47 days adrift at sea. Unfortunately, he was then captured in the Japanese-occupied Marshall Islands. He was taken to a prison camp and tortured as a POW for two and a half years until the end of World War II. 

Despite all of the ups and downs he encountered in his life, he discovered faith and the power of forgiveness. His story is proof that even after unimaginable hardship, the human spirit perseveres.  

3. Young Mandela by David James Smith

Many people know the name and the legacy of Nelson Mandela. He was a political leader, activist, and philanthropist who spent 27 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. His crime? Fighting to dismantle the oppressive South African apartheid regime. 

Upon his release, he became the first black president of South Africa and the first elected in a truly democratic election. Many people remember the benevolent, gray-haired Mandela from the latter part of his life.

This book focuses on his drive and leadership and his willingness to put himself on the line to invoke change. He is proof that one person can have enough of an impact to change the course of an entire nation.

View This Book on Amazon      

4. Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times by Thomas Hauser

Some people think celebrities and sports figures should keep their mouths shut about their personal beliefs and just do what they’re paid to do. One recent example of this is Colin Kaepernick. But sports figures have a lengthy history of fighting for their beliefs. Famed fighter Muhammad Ali was one of the earliest and most vocal. 

Like Kaepernick, his morals cost him years of his career. When he refused to be drafted to the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector, he was found guilty of draft evasion and stripped of his titles. But he appealed his decision all the way up to the Supreme Court, proving he was a tireless fighter in more ways than one.     

Biographies often focus on famous people, political figures, or other high-profile individuals. While celebrities also write memoirs, some of the most moving autobiographies come from people who are less well-known. Here are our picks for especially inspiring autobiographies.

5. Sully: My Search for What Really Matters by Chesley B. Sullenberger with Jeffrey Zaslow

On January 15, 2009, Americans were riveted by news reports of a near tragedy. A US Airways flight was forced into making an emergency landing after both of its engines were taken out by a flock of Canada geese.

Miraculously, pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and his co-pilot were able to land the plane on the Hudson River without a single life lost. This story shows that on an average workday, a regular person can become a hero.      

6. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Bird by Bird is ostensibly a guide to help aspiring writers hone their craft. But it is so much more than that.

Lamott meditates on her awkward childhood, her history of addiction, and her journey toward faith. She also delves into deeply painful topics like the death of her beloved father.

This book shows how you can mine all your life’s experiences in aid of helping you tell compelling stories. It also demonstrates that you can overcome an incredible array of challenges and become a teacher and leader.  

7. Educated by Tara Westover

We trust our parents to prepare us for the world around us. Tara Westover’s parents raised her as a survivalist in the mountains of Idaho. She stewed herbs and canned fruits to sustain her family through the winter. What her parents didn’t do was allow her to seek an education or medical care.

At the age of 17, Westover stepped foot in a classroom for the first time in her life. She taught herself math and grammar and made it into college, and has traveled the world in pursuit of knowledge. Her story shows we can overcome the most hardscrabble and deprived upbringing.  

8. When I Fell From the Sky by Juliane Koepcke

When she was just 17, Koepcke miraculously survived a plane crash. Lightning struck her plane midflight and tore it apart. She plummeted two miles to the earth, still strapped to her seat.

She was flung far enough away from the wreckage that she had to spend 11 days navigating her way through the wilderness, even with grievous wounds. This tale of perseverance is unparalleled. 

Kids and young people often gravitate towards fictional stories. But autobiographies can be a great way to get them more interested in nonfiction books.

All children need people to look up to. These autobiographies can inspire the next generation to follow their dreams.  

9. I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

For a lot of kids, school is tedious and boring. For Malala Yousafzai, the chance to go to school was worth risking her life. Malala grew up in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, which was seized by the Taliban. This extremist group is opposed to girls receiving any form of education. Malala refused to be intimidated and continued seeking an education. 

She nearly paid the ultimate price. When she was just fifteen years old, she was shot point-blank in the head on her bus ride home from school. Miraculously she survived and inspired the world with her courage and perseverance.   

10. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The atrocities perpetrated against Jewish people during World War II can feel far removed from modern times. This memoir brings the harsh reality of living in Nazi-occupied Holland to life.

Anne Frank and her family spent two years living in hiding in cramped quarters. But the war is really just the backdrop. This memoir provides a human face to the sweeping historical injustices of the 1940s. It’s impossible to read the inner thoughts of a thirteen-year-old girl and not feel personally connected to her struggles.    

11. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson is a Newbery Honor award-winning author who is known for her poetic and evocative writing style. In her memoir-in-verse, Brown Girl Dreaming , Woodson talks about what it was like growing up as a young African-American girl in the 1960s.

In particular, she talks about the juxtaposition of living in New York vs. the segregated town of Greenville, South Carolina. This book will be especially inspiring for young African-American girls who don’t always get to see characters that look like them. 

12. Firebird by Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is a ballet dancer for the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). The ABT is one of just a few leading classical ballet companies in the United States. In 2015, Copeland became the first African-American principal dancer in the company’s 75 years of existence.

This children’s book depicts a young ballerina who, much like Copeland herself, gets to dance the lead role in Firebird . It’s a great inspiration for children to show that they can achieve their dreams through hard work and dedication. 

Read These Inspirational Biographies for a Brand-New Perspective

There are so many books to read before you die . In truth, there’s no way to read all of the books you want to. But if you’re looking for inspiration, there’s nothing like a good memoir or biography to really move you.

Every one of us, young and old, can find something in someone else’s story to challenge us to become better. Someone’s life story told well can change your own life. 

If you're looking for more recommendations, read our guides on the best inspiring fiction and non-fiction books .

Categories:

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List of 25+ Greatest Memoirs for Young Adults

20 Books With Literary Themes About Death

14 Popular Books About Losing a Parent or Grandparent

15 Great Books About Funeral Homes + Mortuaries

Best Sellers in Teen & Young Adult Biographies

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The ultimate guide to homeschooling with biographies

Everyone has a story to tell.

Working in journalism for more than 15 years reinforced how much I believe this. Unfortunately, a lot of my traditional education did not. In science textbooks, famous people and their discoveries were included in dry lists, maybe with an anecdote about a “Eureka” moment but no explanation about the inventor or discoverer himself (or herself – and let’s be real, there weren’t a lot of herselfs included.)

Disclosure: This post has some affiliate links. I only link to things we legitimately use and recommend, so if you see such a link, it's because we really do believe in the book or item! History textbooks did slightly better, but not much; people were still names to be memorized and associated with dates, not explored as interesting contributors to society.

At the same time, I have great memories of the times when I got to dig deeper into the lives of people who mattered . When I was very young, I had some biography of Marie Curie, probably checked out from our local library, that I read several times over. Women could do science? Whoa!

Then I dove into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, and later, when I was homeschooled, my mom worked with me through a book called Learning from the Lives of Amazing People that I really was into. (You can tell I was into it, because I remembered its name now, something like 28 years later.)

In college, I took an amazing course on the history of mathematics, and our professor encouraged a focus on the mathematicians themselves and their lives amid the study of their discoveries. (This, sort of, is how Evariste Galois almost got me a job as a government cryptanalyst.)

Biographies matter . There is so much to be learned from knowing more about people than their two-sentence summary of accomplishments, and so many ways to get into the real experiences of those people.

