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10 Things to Consider When Writing A Picture Book Biography

Jul 8, 2019 | Nonfiction , Picture Books

We’d like to thank Donna Janell Bowman ( donnajanellbowman.com ) for this informative blog post! Donna was on the faculty for Writing Picture Book Biographies .

Tell Compelling True Stories That Read Like Fiction

The best narrative picture book biographies tell compelling true stories that read like fiction. When done well, they look effortless. In reality, crafting an irresistible 32-48-page picture book biography is like carving a giant Redwood tree down to an 8×10 picture frame . We often begin with the same research required of an adult biography so that we may understand our character on a three-dimensional level. It takes time to conceptualize and craft a meaningful narrative that captures the spirit of the character within that wee frame, er, picture book. The process can seem daunting. How do you carve, whittle, and shape relevant information into a focused narrative for kids?

10 Things to Consider

1. Mentor Texts Are you reading picture book biographies regularly? Analyzing exceptional books is the best way to learn.

2. Intended Audience Are you writing for 6-8-year-olds or 8-12-year-olds? Plan your content and storytelling decisions accordingly.

3. Focus or Angle Rather than using a “cradle to grave” approach, narrative picture book biographies most often focus on an anecdote, episode, or specific angle of a person’s life. For example, Abraham Lincoln is a broad topic, but Lincoln’s forgotten duel, or his debates with Douglass, or how a young girl inspired Lincoln to grow a beard, are focused angles. What angle of your character’s life is your focus?

5. Character Development and Arc One of the biggest challenges to writing a picture book biography is encapsulating the character’s personality, quirks, inner drive and motivations, and what made them unique yet relatable to young readers. How can you help readers peek into your character’s thoughts and feelings through actions, direct quotes, monologue? By your story’s end, does your character change, or do her unique contributions change her world?

6. Theme Theme is critical in picture book biographies. What is the universal belief(s) about life that your character’s journey reveals? Is it about the power of kindness, or that determination is the key to success, or that words matter, or that love conquers all, or that every person can make a difference, etc., etc.? Scenes should be threaded together with your intended theme.

7. Structure How will you organize your story on the page? Is a linear (chronological) approach best for your subject and your intended reader, or would a non-linear structure with a mid-scene opening hook, followed by a flashback, be more effective? Or maybe verse stanzas are more appropriate? There’s no template, so experiment.

8. Point of View and Tense One of the many ways picture book biographies differ from long-form biographies is in creative flexibility. Which point-of-view (POV) and tense are most effective for your story?

9. Voice The goal of a narrative picture book biography is to tell a story, not a recitation of facts. It is helpful to think of yourself as a storyteller. What voice and tone are most appropriate for your subject and for your intended reader? Authoritative? Humorous? Poetic? Suspenseful? Romantic? Nostalgic? Don’t be afraid to play with rhetorical or poetic devices.

10. What are you waiting for? Now that you’ve carefully considered your story’s component parts, it’s time to carve your own picture book biography.

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75 Best Picture Book Biographies for Kids, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links.

I love introducing kids to ordinary people who did amazing things by reading picture book biographies for kids. Don’t you? These biographies for kids are inspirational narrative nonfiction texts that are written like a story, appealing to children with beautiful illustrations.

I chose these books after reading thousands of picture books and understanding what children like because my background isn’t only in book reviews but in education. Plus, I’m a parent of two. I update this book list with the best newly published books, with the most recent update in November 2023.

A reading strategy I like to use with children reading nonfiction is connecting to background knowledge. As you read these biographies, both picture books for preschool and elementary ages, as well as biographical story collections for upper elementary and middle school, help your kids connect to what they’re reading. 

Start with prompts like:

How are you like or not like this person?

Do you know someone who is like this person?

What other biographies or famous people does this person remind you of?

Reading biographies is informative and instructive. We learn more about people, which helps us learn more about ourselves– who we are and who we want to be.

Want a fun biography game to play? The Little People, Big Dreams Who Am I Guessing Game is a fun way to learn about inspiring role models!

The Best Picture Book Biographies for Kids

Table of Contents:

Artists and Musicians

Famous americans.

• More Picture Books & Biography Collections

STEM (Scientists, coders, engineers, and mathematicians)

Stand as Tall as the Trees : How an Amazonian Community Protected the Rain Forest written by Patricia Gualinga and Laura Resau, illustrated by Vanessa Jaramillo ACTIVIST Beautifully crafted with emotional resonance, get inspired by this true story of Patricia Gualinga’s life. Paty is a Kichwa girl who lives deep in the rain forest of Ecuador; a place alive with “trees towering, vines winding, and frogs singing” and the mystical beings who rule the forest — the Amazanga. Paty moves to the noisy city for her education. But when Paty’s forest home is destroyed by a greedy company, she helps her people gather, unite, and protest, making the destructive company leave the forest! Heartfelt writing and luminous illustrations make this a memorable biography (autobiography) that shows how one person can make a difference in the world!

Gifts from the Garbage Truck A True Story About the Things We (Don’t) Throw Away written by Andrew Larsen, illustrated by Oriol Vidal This is another shining example of what biographies should be like — an engaging glimpse at the MOST IMPORTANT contributions of the person, not a birth-to-death (boring) retelling. This man named Nelson loved to find reusable trash and restore and reuse what he found, like toys for his family and objects he could display — which eventually was turned into a museum.

Ode to a Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice written by Kari Lavelle, illustrated by Bryan Collier THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A BIOGRAPHY! The author captures the right scenes of James Earl’s life to show his fear of speaking because of a stutter, his introduction to poetry that led him to begin writing his own poems and speaking them out loud. Why do I love this book so much? Because it’s not a boring birth to death, too-much-text tome. It’s perfect in every way. Plus, Bryan Collier’s illustrations are rich and evocative, adding everything to the ambiance of this beautiful biography.

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Arigon Starr Learn about two Native baseball players who loved the game but endured huge racism from everywhere — name calling, derogatory chants, and more. Charles Bender and John Meyers were groundbreaking athletes. You’ll read their history and how they got to the 1911 World Series. Interesting and important.

More Picture Book Biographies & Collections

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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Is this available as a printable list by any chance?! 🙂

I’ll work on it for you and email it to you!

Wow, just wow. Thank you. I was googling and googling for a specific kind of pb bio, and nothing was coming up. Found 3 of what I was looking for in your list

I’m so happy to hear this list was helpful!

What an amazing list! Thank you so much for sharing!

Glad it’s helpful!

25 Wonderful Picture Book Biographies for Readers of All Ages

by AuthorAmy

Picture book biographies are one of my favorite genres. They chronicle the life and times of some of the most famous people in the world, including the people behind beloved inventions. They are accessible to all levels of students – even high schoolers! Readers get a broad overview in picture book form, and then authors generously include ample back matter for further research and reading.

Take a look through this list of my top 25 favorite picture book biographies. You will find the stories behind the invention of the super soaker, the fascinating life of the first Black ballerina to dance for the American Ballet Theatre, the man behind ramen noodles, and so much more.

Just so you know, we may get a small share of the sales made through affiliate links on this page.

1. The Brilliant Deep : The Story of Ken Nedimeyer and the Coral Restoration Foundation

By Kate Messner

Environmental scientist Ken Nedimeyer is working to rebuild coral reefs by hand. The efforts are surprising, involving gluing grafted corals to barren sea floors and tending them. It is an education in the importance of coral reefs to our planet’s seas and also a treatise to human hope for a brighter, greener future.

2. Queen of Physics , How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom  

By Teresa Robeson

At a time when girls were not routinely educated in China, Wu Chien Shiung’s parents encouraged her love of science. She became an accomplished physicist and the first female instructor at Princeton University, among many other accolades.

3. Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando  

Written by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz

This is the story of the invention of ramen, one of the world’s most famous foods, after Momofuku Ando saw long crowds in food lines after World War II.