That’s why I’ve taken the time to create this Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling With Biographies .  I want to encourage homeschoolers of any stripe to take time to introduce their children – and themselves – to the people who’ve shaped our world.

Here’s who this guide is for:

• Homeschoolers who use traditional curriculum , but who are looking for interesting supplemental material, especially in the areas of history, science and art.
• Those who homeschool with Charlotte Mason and other living-book styles who want recommendations of quality books about notable people.
• Unschooling parents looking for good books and movies about the people who interest their children, no matter whether they’re historical heroes, sports stars, interesting celebrities or infamous killers.
• Public-school or private-school parents whose kids need to write a report on some famous person and don’t know where to start.

That covers a lot of the parental spectrum, right? Mostly, I encourage you to read through and see how much the study of people is really a great way to explore any topic, from science to history to math to art and beyond .

This guide is a mix; I’ll focus on some broad suggestions for certain ages, and then list both some of our family’s

Homeschooling with biographies for young readers

For young readers (elementary and early middle school), nothing beats the  Who Is/Who Was biography series. This series (and the accompanying “Where Was” and “What Is” series) are great introductions to famous people, both ones of historical interest and those of current note.

This is also one of the most diverse series of biographies I’ve found, including many more women and non-white people, which we particularly liked, and branching out beyond “traditional history” to arts and entertainment.

Ashar enjoyed these a ton when he was younger! In fact, here he is modeling  Who Was King Tut?  from a reading marathon he had in January 2013!

There are easily dozens and dozens of these, and you’ll be able to spot them from their bobble-head-style cover art. Here are just a few that might spark the interest of your younger readers.

• Who Was Harriet Tubman?  – Of particular interest now that she’ll be appearing on the $20 bill!
• Who Was Milton Hershey? – This makes me happy, because I work in the town that bears Hershey’s name.
• Who Is George Lucas? – Great for young Star Wars fans.
• Who Is Jeff Kinney? – If your kids love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, as Ashar did, they’ll like knowing more about Kinney.
• Who Was Edgar Allen Poe?
• Who Was Marie Curie?
• Who Was Mother Teresa?
• Who Was Gandhi?
• Who Was Dr. Seuss?
• Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.?

My biggest suggestion for using these books in your family’s homeschooling journey is to read them together ! These are absolutely written so that your children can read them on their own, but there is just so much to talk about that you’ll be missing out on a ton of chances to dig deeper if you use these as on-their-own readers. We tackled a section per night before bed and could usually finish one in a week or two.

If you’re going to assign some kind of project based on a biography to your younger readers, I’d suggest  going beyond a report on the person themselves .  Reading the book and learning about the individual should be the start – not the goal.

What about tackling one topic or issue raised in the biography? What about researching the place or time period? If you’re into notebooking or unit studies in particular, I can easily envision a major multi-subject, multi-week exploration based on any of these!

Homeschooling with biographies for mid-level readers

While I love the Who Was books for younger readers, I get even more excited about some of the many options out there for mid-level readers. These are traditional chapter-based books with lots of great images and deeper information that can be used from mid-elementary age to well into early high school!

There are two series of biographies I want to highlight here:  Sterling Biographies  and  Signature Biographies.  Both series are ones we’ve used personally and can highly recommend; in fact, as you’ll see a bit later, Ashar and I are reading the Signature Biographies book about Ulysses S. Grant together now!

Sterling was the first biography series we discovered when we began homeschooling. You’ll see some of their books featured in our “family favorites” later in this post, but in addition to those, here are just a few highlights:

• Neil Armstrong: One Giant Leap for Mankind
• Helen Keller: Courage in Darkness
• Malcolm X: A Revolutionary Voice
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt: A National Hero
• Eleanor Roosevelt: A Courageous Spirit
• Jackie Robinson: Champion for Equality
• Alexander Graham Bell: Giving Voice to the World

We’re a bit newer to the Signature Biographies series, but so far, I’d also highly recommend those. They get into a lot of people I’ve not found other middle-range biographies on, including a lot from ancient times (so if that’s a period you’re studying in your homeschool, keep these in mind!)

A few highlights there:

• Amy Tan: Author and Storyteller
• Confucius: Chinese Philosopher and Teacher
• William Shakespeare: Playwright and Poet
• Hatshepsut: Egypt’s First Female Pharoah
• Tycho Brahe: Pioneer of Astronomy
• Socrates: Ancient Greek in Search of Truth
• Dolores Huerta: Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist

High school homeschooling (and adult learning) with biographies

This one is kind of a “cheat” on my part, because the real answer is that high-schoolers and adults get the best possible biography experience.

You and your high-schoolers can both benefit from “lower-level” biographies like those mentioned above, and in fact, one thing Ashar enjoys doing is reading something like a Sterling or Signature biography and then specifically finding something that was only covered at a surface level and digging deeper .

But you can also find an almost endless number of biographies or memoirs on almost anyone of interest written for adults. I especially value biographies at the high-school age because they can be a huge window into the adult world. If your teen has an idea about a potential career, I almost guarantee you can find a biography or memoir of someone who’s done it – I mean, I turned up at least three accountant biographies.

If your teen wants to know more about philosophy, or art, or science, or math, there’s a biography that will likely do more to engage them in that topic than any textbook.  The possibilities are unlimited.

But if you want more concrete suggestions, read on! The books below will be a great start, and if none of those spark your interest, maybe they’ll raise ideas for the types of people you or your teens would like to know more about.

Our family’s favorite biographies and memoirs

This is the fun part! By no means is this a complete list, but here are just some of the biographies, autobiographies and memoirs on our shelves, either that we’ve already enjoyed or that we’re hoping to read soon.

• Total Recall  – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s autobiography was Ashar’s favorite book of the past year.
• The Bielski Brothers – Ashar read this about a year and a half ago after seeing the movie Defiance, which I’ll talk about in a little bit. The book’s subtitle, “The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis, Built a Village in th Forest, and Saved 1,200 Jews” sums it up well.
• Adolf Hitler (Wicked History)   and  Hitler  – I talked in detail  in an earlier post about Ashar’s interest in why Adolf Hitler did what he did, and these were a couple of the few non-academic-disseration-level biographies we found.
• Messi: A Biography – A short look at Ashar’s favorite soccer star.
• Jim Thorpe: An Athlete for the Ages  – This is from the Sterling series I mentioned above, and really sparked an interest in Ashar in this Native American athlete, whose namesake Pennsylvania town we visited .
• Abraham Lincoln – Another Sterling biography that Ashar loved.
• Ulysses S. Grant – This is a book in the Signature series I mentioned above that Kaitlyn and I picked up for Ashar on a trip to Harpers Ferry, W.Va., last year. He and I just started reading it together – should be a quick read.
• A Beautiful Mind – The book portrayal of mathematician John Forbes Nash is way better than the movie (though comparing both is nice, too.) This is one of my favorites.
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind – I read this within the past year and loved it. It’s the story of William Kamkwamba, a Malawian boy (now man) who brought wind power to his village.
• Feynman (graphic novel); Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman   (biography); and Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman (autobiography) – A look at our family’s favorite physicist. We’ve read all of these plus a lot of his other works.
• The World’s Strongest Librarian – This memoir by librarian Josh Hanagarne, who battles Tourette’s, is amazing. One of my favorite reads this year.
• Dr. Mutter’s Marvels – A biography of Thomas Dent Mutter, who founded a musuem of medical oddities I love in Philadelphia and who pioneered a bunch of new surgical techniques.
• Ghost in the Wires – This is the autobiography of noted hacker Kevin Mitnick, and it’s phenomenal for anyone interested in technology.
• Magnificent Desolation – Buzz Aldrin’s autobiography was my pick when Ashar was interested in space exploration a few years ago.
• Telling the Story of Lassa Fever’s First U.S. Victim – This was a biography that I was privileged to write as part of my journalism career. It was an incredible experience to be on the other side – wondering how to tell a person’s untold story.
• The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York –  This book is about Moses, the controversial urban planner who is responsible for much of New York City’s current infrastructure.
• Ada’s Algorithm: How Lord Byron’s Daughter Ada Lovelace Launched the Digital Age – Most of our family read this book in the past year. Ada Lovelace is an amazing person, but I admit the book was slightly less well-told of a story than I was hoping for.
• The Catcher Was a Spy: The Mysterious Life of Moe Berg  – This book about Berg made Chris’ recommendations list. It’s about a man who was both a Major League Baseball catcher and a spy for the OSS during World War II.
• My Beloved World – This is Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s autobiography.
• Portrait of an Obsession – Subtitled “The life of Sir Thomas Phillipps, the world’s greatest book collector,” those who know Chris probably don’t find this suggestion a surprise.
• Kill ‘Em and Leave: Searching for James Brown and the American Soul  – An interesting portrayal of the Father of American Soul, musician James Brown.
• Private Demons: The Life of Shirley Jackson – This biography details the life of noted author and playwright Shirley Jackson.
• Lakota Woman – This book is Mary Crow Dog’s autobiographical account of her life on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
• Vincent Price: A Daughter’s Biography  – Price is one of our family’s favorite actors, and his daughter’s account of his life is an excellent read.
• Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial  – This sounds like it’s not a biography at all, but it’s a tricky one. It’s the story of Robert Jackson, a Supreme Court Justice who was tapped to lead the War Crimes Council at Nuremberg after World War II. This book does one of the best jobs of being thorough and detailed while still engrossing you completely.
• Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination  – You’re probably thinking to yourself, “I don’t really need to read 912 pages about Walt Disney. There has to be a movie or a cartoon or something I can watch.” And there probably is. But Neal Gabler takes you along for the entirety of Walt’s life, building on every success and failure to explain why Walt did what he did.
• A Curious Man: The Strange and Brilliant Life of Robert “Believe it or Not!” Ripley  – You’ve probably seen the faux-wax museums in major cities, or one of the endless books that trapped the quintessential traveling carnival sideshow on the printed age and allowed us to bring it home. Robert Ripley was obsessed with the weird, and determined to chronicle it.
• King Edward VIII   – If you saw The King’s Speech,  you laughed, cried and cheered as an awkward, stuttering Colin Firth unexpectedly rose to become king and lead the English to victory over the Nazis in World War II. But what about his brother? You know, the one who was king first? This book was one of Kaitlyn’s picks because Edward VIII has always fascinated him, both for his personal choices (he abdicated so that he could marry an American divorcee) as well as the country’s (well, he is the king, but he likes that loud American woman so he’s got to go!).
• So, Anyway … – This is John Cleese’s autobiography, and how could you not want to know more about the man who, more than any of the other members of the group, exemplifies Monty Python? What kind of brain thinks up the Parrot Sketch? Or bases an entire television series around a rude hotel manager? Cleese is smart, witty and a good writer.

Beyond books: Homeschooling with biopics (biographical movies)

So here’s what I LOVE telling people: Learning doesn’t just come from books. In our family, movies and TV shows are a huge part of our learning, and when it comes to learning about people, it’s no different. So, one night last week, we all sat down and brainstormed a list of biopics.

This was a ton of fun – and also full of controversy. Some things got left off the list because we felt they took too many liberties with the person’s real story ( Finding Neverland and A Beautiful Mind , I’m looking at you!) But… I DO encourage you to watch those movies – and read the corresponding books. It’s fun to compare and contrast what’s real and what’s just part of a good film.

Here are just some of the movies, in no particular order, that passed muster with our family, along with a very short description of their subject.  Please do your own investigations of all of these. We found them, if not 100% accurate, at least pretty thought-provoking, but some are definitely better for older audiences. And in all cases, you can certainly find some cool books about these people too!

• Schindler’s List – Oskar Schindler saved more than 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
• The Elephant Man – Joseph Merrick (called John in the movie) was born with a congenital deformity and was displayed as a curiosity in the mid- to late 1800s.
• American Splendor – Harvey Pekar  was an underground comic book writer and music critic.
• Persepolis – Based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel, this anime-style movie tells the story of Satrapi’s childhood through early-adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution.
• Erin Brockovich – We had mixed votes on this one. Kaitlyn hates it; Chris loves it; I’m in the middle. Brockovich is an American legal clerk and environmental activist, who, despite having no formal education in law, built a famous case against a utility company that’s depicted in this movie.
• Young Mr. Lincoln and Lincoln – Yes, these are both about Abraham Lincoln – the first from 1939 and the second from 2012.
• Fear Strikes Out  – This is about Jimmy Piersall, who was a Major League Baseball player who suffered a nervous breakdown and was able to recover after many years of therapy.
• The Spirit of St. Louis – Jimmy Stewart stars in this portrayal of aviator Charles Lindbergh.
• Born Free  – Joy and George Adamson raised a lion named Elsa in Africa. This is an amazing movie that, fun fact, our CAT used to love to watch on TV .
• Coal Miner’s Daughter – This tells the story of country singer Loretta Lynn.
• Gorillas in the Mist – Dian Fossey was an anthopologist who traveled to Africa to study rare mountain gorillas.
• Stand and Deliver – Jaime Escalante was a Bolivian teacher who was known for teaching a bunch of East Los Angeles students calculus, only to have them be accused of cheating because they learned it so well. (I also voted for The Ron Clark Story and Dangerous Minds , in the category of “educational success story biopics,” but The House Gentlemen vetoed me.)
• Chaplin – Robert Downey Jr. stars as comic genius Charlie Chaplin.
• The Insider – Jeffrey Wigand is a former tobacco scientist who violated contractual agreements to expose the inclusion of addictive ingredients in cigarettes.
• October Sky – This tells the story of high-schooler Homer Hickam, a coal-town boy who works to build a rocket with his friends and the help of a caring teacher. (I’m a sucker for teacher stories, you can tell.) (Also, this movie made me cry, but I’m told that’s not a valid description because I also cried at Batman v. Superman .) (That’s not a biopic.)
• Men of Honor – This film is about Carl Brashear, the first African-American U.S. Navy master diver. He’s all the more awesome because, before he was certified as a dive master, he lost a leg in an accident, so he earned his certification with a prosthetic leg. (I watched a short clip from this at Chris’ recommendation. It also made me cry.)
• 61* – This film details the summer of 1961, when Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle took on Babe Ruth’s record 1927 single-season 60 home-run slam.
• Man on the Moon  – Jim Carrey does an EXCELLENT portrayal of troubled comic Andy Kaufman. This was one that was borderline on the list for its “takes a lot of liberties” nature, but it’s so, so good.
• Yankee Doodle Dandy  – Do you know whose statue is on Broadway? It’s George M. Cohan, who is ably portrayed by James Cagney in this classic film that our family watches many times a year. Give your regards to Broadway when you watch this. (It also makes me cry. I’m going to stop noting that now.)
• Saving Mr. Banks  – This recent film tells the story of P. L. Travers, the woman who wrote the Mary Poppins story, and how the tale came to be a Disney property.
• The Last Emperor  – This movie tells the story of the life of Emperor Pu Yi, the last emperor of China. (The music is also phenomenal and won my favorite musician, David Byrne, an Oscar.)
• The King’s Speech – George VI becomes King of England, but has to overcome a debilitating speech impediment. Colin Firth does an amazing job in this.
• 8 Mile – Here’s one that also almost didn’t make the list, because it’s not technically the story of rapper Eminem, except it is. We talked about why we see value in this when we talked about Eminem’s life . Add into this category Straight Outta Compton , which of course is not going to be appropriate for all audiences but which is a real, gritty portrayal of a particular kind of life.
• Temple Grandin – I have to admit, I’d have voted this one off the list, but Kaitlyn was adamant that it’s a great portrayal of Grandin, a woman with autism who earned her PhD and became an author and speaker.
• Dragon – This is a biography of martial artist Bruce Lee, and details both Lee’s recovery from a horrible injury as well as his creation of Jeet Kun Do. This might be my all-time favorite movie. (It makes me cry. Oops, did I say that?)
• Band of Brothers – This is the story of the men of Easy Company, a U.S. Army Airborne regiment, on the ground in Europe during World War II. Chris and Ashar are watching this together now and really finding a lot to talk about in it.
• Defiance – This Daniel Craig movie sparked Ashar’s interest in World War II and tells the story of the Bielski brothers, Jews who escaped to the Belarussian forest during the Holocaust.
• Valkyrie – The last of our World War II collection, in this movie, Tom Cruise plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, the man who tried to assassinate Hitler.
• READER RECOMMENDATION: In the Name of the Father – Awesome Unschool Rules Facebook fan Michele Kennedy suggested this movie depicting the life of Gerry Conlon, a petty thief in Belfast, Ireland, in the 1970s, who ends up forced to confess to a terrorist bombing even though he’s innocent. This sounds like an amazing story and one I’m glad to add to our watchlist.