4. The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons  

Written by Natascha Biebow and illustrated by Steven Salerno

The Crayon Man tells the story of Edwin Binney, the inventor of Crayola Crayons. Binney wished to bring the magic of nature’s vibrant colors into the lives of children, succeeding with his famous box of crayons that originally sold for five cents.

5. Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

Written by Patricia Valdez and illustrated by Felicita Sala

Joan Proctor was the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum and the designer of London Zoo’s famous Reptile House. She grew up hosting tea parties for her favorite reptiles, a tradition she continued in the Reptile House, where she hosted children’s tea parties complete with a Komodo dragon guest.

6. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist  

Written by Jess Keating and illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens

Eugenie Clark earned herself the nickname “Shark Lady” after devoting her life to them. She faced the dual challenges of people who feared and hated sharks and people who didn’t think women should be scientists.

7. Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré 

Written by Aneka Aldamuy Denise and illustrated by Paola Escobar

Pura Belpré, New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian, immigrated to America in 1921. She began her library career as a bilingual library assistant, where her Spanish retellings of stories were wildly popular. Her distinguished career still influences readers today, and the Amerian Library Association named an award after her given annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator “whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.”

8. Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade  

By Melissa Sweet

Puppeteer Tony Sarg is the inventor of the famous parade balloons that are part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is a great STEM title that goes into detail about the mechanics of the balloons as well as delving into the joy they bring to millions each year.

9. It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

Written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad

During WWII, Gyo Fujikawa’s family was taken to a Japanese internment camp while she worked as an illustrator in New York City. Watching the nation’s prejudice tear apart her family, she wanted to find a way to include diverse children in her illustrations. She wrote and illustrated the book Babies , which was initially rejected but once published sold nearly 2 million copies. She was a trailblazer in children’s literature in an era when we are still striving for inclusive texts.

10. Mae Among the Stars  

Written by Roda Ahmed and illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to travel in space. Mae Among the Stars encourages children to follow their dreams no matter what detractors may say.

11. Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery

Written by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated by Bryan Collier

Ernie Barnes grew up in the segregated South. While he was recruited to play football for an all-black university and eventually played in the NFL for the Colts, his true passion was in creating art. He got his opportunity after leaving the NFL when he was hired as the first official artist for the American Football League.

12. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin  

Written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley

Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism as a young child, has a unique and powerful connection with animals. She has used this connection and the unique way her mind works to improve the lives of farm animals all over the world.

13. Before There Was Mozart: The Story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George

Written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome

Joseph Boulogne was the child of a Black slave and her white slaveowner. He was able to study music in Paris, where he became a master violinist and eventually composed operas. The illustrations in this book are exquisite.

14. What Miss Mitchell Saw

Written by Hayley Barrett and illustrated by Diana Sudyka

The subject of this picture book biography, Maria Mitchell, will be an inspiration to girls everywhere. Mitchell was the first American scientist to discover a comet, which was named after her. She used her acclaim to advocate for science and math education for girls.

15. Just Being Audrey  

Written by Margaret Cardillo and illustrated by Julia Denos

Audrey Hepburn was America’s sweetheart and a film icon, but she did much beyond acting. Growing up in Nazi Germany inspired in her a lifelong desire to spread kindness, and she used her fame to do humanitarian work through UNICEF.

16. Ron’s Big Mission

Written by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden and illustrated by Don Tate

This is the story of Ron McNair, a young boy who grew up to be an astronaut on the Challenger mission. As a young boy in the segregated South, Ron found himself unable to check out books from the public library. His was able to obtain a library card through peaceful resistance, which in turn fed his love of flight.

17. The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand New Colors  

Written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Tony Persiani

Joe and Bob Switzer invented fluorescent colors, which didn’t exist prior to 1935. Like many great inventions, their brand-new colors were invented by accident when the brothers were experimenting for a magic act. Their colors went on to be used in WWII, street signs, advertisements, and more the world over. The book itself cleverly reflects the story, as it is largely black and white until the end culminates in color.

18. Buzzing with Questions

Written by Janice N. Harrington and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

Charles Henry Turner is notable as the first Black entomologist. His lifelong fascination with bugs, animals, plants, and all things science is chronicled in this fun book. The author includes extensive back matter for further reading.

19. John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien  

Written by Caroline McAlister and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

The man we known as J.R.R. Tolkien is John Ronald in this delightful and surprising picture book about the boy who grew into the man behind the most famous fantasy series of all time. As a child, John Ronald loved dragons and imagined them everywhere he went. As an adult, his imagination only grew stronger, and he used his early love of dragons to create The Hobbit .

20. Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

Written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Don Tate

Just like the invention of fluorescent colors, the invention of the iconic toy called the Super Soaker happened by accident. Engineer Lonnie Johnson was working on cooling mechanisms when he inadvertently created what has become one of the top twenty toys of all time.

21. On a Beam of Light: A Story About Albert Einstein

Written by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

On a Beam of Light is the story of the child who grew up to be Albert Einstein. As a child, Einstein didn’t really fit in with the other children. His wild imagination made him endlessly curious about the world around him. This is a great picture book to encourage children to use their imaginations and embrace who they are inside.

22. She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein  

Written by Lynn Fulton and illustrated by Felicita Sala

On a dark and stormy night, a young girl drifts off to sleep dreaming of a monster. She is determined to beat Lord Byron in their competition to see who can write the best ghost story. She eventually goes on to write one of the great gothic novels of our time, Frankenstein .

23. Firebird

Written by Misty Copeland and illustrated by Christopher Myers

Misty Copeland was the first African-American dancer to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre. In her picture book debut, she imagines a conversation between herself and an aspiring ballerina who struggles with self-confidence. The resulting book is a positive and empowering story for children everywhere.

24. Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines

Written by Sarah Aronson and illustrated by Robert Neubecker

Rube Goldberg’s father encouraged him to find a career more practical than art, so Goldberg became an engineer. After college, he decided that his passion for art could not be denied and took a job as a newspaper cartoonist. He became famous for his elaborate machines which performed simple tasks in complicated fashion.

25. The Polio Pioneer:   Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine  

Written by Linda Elovitz Marshall and illustrated by Lisa Anchin

This picture book biography feels particularly appropriate to read during the Covid-19 pandemic. It chronicles the life of Dr. Jonas Salk, the inventor of the polio vaccine. Dr. Salk’s legacy lives on at the medical research facility, the Salk Institute.

Other Amy’s Book Lists You’ll Love:

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The How and Why of Using Picture Book Biographies in the Classroom

Bring historical figures to life!

As a genre, picture book biographies have taken off in recent years. There are biographies of famous people ( Vincent Can’t Sleep by Barb Rosenstock) and obscure people ( The Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom by Teresa Robeson). Some biographies span entire lives ( Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder) or one-day events ( A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr and the Speech that Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein). Whatever you’re planning to teach, chances are, you’ll find a biography to go with it.

Picture book biographies are a great way to help bring historical figures to life, and to encourage students to ask deeper questions about a person, time period, or event. One thing to know: as a read aloud, they are long and often complex books, so it’s good to plan to read one book across multiple days.

Below find 4 reading skills that picture book biographies help teach, and 5 ways to use picture book biographies with your class (think: grades 2-5).

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4 Important Skills Readers Learn from Picture Book Biographies

These skills will make picture book biographies an integral part of your reading curriculum.

1. How to Approach Narrative Nonfiction

Narrative nonfiction requires reading skills from both fiction and nonfiction. Students have to identify details that are true, and bring their background knowledge about a time period or person to a text to better understand it. They also have to follow the narrative of a person’s life or experience.

Biography to Try: Reading a picture book biography that tells a narrative, like Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere by Barb Rosenstock, gives students a chance to practice connecting background knowledge with new information. In this case, they’ll learn about the ocean’s depths with the story of the Bathysphere. At the same time, they are reading a narrative with a beginning, middle, end, and other features.

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2. Expanded Vocabulary

Unlike expository texts, which have lots of academic words specific to a topic, picture book biographies have a broader vocabulary. Students will encounter words they’ll see in other fiction stories. This allows them to expand their vocabulary alongside the academic words that go with each story.

Biography to Try: The Noisy Paintbox by Barb Rosenstock allows you to to talk about common words like proper and appreciate . You’ll also talk about words that have to do with art: palette, cerulean, and many more. 

3. Empathetic Connection with Nonfiction

Another aspect of connecting to text is the ability to empathize with characters, or in this case historical figures. Sometimes the best way to understand what it was like to live through something is a story. Picture book biographies allow students to engage with important events and people using empathy. ADVERTISEMENT

Biography to Try:   The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Mosca helps students really understand what it felt to be Temple Grandin and face the challenges she did as a researcher with autism.

4. Ability to See Connections

Reading picture book biographies across a school year, you’ll find lots of ways to connect across and between books.

Biographies to Try:  Read Shark Lady by Jess Keating, about shark researcher Eugenie Clark. Then, read Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed about Mae Jemison. Last, read I Dissent by Debbie Levy about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Then bring it together to talk about how these three very different stories showcased women who pursued their dreams at a time when women were expected to stay out of the public sphere.

5 Ways to Use Picture Book Biographies

Once you’ve chosen your biography, here are five ways to use it:

1. Start with the Who

When you start a new unit, engage students in thinking about the most important (or maybe a lesser figure) with a biography.

Biography to Try: To start a unit about the Revolutionary period, read a biography of George Washington, like A Parade for George Washington by David Adler. Have students brainstorm questions starting with Washington.

2. Dig Deeper

Add a picture book biography partway through a unit to help students bring the general knowledge they’ve gained from expository text to one person’s experience. What questions were answered by studying this person’s life? And, what questions are students interested in exploring after learning more about one person?

Biography to Try: During a unit on astronomy, incorporate Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker. This book showcases Katherine Johnson and her work with Apollo 13. It can help expand and deepen students’ knowledge of how people first explored space. 

3. Introduce the Obscure

Sometimes you’re teaching a subject that seems completely foreign to students. Introducing it through a person can make the topic feel less obscure.

Biography to Try: Use the biography Emily Writes: Emily Dickinson and her Poetic Beginnings by Jane Yolen to talk about poetry and segue into Dickinson’s poetry.

4. Make the Familiar Unfamiliar

You’ll come across topics that students have studied over and over. Picture book biographies that focus on a lesser-known hero, or on a specific part of a famous person’s life, can inject new energy into familiar topics.

Biography to Try: When studying the founding of America, try reading Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock. You can talk about the life of Jefferson and go beyond the basic expository timeline or textbook.

5. Humanize Dry Subjects

Reading a biography in science, math, art, or another topic is a great way to show students how those topics impacted real people. Bringing real people into lessons can make dry topics more interesting and real-world. 

Biography to Try: In Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe and Barbara McClintock, you’ll read about Sophie Germain. She grew up during the French Revolution and was interested in finding the order in math. Reading about Sophie will inspire more curiosity than solving math problems on day one of a math unit.

How do you use picture book biographies in your classroom? Share on our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE Facebook page.

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Best Picture Book Biographies

Biographies helped build my love for reading and I remember reading Hilary Clinton’s biography as a young teen (I skipped lots of portions and loved the pictures and family stories the most). These picture book biographies can teach kids about history, historical figures, and inspiring examples of people who beat the odds in different spheres of life. What a plus that they have beautiful pictures to look at as they enjoy these stories.

Inspiring Picture Book Biographies to Read

Here are 45 best picture book biographies to have on your radar:

I Color Myself Different

Published: April 5, 2022

When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

Published: November 1, 2011

2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner

Winner of the 2012 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, the award-winning artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade.

My Little Golden Book About Betty White

Published: September 28, 2021

This Little Golden Book about Betty White–television star, comedian, animal lover, and game show competitor–is a celebration of the beloved woman! A great read-aloud for young girls and boys–as well as their parents and grandparents who grew up watching Betty on  The Mary Tyler Moore Show  and  The Golden Girls .

Stacey’s Extraordinary Words

Published: December 28, 2021

Stacey is a little girl who loves words more than anything. She loves reading them, sounding them out, and finding comfort in them when things are hard. 

But when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn’t as excited as she thought she’d be. What if she messes up? Or worse, if she can’t bring herself to speak up, like sometimes happens when facing bullies at school? 

Stacey will learn that win or lose . . . her words are powerful, and sometimes  perseverance  is the most important word of all. 

Respect: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul 

Published: August 25, 2020

Aretha Franklin was born to sing. The daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer, her musical talent was clear from her earliest days in her father’s Detroit church where her soaring voice spanned more than three octaves.

Her string of hit songs earned her the title “the Queen of Soul,” multiple Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Aretha didn’t just raise her voice in song, she also spoke out against injustice and fought for civil rights.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

Published: September 12, 2017

Where is our historian to give us our side?  Arturo asked. Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro–Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house (and his wife threatened to mutiny), he turned to the New York Public Library, where he created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of a new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.

Joey: The Story of Joe Biden

Published: June 30, 2020

Joe Biden grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children. His parents always encouraged him and his siblings to be independent and strong. The family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where at twenty-nine, Biden was elected one the youngest United States Senators ever elected. This is his story.

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice

When Kamala Harris was young, she often accompanied her parents to civil rights marches—so many, in fact, that when her mother asked a frustrated Kamala what she wanted, the young girl responded with: “Freedom!”

As Kamala grew from a small girl in Oakland to a senator running for president, it was this long-fostered belief in freedom and justice for all people that shaped her into the inspiring figure she is today. From fighting for the use of a soccer field in middle school to fighting for the people of her home state in Congress, Senator Harris used her voice to speak up for what she believed in and for those who were otherwise unheard. And now this dedication has led her all the way to being elected Vice President of the United States.

The Noisy Paint Box

Published: February 11, 2014

Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers—like a proper artist.   But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound—the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to  hear  brilliant colors singing and  see  vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint . . .  music?

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Published: December 8, 2020

The chronology and themes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and work of one of the most influential civil rights activists of our time.

Baseball Biographies for Kids

Published: May 17, 2022

It’s the bottom of the ninth, bases are loaded, and your team is down by three―who do you want coming up to bat?  Baseball Biographies for Kids  answers this question and more!

Bursting with statistics and impressive feats from the greatest players of the last 60 years, this lineup of inspirational baseball biographies shows you what it takes to be a real MVP. Discover the ultimate dream team as you explore the best pros for each position. You’ll also get quick looks into some truly legendary baseball players and lots of fun facts!

Itzhak: The Boy Who Loved the Violin

Published: May 12, 2020

Before becoming one of the greatest violinists of all time, Itzhak Perlman was simply a boy who loved music. Raised by a poor immigrant family in a tiny Tel Aviv apartment, baby Itzhak was transformed by the sounds from his family’s kitchen radio—graceful classical symphonies, lively klezmer tunes, and soulful cantorial chants. The rich melodies and vibrant rhythms spoke to him like magic, filling his mind with vivid rainbows of color. After begging his parents for an instrument, Itzhak threw his heart and soul into playing the violin. Despite enormous obstacles—including a near-fatal bout of polio that left him crippled for life—Itzhak persevered, honing his extraordinary gift. When he performed on the  Ed Sullivan Show  sat only 13, audiences around the world were mesmerized by the warmth, joy, and passion in every note. Gorgeously illustrated with extensive back matter, this picture-book biography recounts Itzhak’s childhood journey—from a boy with a dream to an internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso.

All the Way to the Top

Published: March 10, 2020

Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change―even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things. Like going to school, or eating lunch in the cafeteria.

Jennifer knew that everyone deserves a voice! Then the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that would make public spaces much more accessible to people with disabilities, was proposed to Congress. And to make sure it passed, Jennifer went to the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC to convince them.

And, without her wheelchair, she climbed.