More resources for learning about people

• A birthday celebration: Fleming. Ian Fleming.
• A birthday celebration: Learning about Abraham Lincoln
• A birthday celebration: Learning from Michael J. Fox with Back to the Future
• A birthday celebration: Learning about Annie Oakley, a wonderful woman of the Wild West
• A birthday celebration: Leonardo da Vinci, art and invention
• A birthday celebration: Hugh Jackman and Les Misérables
• A birthday celebration: Abner Doubleday, NOT baseball’s founder
• A birthday celebration: Small steps and giant leaps from Neil Armstrong
• A birthday celebration: Sir Winston Churchill
• Ulysses S. Grant: Famous Civil War general and president
• What should homeschoolers know about Adolf Hitler?
• IMDB: Looking for biographical information on your favorite actor or actress? Our first stop is almost always IMDB.
• Wikipedia: This is a case of “use good judgment.” Some biographies on Wikipedia are great, and others are full of inaccuracy. They make a great starting point for an overview, however!
• Bio: Biography.com is the site from the A&E Network’s Biography channel.
• How to help your kids fall in love with history: This post from Kris of the blog Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers (writing for Simple Homeschool) is a good overview to seeing the value of biographies in history education in particular.

Read more ultimate guides

This post is part of the iHomeschool Network’s Ultimate Guides series. Click the image below to see great tips from some of my fellow bloggers on a ton of cool topics!

You can also check out the Unschool Rules ultimate guides from previous years: The Ultimate Guide to Learning from Movies and TV Shows ,  The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling for Working Moms and The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling and Unschooling in Pennsylvania .

I hope you’ll take a look!

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4 thoughts on “ the ultimate guide to homeschooling with biographies ”.

I would add The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks to your list. It is a great intro to the moral dilemma of cell research.

So I read that one, Melissa, but I really didn’t love it! I love and am very familiar with the Henrietta Lacks story, but that particular version of it just didn’t resonate with me. But you’re so right – topically speaking, that’s an incredibly important one to discusss!

Wonderful. We have used biographies for years, as a solid means of delving deeper. Thank you for the comprehensive list. Will definitely look at Sterling.

Melanie, they really are awesome! I hope you like them.

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35 Biographies that will Inspire your Middle School Student

Your tweens and teens can learn a ton by reading middle school biographies . Don’t let your middle schooler skip over this genre! There are just too many great books to choose from.

Reading about inspiring lives from the past and present allows kids to learn about the world beyond their own experiences. In addition, reading biographies teaches kids about history, science, sports, and so many other topics that may interest them.

Of course finding books that are challenging enough for a middle school reader without being overly challenging in reading level and content can be tough. This list was gathered specificially for the readers who are “stuck in the middle.”

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Middle School Biographies

These middle school biographies will supplement many homeschool curriculums and make easy additions to any reading list for teens and tweens.

As with any booklist, you make the best choices when it comes to appropriate literature for your child to read. I have read many, though not all, of the books on this list. I highly recommend Common Sense Media when you want to know what sort of content might be included in any book.

A Simple Biography Report

Help your student thoughtfully remember facts from these middle school biographies with this free one-page biography report .

This simple report is perfect for your tween or teen to use to record what they learn as they read. It’s an easy (and fun!) way to report their reading. Ask them to share their findings over dinner if they are willing!

35 Biographies for Teens and Tweens

I am Malala

Malala Yousafai

Two of my kids dove into this one in middle school and couldn’t stop talking about it for quite some time. It opened their eyes to horrible situations in other countries and the courage it takes for one person to stand up to injustice.

Publisher’s Description: “Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren’t allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn’t go to school.

Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school.

No one expected her to survive.”

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Candace Fleming

Publisher’s Description: “On May 21, 1937, the most famous female pilot of all time, Amelia Earhart, set out to do the impossible: circumnavigate the globe at its widest point–27,000 miles in all. Just six weeks later, she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean.

Eighty years have passed since that fateful flight; and still, Amelia’s plane has never been found. Discover the thrilling life and tragic end of America’s most famous trailblazing flier with this impeccably researched and masterfully crafted book from acclaimed author Candace Fleming.”

Becoming Emily: The Life of Emily Dickinson

Krystyna Poray Goddu

Publisher’s Description: “In Becoming Emily, young readers will learn how as a child, an adolescent, and well into adulthood, Dickinson was a lively social being with a warm family life. Highly educated for a girl of her era, she actively engaged in both the academic and social aspects of the schools she attended until she was nearly eighteen.

Her family and friends were important to her, and she was a prolific, thoughtful, and witty correspondent who shared many poems with her closest friends and relatives.

This indispensable resource includes photos, full-length poems, letter excerpts, a time line, source notes, and a bibliography to present a vivid portrait of this singular American poet.”

Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

Jo Ann Allen Boyce

From Amazon: “In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen-year-old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee.

At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if the easier thing to do would be to go back to their old school.

Jo Ann–clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular among both black and white students—found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But what about just being a regular teen?”

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America

Teri Kanefield

Publisher’s Description: “The America that Alexander Hamilton knew was largely agricultural and built on slave labor. He envisioned something else: a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. He believed that such an America would be a land of opportunity for the poor and the newcomers.