How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion

Published: April 7, 2020

From Ashima Shiraishi, one of the world’s youngest and most skilled climbers, comes a true story of strength and perseverance–in rock climbing and in life. To a rock climber, a boulder is called a “problem,” and you solve it by climbing to the top. There are twists and turns, falls and scrapes, and obstacles that seem insurmountable until you learn to see the possibilities within them. And then there is the moment of triumph, when there’s nothing above you but sky and nothing below but a goal achieved. Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible.

A is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World

Published: February 5, 2019

Why stick with plain old  A ,  B ,  C  when you can have  Amelia  (Earhart),  Malala ,  Tina  (Turner),  Ruth  (Bader Ginsburg), all the way to  eXtraordinary You —and the  Zillion  of adventures you will go on? Instagram superstar Eva Chen, author of  Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes , is back with an alphabet board book depicting feminist icons in  A Is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World , featuring spirited illustrations by Derek Desierto.

The Cat Man of Aleppo

Published: April 14, 2020

Aleppo’s city center no longer echoes with the rich, exciting sounds of copper-pot pounding and traditional sword sharpening. His neighborhood is empty–except for the many cats left behind. Alaa loves Aleppo, but when war comes his neighbors flee to safety, leaving their many pets behind. Alaa decides to stay–he can make a difference by driving an ambulance, carrying the sick and wounded to safety. One day he hears hungry cats calling out to him on his way home. They are lonely and scared, just like him. He feeds and pets them to let them know they are loved. The next day more cats come, and then even more! There are too many for Alaa to take care of on his own. Alaa has a big heart, but he will need help from others if he wants to keep all of his new friends safe.

Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant, and Artist

Published: September 24, 2019

Before he became an artist named Tyrus Wong, he was a boy named Wong Geng Yeo. He traveled across a vast ocean from China to America with only a suitcase and a few papers. Not papers for drawing–which he loved to do–but immigration papers to start a new life. Once in America, Tyrus seized every opportunity to make art, eventually enrolling at an art institute in Los Angeles. Working as a janitor at night, his mop twirled like a paintbrush in his hands. Eventually, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime–and using sparse brushstrokes and soft watercolors, Tyrus created the iconic backgrounds of  Bambi . Julie Leung and Chris Sasaki perfectly capture the beautiful life and work of a painter who came to this country with dreams and talent–and who changed the world of animation forever.

My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Published: December 1, 2020

This Little Golden Book is a compelling introduction to an inspiring woman, written for the youngest readers. From a young age, Ruth Bader Ginsburg knew that she wanted to fight for girls and women to have equal rights. She studied and worked very hard and became just the second woman–and the first Jewish woman–to be a United States Supreme Court Justice. This is a terrific read for future trailblazers and their parents!

The Story of Jane Goodall: A Biography Book for New Readers

Published: September 14, 2021

Jane Goodall is a celebrated scientist for her studies of chimpanzees in the forests of Africa. Before she observed chimps and helped save them from losing their home, Jane was a curious kid who loved learning about animals. She showed people that women could be scientists, just like men, and fought to follow her dream of working with wild chimps. Explore how Jane Goodall went from being a young nature lover in England to the most important chimpanzee expert in the world.

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secret of the Atom

Published: October 8, 2019

When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, most girls did not attend school; no one considered them as smart as boys. But her parents felt differently. Giving her a name meaning “Courageous Hero,” they encouraged her love of learning and science. This engaging biography follows Wu Chien Shiung as she battles sexism and racism to become what  Newsweek  magazine called the “Queen of Physics” for her work on beta decay. Along the way, she earned the admiration of famous scientists like Enrico Fermi and Robert Oppenheimer and became the first woman hired as an instructor by Princeton University, the first woman elected President of the American Physical Society, the first scientist to have an asteroid named after her when she was still alive, and many other honors.

The Story of Simone Biles: A Biography Book for New Readers

Published: September 29, 2020

Simone Biles has been called the greatest gymnast of all time, winning five Olympic and 25 World Champion medals by age 22. Before she wowed the world with her incredible gymnastics skills, Simone was an energetic young girl who dreamed of becoming a top gymnast. She trained for hours every day and made many sacrifices to pursue her goals. Explore how Simone Biles went from being a kid growing up in Texas to an Olympic athlete who has won more gymnastics medals than anyone in history.

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000) is known for her poems about “real life.” She wrote about love, loneliness, family, and poverty—showing readers how just about anything could become a beautiful poem. Exquisite follows Gwendolyn from early girlhood into her adult life, showcasing her desire to write poetry from a very young age. This picture-book biography explores the intersections of race, gender, and the ubiquitous poverty of the Great Depression—all with a lyrical touch worthy of the subject. Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize, receiving the award for poetry in 1950. And in 1958, she was named the poet laureate of Illinois. A bold artist who from a very young age dared to dream, Brooks will inspire young readers to create poetry from their own lives

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver

Published: January 14, 2020

When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own.

Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.

Gene Barretta’s moving words and Frank Morrison’s beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship—a tale that begins in a secret garden.

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreno Played The Piano for President Lincoln

Published: August 27, 2019

As a little girl, Teresa Carreño loved to let her hands dance across the beautiful keys of the piano. If she felt sad, music cheered her up, and when she was happy, the piano helped her share that joy. Soon she was writing her own songs and performing in grand cathedrals. Then a revolution in Venezuela forced her family to flee to the United States. Teresa felt lonely in this unfamiliar place, where few of the people she met spoke Spanish. Worst of all, there was fighting in her new home, too—the Civil War.

Still, Teresa kept playing, and soon she grew famous as the talented Piano Girl who could play anything from a folk song to a sonata. So famous, in fact, that President Abraham Lincoln wanted her to play at the White House! Yet with the country torn apart by war, could Teresa’s music bring comfort to those who needed it most?

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

Published: September 6, 2016

Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read.   Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him.   And so he invented his own alphabet—a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

Published: January 1, 2019

Growing up quiet and lonely at the beginning of the twentieth century, Gyo learned from her relatives the ways in which both women and Japanese people lacked opportunity. Her teachers and family believed in her and sent her to art school and later Japan, where her talent flourished. But while Gyo’s career grew and led her to work for Walt Disney Studios, World War II began, and with it, her family’s internment. But Gyo never stopped fighting — for herself, her vision, her family and her readers — and later wrote and illustrated the first children’s book to feature children of different races interacting together.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

Published: January 15, 2019

When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

Published: March 13, 2018

Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets….  While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere–she even brought a crocodile to school! When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children’s tea parties–with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Published: January 7, 2020

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who–with perseverance and dedication–proved that you’re never too old to learn.

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist

Published: July 7, 2020

Mary Anning loved scouring the beach near her home in England for shells and fossils. She fearlessly climbed over crumbling cliffs and rocky peaks, searching for new specimens. One day, something caught Mary’s eye.

Bones. Dinosaur Bones.

Mary’s discoveries rocked the world of science and helped create a brand-new field of study: paleontology. But many people believed women couldn’t be scientists, so Mary wasn’t given the credit she deserved. Nevertheless, Mary kept looking and learning more, making discoveries that reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Published: December 5, 2017

An important book for all ages,  Little Leaders  educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something  big  and amazing, inspiring generations to come.

Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

Published: May 3, 2016

You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy.   A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

Published: May 30, 2017

Throughout United States history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what’s right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted.   She Persisted  is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small.   With vivid, compelling art by Alexandra Boiger, this book shows readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. Persistence is power.

Mae Among the Stars

Published: January 9, 2018

A great classroom and bedtime read-aloud,  Mae Among the Stars  is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts.

When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.

She wanted to be an astronaut.

Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”

Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Published: January 16, 2018

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math… really  good.

They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “colored computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.

“Finally, the extraordinary lives of four African American women who helped NASA put the first men in space is available for picture book readers,” proclaims Brightly in their article “18 Must-Read Picture Books of 2018.” “Will inspire girls and boys alike to love math, believe in themselves, and reach for the stars.”

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofusu Yeboah

Published: January 6, 2015

Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.