But Hamilton’s vision put him at odds with his archrivals who envisioned a pastoral America of small towns, where governments were local, states would control their own destiny, and the federal government would remain small and weak.

The disputes that arose during America’s first decades continued through American history to our present day. Over time, because of the systems Hamilton set up and the ideas he left, his vision won out.

Here is the story that epitomizes the American dream—a poor immigrant who made good in America. In the end, Hamilton rose from poverty through his intelligence and ability, and did more to shape our country than any of his contemporaries.”

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

William Kamkwamba

From Amazon: “When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba’s tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season’s crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family’s life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William’s windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land.”

March: Book One

John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

Who can resist a graphic novel biography ? This has been a popular one in our house with all four kids and myself!

From Amazon: “ March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.

Book One spans John Lewis’ youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall.”

Thurgood Marshall: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “ Thurgood Marshall , the great-grandson of a slave, was born at a time when African Americans were denied equal rights in America. Segregation was legal. Lynching was common. In some places, African Americans were entirely excluded from public life; they were forbidden to enter public parks and museums or use public swimming pools and restrooms. After being denied admission to the University of Maryland Law School because of his race, Marshall enrolled at Howard University. He graduated first in his class and set out as a young lawyer determined to achieve equality for all Americans. Here is the story of how he did it—how he devised his legal strategy for expanding “we the people” to include all people.”

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March

by Lynda Blackmon Lowery

From the Publisher: “As the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Lynda Blackmon Lowery proved that young adults can be heroes. Jailed eleven times before her fifteenth birthday, Lowery fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. for the rights of African-Americans.

In this memoir, she shows today’s young readers what it means to fight nonviolently (even when the police are using violence, as in the Bloody Sunday protest) and how it felt to be part of changing American history.”

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero

by Patricia McCormick

From Amazon: “It was April 5, 1943, and the Gestapo would arrive any minute. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had been expecting this day for a long time. He had put his papers in order—and left a few notes specifically for Hitler’s men to see. Two SS agents climbed the stairs and told the boyish-looking Bonhoeffer to come with them. He calmly said good-bye to his parents, put his Bible under his arm, and left. Upstairs there was proof, in his own handwriting, that this quiet young minister was part of a conspiracy to kill Adolf Hitler.

This compelling, brilliantly researched account includes the remarkable discovery that Bonhoeffer was one of the first people to provide evidence to the Allies that Jews were being deported to death camps. It takes readers from his privileged early childhood to the studies and travel that would introduce him to peace activists around the world—eventually putting this gentle, scholarly pacifist on a deadly course to assassinate one of the most ruthless dictators in history.”

Gifted Hands, Revised Kids Edition: The Ben Carson Story

by Gregg Lewis

My son read this book as part of his summer reading in middle school and then we watched the movie . He enjoyed both versions of Ben Caron’s story.

Without a doubt, Ben Carson and all of the amazing medical breakthroughs he is able to achieve are very inspiring.

From the Publisher: “When Ben Carson was in school, his classmates called him the class dummy. Many—including Ben himself—doubted that he would ever amount to anything. But his mother never let him quit. She encouraged Ben to do better and reach higher for his dreams, and eventually, he discovered a deep love of learning.

Today this young boy from the inner-city is one of the world’s greatest pediatric neurosurgeons. Through determination and lot of hard work, Ben overcame his many obstacles and is now dedicated to saving the lives of critically ill children around the world.”

>>> Grab Our FREE Book to Movie Discussion Guide <<<

Abraham Lincoln: Making of America

From the Publisher: “Even though he grew up on the frontier without a formal education, Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) worked his way up in the government. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, then to the US House of Representatives, and then he became the 16th president of the United States.

During his presidency, he led the United States through the Civil War, brought about the emancipation of the enslaved, and strengthened the federal government.”

Child of the Dream (Memoir of 1963)

by Sharon Robinson

From the Publisher: “ In January 1963, Sharon Robinson turns 13 the night before George Wallace declares on national television “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever” in his inauguration speech as governor of Alabama. It is the beginning of a year that will change the course of American history.

As the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Sharon has opportunities that most people would never dream of experiencing. Her family hosts multiple fundraisers at their home in Connecticut for the work that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is doing. Sharon sees her first concert after going backstage at the Apollo Theater. And her whole family attends the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

But things don’t always feel easy for Sharon. She is one of the only Black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood. Her older brother, Jackie Robinson Jr., is having a hard time trying to live up to his father’s famous name, causing some rifts in the family. And Sharon feels isolated — struggling to find her role in the civil rights movement that is taking place across the country.

This is the story of how one girl finds her voice in the fight for justice and equality.”

A Long Way from Home

Saroo Brierley

From Amazon: “ At only five years old, Saroo Brierley got lost on a train in India. Unable to read or write or recall the name of his hometown or even his own last name, he survived alone for weeks on the rough streets of Calcutta before ultimately being transferred to an agency and adopted by a couple in Australia.

Despite his gratitude, Brierley always wondered about his origins. Eventually, with the advent of Google Earth, he had the opportunity to look for the needle in a haystack he once called home, and pore over satellite images for landmarks he might recognize or mathematical equations that might further narrow down the labyrinthine map of India. One day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for and set off to find his family.”

This one is also a major motion picture, so you can follow up with movie after you read the book!

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina (Young Reader)

by Misty Copeland

From Amazon: “Determination meets dance in this New York Times bestselling memoir by the history-making ballerina Misty Copeland, recounting the story of her journey to become the first African-American principal ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.

When she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America’s most groundbreaking dancers .

A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.”

Andrew Jackson: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “Born in the Carolina backwoods, Jackson joined the American Revolutionary War at the age of thirteen. After a reckless youth of gunfights, gambling, and general mischief, he rose to national fame as the general who defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans.

Jackson ran for president as a political outsider, championing the interest of common farmers and frontiersmen. Determined to take down the wealthy, well-educated East Coast “elites,” he pledged to destroy the national bank—which he believed was an engine of corruption serving the interest of bankers and industrialists.

A stanch nationalist, he sought to secure and expand the nation’s borders. Believing that “we the people” included white men only, he protected the practice of slavery and opened new lands for white settlers by pushing the Native people westward.

Jackson, a polarizing figure in his era, ignited a populist movement that remains a powerful force in our national politics.”

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

by Ashlee Vance

This book remains a favorite biography for middle schoolers in my house. My husband read it out loud to my boys and they absolutely loved it.

From Amazon: “The version for adults has been praised as “riveting” (The Financial Times), “spirited” (The Wall Street Journal), and “masterful” (Vice). Now younger readers can read about this innovative leader who is revolutionizing three industries at once: space, automotive, and energy.”

The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance

Don Mitchell

From Amazon: “When Hitler invaded Poland, Virginia Hall traveled in Europe. Which was dangerous enough, but as fighting erupted, instead of returning home, she headed to France. In a country divided by freedom and fascism, Virginia was determined to do her part for the Allies.

An ordinary woman from Baltimore, Maryland, she dove into the action, first joining a French ambulance unit and later becoming an undercover agent for both the British Office of Strategic Services and the US Office of Strategic Services. Working as a spy in the intelligence network, she made her way to Vichy, coordinating Resistance movements, assisting in Nazi sabotage, and rescuing downed Allies. She passed in plain sight of the enemy and soon found herself being hunted by the Gestapo.