Thompson’s lyrical prose and Qualls’s bold collage illustrations offer a powerful celebration of triumphing over adversity.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

Published: June 19, 2018

You’ve likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home?

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink, everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe.

The Crayon Man: the True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

Published: March 19, 2019

What child doesn’t love to hold a crayon in their hands?  But children didn’t always have such magical boxes of crayons.  Before Edwin Binney set out to change things, children couldn’t really even draw in color. Here’s the true story of an inventor who so loved nature’s vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children – in a bright green box for only a nickel! With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team at Crayola created one of the world’s most enduring, best-loved childhood toys – empowering children to dream in COLOR!

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

Published: June 6, 2017

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn’t think women should be scientists.

Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to.

The Tree Lady

Published: September 17, 2013

Katherine Olivia Sessions never thought she’d live in a place without trees. After all, Kate grew up among the towering pines and redwoods of Northern California. But after becoming the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, she took a job as a teacher far south in the dry desert town of San Diego. Where there were almost no trees.

Kate decided that San Diego needed trees more than anything else. So this trailblazing young woman singlehandedly started a massive movement that transformed the town into the green, garden-filled oasis it is today. Now, more than 100 years after Kate first arrived in San Diego, her gorgeous gardens and parks can be found all over the city.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

Published: August 29, 2017

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe! The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!

Stephen Curry: The Boy Who Never Gave Up

Published: August 16, 2016

The Boy Who Never Gave Up  is the inspiring true story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry. This Fully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young boy who many said was too short to play in high school, too weak to play in college and not good enough to play in the NBA.

Against all odds, this small boy who follows his dream, not only makes it to the NBA, but becomes one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.

Before She Was Harriet

Published: November 7, 2017

We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called by many names. As General Tubman she was a Union spy. As Moses she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. As Araminta she was a young girl whose father showed her the stars and the first steps on the path to freedom.

An evocative poem and stunning watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her a larger than life hero.

Nelson Mandela

Published: January 2, 2013

In this lush, acclaimed book, award-winning author-illustrator Kadir Nelson tells the story of global icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela in poignant free verse and glorious illustrations.

It is the story of a young boy’s determination to change South Africa, and of the struggles of a man who eventually became the president of his country. Mandela believed in equality for all people, no matter the color of their skin. Readers will be inspired by Mandela’s triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world.

Published: October 1, 2005

Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This picture- book tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed.

There they are: 45 of the best picture book biographies to read today! Which of these books have you read and loved? What did I miss?

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• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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20 fantastic picture book biographies for kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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11 comments.

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

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

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

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

This list is my love language. Thanks!!

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

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

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We love Mr. Ferris and His Wheel!

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

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50+ Historical Picture Books Biographies

• September 18, 2017
• Books , Early Elementary , History , Homeschool

Books are a great way to bring history alive! Here are 50+ of the best children’s historical picture book biographies and autobiographies/memoirs for kids.

This list is separated into two parts – American history and world history. Picture books are a great way to bring visuals, stories, and life  to the random black and white photos we see in history books. Read about the men and women who helped change the world! Disclaimer: Some of the following links are affiliate links. I make a small commission from some of the links on this site.

Picture Book Biographies Series

The “I Am” series by Brad Metzler

From  activists  to  presidents  to  inventors , the “I Am” series is written especially for early elementary students. They make each historical figure relatable to kids. It introduces them to great people in our nation’s history, in a quirky, fun way. This series proudly shows children to dream big, and that ordinary people can change the world!

A Picture Book Of Series by David Adler

David Adler also has a great series of picture book biographies. They have more traditional and formal illustrations and serve as a great introduction to American icons such as George Washington  or  Rosa Parks . Some more of my favorites in this series (that aren’t often included in biographical series) are:

• A Picture Book of Jesse Owens
• A Picture Book of Louis Braille
• A Picture Book of Anne Frank
• A Picture Book of Florence Nightingale
• A Picture Book of Davy Crockett

Little People, Big Dreamers series by Isabel Sanchez Vegara This series shows famous and notable women throughout history, from scientists like Marie Curie to poets like Maya Angelou .

Picture Book Biographies

Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Based on the poem of the same name, this story is simply an illustrated version of Longfellow’s classic poem. Paul Revere was a Patriot during the American Revolutionary War.

George Washington: A Picture Book Biography by James Giblin

George Washington was our very first president. What made him great? Read about his amazing life story in this story. It’s well-rounded, and its simple text and great pictures make it great for early elementary students.

George Washington’s Birthday by Margaret McNamara

This fun picture book takes place on seven-year-old George Washington’s birthday! The paragraphs aren’t too long in this fun book, and there are smaller extra “facts” about Washington on each page.

They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne Rockwell

When Molly Pitcher’s husband went to fight in George Washington’s army, Molly followed him! In one incident, after her husband was shot in battle, Molly took over his job firing a cannon! This is a longer picture book with lengthier text, so it’s best for a read-aloud for grades 3+.

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

So much has changed since Benjamin Franklin was alive! Read about his classic inventions, and how they have shaped modern America.

Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh

Meet John Chapman, otherwise known as Johnny Appleseed! This book rhymes and has simple text, great for the youngest of beginning readers. Read about Johnny’s legacy, and what he’s done for us today!

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

Mae Jemison was the first African-American woman to go into space! This beautifully illustrated children’s book is one of my favorites and reminds kids to dream big. Grab the book guide here.

Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone

In the 1830s, Elizabeth Blackwell challenged society’s norms and became America’s first female doctor. She graduated from medical school, and serves as a reminder that you can do anything you put your mind to!

Elizabeth Leads the Way by Tanya Lee Stone

Elizabeth Cady Stanton wasn’t like other women. An early activist for women’s rights, Stanton wanted to challenge women across the world to vote.

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Many recognize the name Harriet Tubman, but did you know the many roles she played before becoming Harriet? Lyrically written and beautifully illustrated, this is one of my favorite picture book biographies.  Grab the book guide here.

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

Set during the American Civil War, a young slave named Henry has always imagined what freedom looked like. As an adult, he decides to turn his dreams into reality and mail himself to freedom.  Henry’s Freedom Box is a favorite among classrooms, mainly for its introduction to slavery without being too graphic.

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

Harriet Tubman was known as “Moses” to her people, as she, a freed slave, continued to go back to plantations bringing people to freedom. This book is a Caldecott Honor winner.

Abe Lincoln Remembers by Ann Turner

Abraham Lincoln is one of the better-known presidents in our history. In this book, he is reminiscing on his past. In reality, it is only a few moments before he would later be shot in a theater by John Wilkes Booth. However, this book chooses to celebrate Lincoln’s accomplishments, instead of focusing on his death.

Marvelous Mattie by National Geographic Learning

Margaret Knight, known as “the Lady Edison,” always loved to invent things. Her most notable invention is the flat-bottomed brown paper bag. She is acknowledged as the first woman to hold a U.S. patent!

Young Thomas Edison by Michael Dooling

Thomas Edison was not a regular kid. At a young age, his mother took him out of public school to begin homeschooling. His inventions went on to help shape American history.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel

Clara Lemlich was a Ukrainian immigrant in the early 1900s. Working hard, she worked, spent hours studying English, and went to night school. Tired of poor treatment, Clara led a large strike, which fought for better work environments.

Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman by Louise Borden

Bessie Coleman was the first African American female (and the first person of African-American descent) to earn a pilot’s license! Here is her great story of determination and perseverance.

Six Dots by Jennifer Bryant

You might recognize Louis Braille’s name, but did you know he created Braille as a teenager? This picture book tells the journey of the boy who invented the written language for the blind. Find the book guide here.

Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say

Immigrants are often faced with a challenging problem. They love their new life in America but miss their home country. This is the story of the author’s grandfather, who came to America from Japan.

Seabiscuit vs War Admiral: The Greatest Horse Race in History by Kat Shehata

Learn about one of the greatest horse races in history – the race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral! These pages are somewhat dense. I’ve also seen this quirky and fun book which looks perfect and hilarious for younger ages, but I haven’t read it yet.

Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team by Audrey Vernick

For the kiddos who love sports, this is the true story of a family in the 1930s who had 16 children, 12 brothers who played on a baseball team together! With a vintage, old-timey feel, this picture book is filled with adventure and can raise some discussion on the Great Depression.

Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression by Carole Weatherford

Dorothea Lange was bullied as a child because she had polio and it left her with a limp. This never stopped her from becoming an influential photographer, especially during the Great Depression.

On a Beam of Light: The Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne

Despite being brilliant, Albert Einstein was no ordinary child! Hear his amazing life story, in a picture book explained simply for early elementary students. His story is inspiring, and a great reminder that wonder and curiosity are so important in life! Grab the book guide here.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks by Cynthia Levinson

Meet nine-year-old Audrey Hendricks, known as the youngest person to be arrested for protesting during a civil rights rally. Audrey is a great reminder that even kids can make a difference!

Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare by Gene Barretta

Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy had a lot in common, but there were a lot of things that were different about the two! This is a longer picture book, but comparing the two presidents can be fun. Plus, the illustrations are engaging!

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

In this autobiographical story, Patricia Polacco shares her story of overcoming dyslexia in school, and the one teacher who helped her through it. Now, Polacco is a successful children’s author.

The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot July 25, 1909 by Alice Provenson

This picture book can go with an aviation study, or study about the Wright Brothers/Amelia Earhart.  It has an older style and the colors are more muted, but it’s still an interesting look at the man who made the first flight over the English Channel in a heavier-than-air aircraft.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

In the 1960s, Ruby Bridges was one of the first people to begin breaking racial barriers – she became the first black child to enter an all-white school. (There’s also a Disney movie to go along with Ruby’s story!)

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker

Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician whose skills helped take us on many NASA missions, including the Apollo missions, which took us to the moon! Despite facing much prejudice for being a woman and for being black, Katherine is known as one of the greatest minds of all time. There is also a great movie about Katherine called  Hidden Figures .  Grab the book guide here.

Rescue and Jessica by Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky

In this beautiful story, Jessica is a double amputee from the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Rescue is her service dog. Together, they grow into a life-changing friendship that changes both of them.

I, Vivaldi by Janice Shefelman

Although his mother wanted him to become a priest, Antonio Vivaldi felt himself drawn towards music and enjoyed composing, performing, and teaching music. Vivaldi is best known for composing “The Four Seasons,” one of the best-known classical pieces out there. This picture book works well for giving a visual to Vivaldi’s pieces!

For the Love of Music by Elizabeth Rusch – mid-1700s

Meet Maria Mozart, the older sister of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! She is not as well known as her brother, but at only 12 years old, she was considered one of the best pianists in Europe at the time. This is a great story for budding musicians and pianists!

Escaping Titanic: A Young Girl’s True Story of Survival by Marybeth Lorbiecki

Ruth Becker was a little girl on the ill-fated  Titanic . The book does a good job of explaining what happened on the  Titanic , without getting into any graphic details for younger readers.

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear That Inspired Winnie the Pooh by Sally M.   Walker

Did you know Winnie the Pooh was inspired by a real bear? One day, Harry Colebourn saw a baby bear for sale at a train station. Harry was a veterinarian and knew he could take care of it, but he was also in training as a soldier. This is one of the sweetest picture books I’ve ever read, and a great story about a classic character!

The Donkey of Gallipoli: A True Story of Courage in WWI by Mark Greenwood

Growing up, Jack Simpson always loved giving people donkey rides, for a penny a piece. When he was drafted in WWI, his love of donkeys helped rescue 300 Allied soldiers. The images are simple, but the story is very poignant and memorable!

Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra by Andrea Pickney

Duke Ellington had a great musical career that lasted over 50 years. Mainly performing jazz music, he was prominent in the 30s, 40s, and 50s! With a fun whimsical watercolor, this is his story!

Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco

Based on a true story, Tucky Jo was a normal kid from Kentucky, who was shipped off to the Pacific during World War II. Through the chaos, he meets a young girl he nicknames Little Heart. Little Heart doesn’t speak English, but the two become friends. The ending has a surprise twist, and it’s great for showing humanity, friendship, and loyalty during wartime without being graphic.

Passage to Freedom by Ken Mochizuki

Passage to Freedom is one of the many picture books that can help teach the Holocaust in a non-graphic way. Told from the perspective of his son, Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat who saved 6,000 Lithuanian Jews by illegally writing out visas for them. Grab the book guide here.

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto by Susan Goldman Rubin

This is one of my favorite picture book biographies! During the Holocaust, many gentiles stayed silent. Irena Sendler was different – she smuggled 2,500 Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto, and placed them in hiding. Irena and each child she saved survived the war. Although it deals with a heavy subject, this story is not graphic, and appropriate for mid to upper-level elementary students, depending on maturity. Grab the book guide here .

Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo

Audrey Hepburn is known for her classic style and beauty. But, she was much more than that! As a child, she helped the resistance movement during World War II. Her experience inspired her to use celebrity status to become a humanitarian and was an active supporter of UNICEF.

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story by Rebecca Langston-George

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. At just 15 years old, Malala was shot by the Taliban for taking a stand for girl’s education. She survived and continues to be an activist for human rights and the education of women. The ending includes a glossary of words that may be unfamiliar to beginning readers, such as “ban” or “refugee.”

I hope you enjoyed this list! What are some of your favorite historical picture books or picture book biographies?

More History Resources for Kids

50+ Historical Movies for Kids

100 Historical Books for Kids

Historical Movies for Middle School and High School Under R

30+ Ways to Teach History Without a Textbook

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I knew you’d like Tucky Jo and Little Heart, it’s such a great book. I recognize quite a few of the books, we’ve loved in our schoolwork.

I knew you’d like Tucky Jo and Little Heart, it’s such a great book. I recognize quite a few of the books, we’ve loved in our schoolwork. Sigh, not letting me comment because “duplicate comment”

Thanks 🙂 Teaching with pictures books is so under-rated!

19 Picture Book Biography Stories

It’s never too early to introduce kids to biographies.

I love the increase of the number of biographical picture books in the last number of years.

It’s not even just the number, it’s the quality as well.

Even  I have learned a lot about history thanks to some well written picture books.

In this list I’ve included mostly books we have read but there are also a few I’ve heard really good things about that I want to check out.

I’m sure there will be a part two to this list because I can already guarantee I’ve forgotten some really good ones.

If I’ve missed a great biographical picture book you love, let me know in the comments, I may just add it to the list for part two!

Counting on Catherine

You’ve likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home?

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink, everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe.

From Katherine’s early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA,  Counting on Katherine  is the story of a groundbreaking American woman who not only calculated the course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives and made enormous contributions to history.

The Girl With a Mind for Math

After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.

The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague  is the third book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself!

The Crayon Man

purple mountains’ majesty, mauvelous, jungle green, razzmatazz…

What child doesn’t love to hold a crayon in their hands?  But children didn’t always have such magical boxes of crayons.  Before Edwin Binney set out to change things, children couldn’t really even draw in color.

Here’s the true story of an inventor who so loved nature’s vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children – in a bright green box for only a nickel! With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team at Crayola created one of the world’s most enduring, best-loved childhood toys – empowering children to dream in COLOR!

Hidden Figures

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math… really  good.

They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “colored computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.

Mae Among the Stars

When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.

She wanted to be an astronaut.

Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”

Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.

This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination. 

The Boy Who Loved Math

Most people think of mathematicians as solitary, working away in isolation. And, it’s true, many of them do. But Paul Erdos never followed the usual path. At the age of four, he could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head. But he didn’t learn to butter his own bread until he turned twenty. Instead, he traveled around the world, from one mathematician to the next, collaborating on an astonishing number of publications. With a simple, lyrical text and richly layered illustrations, this is a beautiful introduction to the world of math and a fascinating look at the unique character traits that made “Uncle Paul” a great man.