But Virginia cleverly evaded discovery and death, often through bold feats and escapes. Her covert operations, efforts with the Resistance, and risky work as a wireless telegraph operator greatly contributed to the Allies’ eventual win.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “ When Franklin D. Roosevelt was first elected president in 1933, America was in the throes of the Great Depression—the worst economic crisis in U.S. history—and the world was experiencing a menacing rise in Nazism and other dangerous extremists.

Throughout his four presidential terms, Roosevelt was a steady and inspiring leader. He implemented progressive social reform through his New Deal agenda and helped lift America from economic crisis. He guided America to victory in World War II.

Born into wealth and privilege, Roosevelt entered politics at a young age. His career and world views were shaped by his marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt and his long struggle with polio.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our thirty-second president, forever left his mark on our nation and the world. By the time of his death, America had grown to a global economic and military superpower. His New Deal legislation changed the relationship of American citizens to their government. His policies came close to fully realizing Alexander Hamilton’s vision of a government that touches and improves the lives of all citizens.

Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass, a Monumental American Man

Tonya Bolden

From Amazon: “Teacher. Self-emancipator. Orator. Author. Man. Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) is one of the most important African-American figures in US history, best known, perhaps, for his own emancipation.

But there is much more to Douglass’s story than his time spent in slavery and his famous autobiography. Delving into his family life and travel abroad, this book captures the whole complicated, and at times perplexing, person that he was.

As a statesman, suffragist, writer, newspaperman, and lover of the arts, Douglass the man, rather than the historical icon, is the focus in Facing Frederick.”

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy

Seymour Reit

From Amazon: “In 1861, when war erupted between the States, President Lincoln made an impassioned plea for volunteers. Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men’s clothing, and enlisted in the Union Army.

Posing in turn as a slave, peddler, washerwoman, and fop, Emma became a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death at every turn behind Confederate lines.”

Susan B. Anthony: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “Susan B. Anthony was born into a world in which men ruled women. A man could beat his wife, take her earrings, have her committed to an asylum based on his word alone, and take her children away from her. While the young nation was ablaze with the radical notion that people could govern themselves, “people” were understood to be white and male. Women were expected to stay out of public life and debates. As Anthony saw the situation, “Women’s subsistence is in the hands of men, and most arbitrarily and unjustly does he exercise his consequent power.” She imagined a different world—one where women and people of color were treated with the same respect that white men were given. Susan B. Anthony explores her life, from childhood to her public career as a radical abolitionist to her rise to become an international leader in the women’s suffrage movement.”

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld

From the Publisher: “At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward.

But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away (Young Readers Edition)

Erica Armstrong Dunbar

From Amazon: “In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.”

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Dorothy Sterling

Publisher’s Description: “Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible – certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn’t forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.”

My Survival: A Girl on Schindler’s List

Joshua M. Greene

From the Publisher: “Rena Finder was only eleven when the Nazis forced her and her family — along with all the other Jewish families — into the ghetto in Krakow, Poland. Rena worked as a slave laborer with scarcely any food and watched as friends and family were sent away.

Then Rena and her mother ended up working for Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who employed Jewish prisoners in his factory and kept them fed and healthy. But Rena’s nightmares were not over. She and her mother were deported to the concentration camp Auschwitz. With great cunning, it was Schindler who set out to help them escape.”

Facing the Lion (Abridged Edition): Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe

Simone Arnold Liebster

From the Publisher: “Simone Arnold is an ordinary French schoolgirl—spirited and stubborn. Then the Nazis march in, demanding complete conformity. Friends become enemies. Teachers spout Nazi propaganda. School officials recruit for the Hitler Youth. Simone’s family refuses to heil Hitler as Germany’s savior. They are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and they reject Nazi racism and violence. The Nazi Lion makes them pay the price.”

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson

From the Publisher: “As a young girl, Katherine Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for math. In school she quickly skipped ahead several grades and was soon studying complex equations with the support of a professor who saw great promise in her.

But ability and opportunity did not always go hand in hand. As an African American and a girl growing up in an era of brutal racism and sexism, Katherine faced daily challenges.

Still, she lived her life with her father’s words in mind: “You are no better than anyone else, and nobody else is better than you.”

In the early 1950s, Katherine was thrilled to join the organization that would become NASA. She worked on many of NASA’s biggest projects including the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first men on the moon.”

Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback

Skai Jackson

From the Publisher: “Actress and activist Skai Jackson is a star! Her rise to fame started on the popular Disney Channel shows Bunk’d and Jessie. Her cool sense of style led her to create her own fashion line. And her success has made her a major influencer, with millions of followers on Instagram, who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in.”

The Secret Soldier: Story of Deborah Sampson: The Story of Deborah Sampson

Ann McGovern

From Amazon: “Deborah Sampson wanted to travel and have adventures, but since she had no money, the best way to do that was to join the army. This is the exciting true story of a woman who became a soldier during the American Revolutionary War, by dressing and acting like a man.”

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

Bethany Hamilton

This was a favorite book and story when my girls were in middle school. Bethany was a source of inspiration to them for a long time.

There is also a movie you can watch after you read the book. We did watch the movie, but we had to fast-forward through the shark attack scene because it was too intense for them when they were younger.

From the Publisher: “Soul Surfer is a moving account of Bethany’s life as a young surfer, her recovery after the attack, the adjustments she’s made to her unique surfing style, her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships, and, most fundamentally, her belief in God.

It is a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows the body is no more essential to surfing—perhaps even less so—than the soul.”

The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia

Esther Hautzig

From the Publisher: “In June 1941, the Rudomin family is arrested by the Russians. They are accused of being capitalists, “enemies of the people.” Forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, they are herded into crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia.

For five years, Esther and her family lived in exile, weeding potato fields, working in the mines, and struggling to stay alive. But in the middle of hardship and oppression, the strength of their small family sustains them and gives them hope for the future.”

Chasing Space (Young Readers’ Edition)

Leland Melvin

From the Publisher: “When the former Detroit Lion’s football career was cut short by an injury, Leland didn’t waste time mourning his broken dream. Instead, he found a new one—something that was completely out of this world.

He joined NASA, braved an injury that nearly left him permanently deaf, and still managed to muster the courage and resolve to travel to space on the shuttle Atlantis to help build the International Space Station. Leland’s problem-solving methods and can-do attitude turned his impossible-seeming dream into reality.”

The Notorious Benedict Arnold

Steve Sheinkin

From the Publisher: “Most people know that Benedict Arnold was America’s first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one of its greatest Revolutionary War heroes. Steve Sheinkin’s accessible biography, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, introduces young readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with first-person accounts, astonishing American Revolution battle scenes, and surprising twists, this is a gripping and true adventure tale from history.”

Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of Nellie Bly

Deborah Noyes

From the Publisher: “Young Nellie Bly had ambitious goals, especially for a woman at the end of the nineteenth century, when the few female journalists were relegated to writing columns about cleaning or fashion.

But fresh off a train from Pittsburgh, Nellie knew she was destined for more and pulled a major journalistic stunt that skyrocketed her to fame: feigning insanity, being committed to the notorious asylum on Blackwell’s Island, and writing a shocking exposé of the clinic’s horrific treatment of its patients.   Nellie Bly became a household name and raised awareness of political corruption, poverty, and abuses of human rights. Leading an uncommonly full life, Nellie circled the globe in a record seventy-two days and brought home a pet monkey before marrying an aged millionaire and running his company after his death.”

More Books for Middle Schoolers:

If your student is interested in graphic novels (a very popular option) then these graphic novels for middle schoolers are great options.

Our middle school book club enjoyed these 8 titles this year . They were fantastic reads for great discussions!

While these winter themed books for middle school are great in the winter, they can easily be enjoyed at any time of year.

Don’t forget your FREE one-page biography report:

Additional Biography for Kids Books:

Biography picture books your kids will love.

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Autobiography Lesson for Middle School and High School Students

• Kellie Hayden
• Categories : High school english lesson plans grades 9 12
• Tags : High school lesson plans & tips

Read a Published Autobiography or Biography

When middle school or high school students are assigned to write an autobiography, it can be a daunting task. The teacher needs to set up a defined set of tasks for the students to complete so that the autobiography is organized and detailed. It is best if the students look at models and read autobiographies or biographies before they begin writing their own autobiography.

For the middle school student, Beverly Cleary: The Girl From Yamhill is a great book for students to read. She is a well known author who many students know. However, there are many autobiographies from which to choose. The Macmillan website gives a nice list of biographies and autobiographies for middle school students if you want to find other books to read.

Assign students to read at least one autobiography or biography. It is a nice way to work in a non-fiction read for the students. Teachers should take time to review the differences between autobiographies and biographies. The books can be a whole class read, can be read in literature circles, or can be independent reads.

Students should take note of how the autobiography or biography

• is organized
• what information was included
• what they enjoyed learning about the person

After students have finished their book, the whole class should have a discussion of what makes a good autobiography. The teacher should make a list on the board for students to take notes. The students should try to work some of the items they listed into their own autobiographies.

Guidelines for Students

Once students have read published autobiographies, they will need to write their own. This autobiography should celebrate the student’s life. This should be a positive experience and allow students to share important events in their lives.

Before assigning the autobiography, the teacher should decide the following:

• How many pages should the whole piece be?
• How will it be broken down into sections?
• Will photos need to be included?

For example, a middle school autobiography could be set up as follows:

• Four sections: birth to two years, three years to five years, kindergarten to third grade, fourth grade to present year.
• Each section should be two-to-four pages long.
• Final copies should be typed or written neatly in ink.
• Each section should include copies of pictures and/or mementos from the time period.
• A cover should be decorated, neat and colorful.
• A family tree.
• A map showing where students have lived and/or visited.

Students should include anecdotes and details that are unique to them. In addition, students could include favorite relatives, toys, music, colors, television shows, friends, movies, foods, restaurants, neighbors, etc. It can also include firsts, like their first tooth, friend, video game, cell phone, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.

To assess the autobiography, the teacher could create a rubric and grade it based on the criteria of neatness, content, organization and writing conventions.

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5 Autobiographies for Middle and High School Students

• The author of beloved works such as James and Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Fantastic Mr. Fox also wrote a couple of autobiographies. The first in the series is Boy, containing stories from Roald’s adventurous life growing up in England. This book is perfect for children who are interested in becoming writers, as well as children who want to know more about Dahl’s inspiration for some of his other famous titles.
• This vivid, journalistic story truly brings to life oppression in Europe during the World War II Nazi occupation. Anne Frank was a German-born Jewish girl who wrote a diary between the ages of 13 and 15, until she was apprehended by the Nazis. The courageous story chronicles Anne’s life for the two years she was in hiding in Amsterdam. Translated into 60 languages, people from around the world are moved by Anne’s fascinating commentary about how the human spirit can transcend even the worst of horrors.
• This entertaining autobiography takes place on a Greek island and is full of humorous anecdotes. Gerald moved from England to Corfu with his family when he was ten years old and stayed for five years. The author’s sense of humor and captivating storytelling make this a wise reading choice. This book is particularly amusing for adolescents who love wildlife, animals, and the environment.
• James Thurber is often called the finest humorist of the 20th Century, and this deadpan prose will not disappoint the reader. Each chapter brings to life comic moments about James growing up in Ohio. His word choice and sentence structure is well crafted, and his cartoon illustrations add touches of whimsy.
• This seminal memoir is a short and powerful book, giving the reader a realistic account of the Nazi concentration camps from the perspective of a survivor. His physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences are serious, but the book candidly offers a poignant account of an important time in world history. Elie Wiesel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for Night in 1986.

Back-to-school is the perfect time to advance your children’s academic skills. To make the transition from vacation to classroom a smooth one, Kumon Math and Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands is offering 50% off math or reading program registration from August 16-September 21. 

To schedule a free placement test, call 425-369-1072 or email [email protected]. Class hours are: Mondays through Thursdays from 3:45-6:45, Fridays 3:45-6:45, and Saturdays 9:00-noon.  

About Kumon Math & Reading Centers: Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children, so they can achieve more on their own. As a comprehensive program, Kumon serves children in preschool through high school. The learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills. Founded in 1958, Kumon celebrates its 60th year serving children worldwide. Kumon has over four million students enrolled at nearly 25,000 learning centers in 50 countries and regions.

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Best Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs for Upper Elementary

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students don't often automatically grab biographies and autobiographies off the classroom library shelf.  But the inspiring biographies below will have your upper elementary students begging for more!

Written by guest blogger Cindy Koopmans

In my classroom I’ve often found that biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs are a bit of a hard sell.  Besides selecting only the best nonfiction books for my classroom shelves to begin with, this is how I’ve made it work...

Tips for Encouraging Students to Read Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs

When students are looking for a new book to read, I go to the shelves and hand pick a stack of books for them to peruse.  I’ll start the process by asking them what they’ve read lately and what they liked about those books.  This strategy works because it is built on choice and trust.  I’m enthusiastic about books and I never force a book on a kid.  They get to choose what to read.

And when that happens, the conversation I have with one of my lovies goes something like this: “Mrs. K.  This really happened?  This story is like, for real?” 

Me, “Yup.”   

This is the truth:  no matter who we are or how old we are, we are always looking for someone to light the way forward on this dark road called life.  

Even the most jaded of students have the propensity to be inspired by the stories of people who have survived and thrived.  

And that’s why it is so critical to give our students the gift of great nonfiction and allow them a glimpse into other people’s worlds.  When we see how other people navigate the not insubstantial bumps in their personal roads it gives us hope.  

So here you will find a nicely balanced list of great nonfiction books that are tried and true winners for upper elementary students.  There is great variety in this role call.  I’ve included books written about or by creatives, trailblazers, and a few so-called “ordinary” people, who when called upon by fate, did not back down.  They met the challenges they faced head on and triumphed.  

These people found themselves in extraordinarily difficult and, in some cases, harrowing life situations.  The stories are unique, multi-faceted and...well...true!  

As an added bonus, you can trust that these nonfiction books are incredibly well-written.  

Sometimes, just to hook some of my more reluctant student readers, I take a minute out of our precious instructional time.  I’m not doing anything too fancy, I simply introduce a new book and read the first page or two enthusiastically.

If I’m with a particularly apathetic class I’ve been known to climb up on a chair and use lots of over the top hand gestures.  Hey! Whatever it takes, right?  

Anyway, I’m never sorry about taking the time because there is absolutely nothing more exciting than hearing numerous kids blurt out an enthusiastic, “I want to read that one!” 

What just happened here? A waiting list?  Awesome.