Snowflake Bentley

From the time he was a small boy in Vermont, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as small miracles. And he determined that one day his camera would capture for others the wonder of the tiny crystal. Bentley’s enthusiasm for photographing snowflakes was often misunderstood in his time, but his patience and determination revealed two important truths: no two snowflakes are alike; and each one is startlingly beautiful. His story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist’s vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature.  Snowflake Bentley  won the 1999 Caldecott Medal.

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn’t think women should be scientists.

Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to.

An inspiring story by critically acclaimed zoologist Jess Keating about finding the strength to discover truths that others aren’t daring enough to see. Includes a timeline of Eugenie’s life and many fin-tastic shark facts!

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes

As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she persevered―brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness!

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath  is the second book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists! In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Dr. Bath herself!

The Watcher

Acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter has found her perfect subject: Jane Goodall, the great observer of chimpanzees. Follow Jane from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania, invited by brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates who are now in danger of extinction, and their habitat. Young animal lovers and Winter’s many fans will welcome this fascinating and moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

Capturing an engineer’s creative vision and mind for detail, this fully illustrated picture book biography sheds light on how the American inventor George Ferris defied gravity and seemingly impossible odds to invent the world’s most iconic amusement park attraction, the Ferris wheel.

A fun, fact-filled text by Kathryn Gibbs Davis combines with Gilbert Ford’s dazzling full-color illustrations to transport readers to the 1893 World’s Fair, where George Ferris and his big, wonderful wheel lifted passengers to the skies for the first time.

Dinosaur Lady

Mary Anning loved scouring the beach near her home in England for shells and fossils. She fearlessly climbed over crumbling cliffs and rocky peaks, searching for new specimens. One day, something caught Mary’s eye.

Bones. Dinosaur Bones.

Mary’s discoveries rocked the world of science and helped create a brand-new field of study: paleontology. But many people believed women couldn’t be scientists, so Mary wasn’t given the credit she deserved. Nevertheless, Mary kept looking and learning more, making discoveries that reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world.

Dinosaur Lady  is a beautiful and brilliant picture book that will enlighten children about the discovery of the dinosaurs and the importance of female scientists. It also includes a timeline of Mary Anning’s life and lots of fantastic fossil facts!

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Just Like Rube Goldberg

Want to become an award-winning cartoonist and inventor? Follow your dreams, just like Rube Goldberg! From a young age, Rube Goldberg had a talent for art. But his father, a German immigrant, wanted Rube to have a secure job. So, Rube went to college and became an engineer.

But Rube didn’t want to spend his life mapping sewer pipes. He wanted to follow his passion, so Rube got a low-level job at a newspaper, and from there, he worked his way up, creating cartoons that made people laugh and tickled the imagination. He became known for his fantastic Rube Goldberg machines—complicated contraptions with many parts that performed a simple task in an elaborate and farfetched way. Eventually, his cartoons earned him a Pulitzer Prize and his own adjective in the dictionary. This moving biography is sure to encourage young artists and inventors to pursue their passions.

Terry Fox and Me

Before Terry Fox become a national hero and icon, he was just a regular kid. But even then, his characteristic strength, determination and loyalty were apparent and were the foundation for his friendship with Doug. The two first met at basketball tryouts in grammar school. Terry was the smallest – and worst – basketball player on the court. But that didn’t stop him. With Doug’s help, Terry practiced and practiced until he earned a spot on the team. As they grew up, the best friends supported each other, challenged each other, helped each other become better athletes and better people. Doug was by Terry’s side every step of the way: when Terry received a diagnosis of cancer in his leg, when he was learning to walk – then run – with a prosthetic leg and while he was training for the race of his life, his Marathon of Hope.

Salt in His Shoes

Michael Jordan.

The mere mention of the name conjures up visions of basketball played at its absolute best. But as a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams, all because he feared he’d never grow tall enough to play the game that would one day make him famous. That’s when his mother and father stepped in and shared the invaluable lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion — patience, determination, and hard work.

Deloris Jordan, mother of the basketball phenomenon, teams up with his sister Roslyn to tell this heartwarming and inspirational story that only the members of the Jordan family could tell. It’s a tale about faith and hope and how any family working together can help a child make his or her dreams come true.

When I Was Eight

Bestselling memoir Fatty Legs for younger readers. Olemaun is eight and knows a lot of things. But she does not know how to read. Ignoring her father’s warnings, she travels far from her Arctic home to the outsiders’ school to learn. The nuns at the school call her Margaret. They cut off her long hair and force her to do menial chores, but she remains undaunted. Her tenacity draws the attention of a black-cloaked nun who tries to break her spirit at every turn. But the young girl is more determined than ever to learn how to read. Based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and complemented by stunning illustrations, When I Was Eight makes the bestselling Fatty Legs accessible to younger readers. Now they, too, can meet this remarkable girl who reminds us what power we hold when we can read.

When Sue Found Sue

From a very young age, Sue Hendrickson was meant to find things: lost coins, perfume bottles, even hidden treasure. Her endless curiosity eventually led to her career in diving and paleontology, where she would continue to find things big and small. In 1990, at a dig in South Dakota, Sue made her biggest discovery to date: Sue the T. rex, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever unearthed. Named in Sue’s honor, Sue the T. rex would be placed on permanent exhibition at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.  When Sue Found Sue  inspires readers to take a closer look at the world around them and to never lose their brave, adventurous spirits. 

What are some of your favorite picture book biographies?

You can see all our book lists here!

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Here’s a look at the picture books we read this week (one a morning with our morning basket) as well as our read aloud that we finished! 📚 BOOKS 📚 * Ox-Cart Man* Roxaboxen * Hey, Bruce * The Darkest Dark * The True Story of the Three Little Pigs * Little Cat’s Luck

009: my TWELVE-YEAR-OLD’S favorite BOOKS – contemporary, historical fiction, fantasy & non-fiction

I asked my 12 year old daughter for a list of her favorite books and here’s what she told me! We did a similar video nearly two years ago where she shared some of her favorites she had recently read, you can check that video out here. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE: WATCH ON YOUTUBE:…

Composer Study with Living Books: Antonio Vivaldi

I’ve learned over the past few years the benefit of  reading living books and I am making a real effort this year to add as many living books into our days as possible. Composer study and artist study are not something that are generally taught in the regular school system but hang around homeschoolers for a…

The Best Picture Books for May

It’s time for another monthly picture book list! You can see all the monthly book lists here. I know we aren’t even halfway through the year yet but I’m already imagining doing a list of monthly chapter books for next year. That would be harder to create though, thankfully I’ve started thinking about it early! Because…

20 of the Best Classic Read Aloud Novels for Elementary Kids

Three years ago I created a list of 40 classic read aloud novels for kids. I did a lot of research before making that list and compiled what I thought were 40 great books. The only thing was, I hadn’t read all of the books myself. For a number of them I was going off…

Anticipated Middle Grade Releases: June-December 2021

At the beginning of the year I shared a list of middle grade books releasing for the first few months of the year and now I wanted to do a new list for books releasing in the second half of the year! I really like middle grade books as an adult which I think is…

Choosing a Structure for your Picture Book Biography

Posted February 11, 2020

One Response to “Choosing a Structure for your Picture Book Biography”

As you pointed out, there are no rules or templates for structuring a nonfiction manuscript. The nine structures you shared are excellent ways to begin building and organizing a story. I appreciate the pb titles that correspond with each suggested structure–all excellent mentor texts.

The first annual Nonfiction Fest is an amazing toolbox for nonfiction writers.

Thank you. Suzy Leopold

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15 of the Best Picture Book Biographies

• Madison Patten
• June 14, 2022
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Why am I writing about a booklist at the beginning of summer?  Schools are just letting out, students AND teachers are running out the doors preparing for summer, and the last thing educators are thinking about is next school year.   However, hear me out. I found that I have a little extra pocket money during the summer months.  Well, I am not buying extra snacks, supplies, science experiment materials, and other school-related items that teachers often pay out of their pockets for.   So, might as well put the money set aside for school products to good use by bulking up my classroom library!  Check out these 15 Picture Book Biographies!