These are good books.  Many of these books are showing the wear and tear of being well-loved in my fifth grade classroom.  Others have gotten a thorough vetting before they made this list and are now on an Amazon wish list until I get two nickels to rub together.  You and your students will find them to be deeply satisfying reads.  Get ready for a cupcake shop moment, because you are not going to know which one to pick! 

12 Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students

Anne frank: the diary of a young girl by anne frank, b.m. mooyaart (translator), eleanor roosevelt (introduction).

It is July 6, 1942, the setting is Amsterdam, and Anne Frank has just received a diary for her birthday.  The rest is history. 

Every year I have at least one student who loves Laurie Halse Anderson's historical fiction books.  If you have students like that in your class, then Anne Frank will absolutely blow their minds.  Introduce them to this classic read, then share the link to the full length movie.   

Some books introduced to students are gifts that they will remember the rest of their lives.  Be that teacher that gives that gift.  Here I just want to say thank you to Mrs. Barclay.  I still have my original copy.

Unbroken: An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive  by Laura Hillenbrand

This book begins with an excruciating description of three men who are floating on a raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  Suffice it to say that sharks are predominant in the narrative of the first chapter.  Fifth grade boys?  Gotcha.  Add to the sharks stuff the fact that the main character, Louis Zabarelli, is a former Olympian and you just set the hook.

This recommendation of the young adult adaptation of Louis Zabarelli’s story, but that shouldn’t be a cause for hesitation.  This book graces the shelf of my classroom library, but it isn’t on the shelf very often.  That and it’s worn condition testifies that Louis Zabarelli’s story does hold appeal for upper elementary aged students.  I’ve included the movie trailer for you in case you want more evidence.

Hidden Figures  by Margot Lee Shetterly

This is another worn book in my classroom library.  In fact, I have three copies because it has been that popular. 

You can find some extra resources here if you’re that smart teacher that seeks to intertwine some science lessons into your literature.  If you haven’t seen the movie that was released a few years ago, you can watch the trailer here.

Save time and stress this school year with these   Nonfiction Reading Response Activities that can be used over and over throughout the school year with ANY nonfiction text.   

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will respond through reading, writing, poetry, speaking, listening, drawing, interviewing, and more.    This is a must have   for any upper elementary teacher that does not want to have to constantly recreate the wheel.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind  by William Kamkwamba

You may want to watch the movie on Netflix, but don’t tell your students it is there until after they read the book.  (And you could use some of these questions and activity ideas for comparing movies to books.)   Another recommendation from my classroom shelves.

I Am Malala  by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

Look up the word inspiring in the dictionary and you may find Malala Yousafzai’s picture there.  Malala Yousafzai is internationally famous because she and her family stood up to the Taliban’s edict that girls were not allowed to receive an education.  Malala’s father taught her not to back down from what she believed in, even though she knew she was in danger, Malala continued to attend school.  As a result, Malala almost lost her life when she was shot riding the bus home from school. 

Here’s a short video about how Malala, the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, continues her mission to make a difference in the lives of young women around the world.

A biography of Malala also made this list of books about overcoming obstacles.

Ugly  by Robert Hoge

Do we have a choice in what we allow to define us?  Robert Hoge’s memoir answers this question with a resounding, “Yes!” 

Bullied and misunderstood because of a facial tumor and other disabilities he was born with, Robert Hoge teaches us how to live wholeheartedly and fearlessly despite how we might be judged and treated by the world.  This is the very best kind of story, honestly and simply told by the person who lived through it all. 

Robert was born with disfigurements that made him a baby only a mother could love, except his own mother didn’t want him and still, he made it.  I know I have students who need to hear his story and I’m sure you do too.

Mountains Beyond Mountains  by Tracey Kidder

I was beyond excited when I learned that Tracey Kidder’s book about Dr. Paul Farmer and his work with Partners in Health had been adapted for young readers. 

Tracey Kidder shadows Dr. Paul Farmer whose mission is to provide quality healthcare to the most economically disadvantaged people in the world’s most impoverished populations.  Dr. Farmer’s father exemplified altruism and expected his children to participate in his passion. 

Even though the family didn’t have money, Dr. Farmer made a decision to attend college and pursue medicine.  It was a high school guidance counselor that helped him take the first steps. 

This is a book that I challenge students to read, because it’s...well...challenging!  But a student who  choses to tackle it has not been disappointed.  

My Thirteenth Winter  by Samantha Abel

Samantha Abel was a straight A student with a secret.  She couldn’t remember her locker combination or tell time.  The disconnect caused her to suffer from anxiety attacks.  In her thirteenth winter, Samantha found the strength and the courage to confront her problems.  Consequently, Samantha learned that she had a learning disability called dyscalculia.   Once the disability is discovered and addressed, Samantha’s life begins to change. 

As teachers know, learning disabilities are a discrepancy between intelligence and academic struggle.  It is in that often agonizing struggle that a learning disability is  forced to the surface.  We know what they are, but we don’t really know what causes them. 

A Long Walk to Water  by Linda Sue Park

Linda Sue Park lays out the story in two distinct sections, intermingling fiction and nonfiction.  The book tells the story from the point of view of a young girl, Nya, as she walks all day long to procure water for her family’s needs:  hence the title.  But it is Salva’s point of view story that is truly central to the book.  Salva is one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan who is walking to escape the violence and constant threat of being conscripted into the Sudanese army.  Spoiler...the two stories come together at the end of the book. 

I spend a lot of time convincing those kiddos who read ahead not to give away the ending and wreck the book for their classmates.  This link will take you to a short video about Salva.

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is the first African-American principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre history.  Adapted for young readers, the adult version of this book made the New York Times best-seller list.  This is another excellent autobiography I’ve had to purchase in multiples because it is in demand with my girls. 

Misty Copeland’s grit and determination, added to her passion, led her to a successful career in dance.  It all began so simply. 

She writes,  “My family didn't have very much money, so ballet wasn't even on my radar; I just found it randomly when I was 13 at a Boys & Girls Club. We were practicing on a basketball court in gym clothes with some old socks on. Even though it terrified me at first, I found that I really liked it.”  Find something you love and pursue it with all your heart.  Yes.

Check out these other inspirational biographies of African-Americans.

Lion: A Long Way Home  by Saroo Brierley

An incredible true story that just proves the point that life is often stranger than anything anyone could make up in a million years. 

His book chronicles his struggle to remember where he came from and to reconnect with his family, which he does when he is 25 years old.  You can watch a trailer for the Hollywood Version here.

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Vincent’s younger brother Theo is the pragmatist in the relationship, but still an art lover—he works as an art dealer, which on the face of it could be immensely helpful for Vincent.  But Vincent’s artistic style, that of the Impressionist school, is simply not in fashion and Theo can’t change that fact. 

Despite their personality differences and all the drama Vincent brings to the relationship these brothers remain loyal to the core.  This is a beautiful and touching story of brotherly love and devotion. 

You’ll find it special as a direct result of Deborah Heilgman’s efforts to get the details right: she carefully gleaned information from more than 600 letters Vincent wrote to his brother Theo over his lifetime. 

Deborah Heiligman is the award winning author of Charles and Emma and many other books for children and young adults.

Find more book suggestions for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students here.  

Never Stress Over Sub Plans Again!

Make copies, find a fiction book, and you'll be ready for any emergency that comes your way!

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