Of course, there are other reasons too besides extra money.  Sure, you may be needing some excellent biographies for summer reading.   Families may ask for some additional reading to practice.  Summer school may be holding literature circles, tent reading, and picnics!   The list goes on and on.  However, why biographies?

Biographies for Elementary Students

There are numerous benefits to including biographies for your elementary students. Let’s be honest, it is difficult to find GOOD nonfiction texts that capture students’ interest and that they can read and comprehend. When we read stories, we are often transported to another world.  What is so cool about biographies is that they are the world that we are surrounded in.  Readers are transported into that person’s life!

Looking into others’ lives, their achievements and their struggles can help us look into our own selves to make connections.  Wow, talk about the perfect Social-Emotional Lesson ! This list includes life stories of influential people, including athletes, inventors, women, civil rights activists, and more.

Iconic Athletes Biographies

1. the story of simone biles.

By: Rachelle Burk

Before we knew Simone Biles as the greatest gymnast of all time, she was just a high-energy kid from Texas. Simone won 5 Olympic medals by the time she turned 22, but she had to sacrifice a lot to get to where she is today. Your students will love this beautifully illustrated picture book!

2. Stephen Curry: The Boy Who Never Gave Up

By: Anthony Curcio

This inspiring picture book biography follows Stephen Curry, a boy who was too short and weak to make the basketball team growing up. His dream was to play in the NBA even when no one else believed that he could. Read to find out how Stephen Curry’s hard work and determination made him one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

3. The Story of Jackie Robinson: A Biography Book for New Readers

By: Andrea Thorpe

The Story of Jackie Robinson doesn’t just explore his legacy.  The first Black Major League Baseball player, Jackie Robinson was also an important civil rights leader.  Through hard work and teamwork, Jackie Robinson shows his growth from a thoughtful young boy from California to an American Role Model and Activist.

Are your students interested in this baseball legend?  Continue on with ETTC’s close reading of Jackie Robinson direct from our Black History Unit .

4. The Story of Misty Copeland

By: Frank Berrios

Misty Copeland is the first Black female principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre. Before she made history and became a symbol of change in the world of ballet, she was a determined girl who loved watching gymnastics and dancing on the drill team. She worked hard and overcame many obstacles to fulfill her dream of becoming a great ballerina. This book helps kids explore how Misty went from being a shy young girl growing up in California to a world-famous ballet dancer and a role model to many people.

The perfect text for the perfect passage.  Be sure to check out our Misty Copeland passage with an extension activity here .

5. Ronaldo: A Boy Who Became a Star

By: Steve Herman

Born in a poor family, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to follow his dream.  He worked hard and overcame all obstacles to become one of the best soccer players in history.  The perfect text that teaches children not only to work hard to make their dreams come true but also learn how to be successful doing what they love.

Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of self-motivation .  Whether athletic, academic, or anything in between – our students can use the tools and help intrinsically with self-motivation skills .

Picture Book Biographies: Women Behind the Scenes

6. secret engineer: how emily roebling built the brooklyn bridge.

By: Rachel Dougherty

What happened when the chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge fell ill mid-construction? Well… his wife stepped in of course!  Meet Emily Roebling, the woman who supervised every aspect of the project while her husband was bedridden.  She continued to learn about things only men were supposed to know at the time.  Learn how Emily Roebling insisted she could do it all, did, and how her hard work helped to create one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

7. Human Computer: Mary Jackson

By: Andi Diehn

A full-color picture book biography about Mary Jackson, who became the first female African American engineer at NASA―includes several STEM activities for some real-world learning connections!

8. The Story of Amelia Earhart

By: Stacia Deutsch

How does this biography teach children to dare to be different?  Amelia Earhart became the first woman pilot to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean in an airplane―and she broke many other flight records before her mysterious disappearance. Before she made history and changed the world for pilots everywhere, Amelia was an adventure-loving kid who wasn’t afraid to be different. From a young girl growing up in Kansas to an American Hero and pioneer of flight.

Take a look at Education to the Core’s STEM challenge of building Paper Airplanes .  Complete with student journals, teacher guide, vocabulary cards, and more!

9. Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist

By: Linda Skeers

Here is another great and beautifully illustrated picture book biography on this list!  Mary Anning loved scouring the beach near her home in England for shells and fossils.  One day, something caught Mary’s eye… bones.  Dinosaur Bones!  Mary’s discoveries rocked the world of science and helped create a brand-new field of study: paleontology.

10. Computer Decoder: Dorothy Vaughan

Does this name sound familiar with #7 on this list?  Absolutely, however, both deserve recognition for their individual hard work and groundbreaking journeys.  Meet Dorothy Vaughan, one of NASA’s first African American managers and front-line electronic computing skills! Looking for some more STEM activities in the classroom?  Bonus: this biography includes a mini-lesson for an introduction to coding!

Historical Figures

11. Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.?

By: Bonnie Bader

My students last school year were obsessed with the “Who Was” series.  I knew I had to include at least one on this list.  What better one to choose than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?!  One of the most influential civil rights activists of our time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped organize boycotts and marches.  All while maintaining a peaceful and nonviolent tactic.  His advocacy was for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice.

Need a Timeline of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and achievements?

12. Looking at Lincoln

By: Maira Kalman

Who was Lincoln really? This little girl wants to find out. She discovers, among other things, that our sixteenth president was a man who believed in freedom for all, had a dog named Fido, loved Mozart, apples, and his wife’s vanilla cake, and kept his notes in his hat. From his boyhood in a log cabin to his famous presidency and untimely death, Maira Kalman shares Lincoln’s remarkable life with young readers in a fresh and exciting way.

13. The Story of Ruby Bridges

By: Arlisha Norwood Alston, PhD

When I hear the phrase “breaking down barriers” my mind automatically thinks about Ruby Bridges.  As the first Black student to attend an all-white public school in the southern United States, she helped desegregate schools and change the course of history.  Her life changed when she was chosen to attend William Frantz Elementary, where she became a civil rights leader at a very young age. Explore how Ruby went from being a thoughtful girl growing up in Mississippi to a national leader in the fight for equality with this text.

Pair this text with one of ETTC’s read-alouds that was included in our Monthly Packets resources.  After students listen to or read in small groups, there is a written response for students to reflect and connect.

14. The Story of Anne Frank

By: Emma Carlson Berne

Discover the life of Anne Frank – a story about staying hopeful.  Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who lived during World War II, when people like her were killed just for being Jewish. Anne and her family were forced to hide in a tiny, secret space to try and survive, and Anne began keeping a diary to practice her love of writing and pass the time. Even though she was scared, Anne believed in the goodness of people and never gave up hope that life would get better again.

15. I am Rosa Parks

By: Brad Meltzer

Ready to teach your students to always stand up for what is right? Dream big as Rosa Parks’s strength is highlighted in this biography.  Allow your students to discover how Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man on December 1, 1955, making history.  Her brave act sparked the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott and brought the civil rights movement to national attention.  Her story is powerful, inspiring, and unforgettable.

I think I may be grabbing some of the biographies underneath the Athlete category, if not all 15!  I truly think the athletes will get some of my male and even female students interested in picking up some of these titles.  What are your top picks right off the bat?  In addition to this working list, are there any biographies that you would include that we are missing?  Please help me fill my library up with some more great picture book biographies!  Be sure to comment below with the titles and authors that we are missing from this list!

Written By – Christopher Olson & Madison Patten

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Biographies for the picture-book set are in abundance, so we pulled out recent titles that got our reviewers' attentions and became stars in the first months of 2024. Use the link for the full review!

It's only July and already it's a banner year for picture book biographies and narrative nonfiction centered around famous people. We pulled out recent titles that got our reviewers' attentions and became stars in the first months of 2024. Use the links for the full reviews!

ALEXANDER, Lori. Cactus Queen: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park. illus. by Jenn Ely. Astra/Calkins Creek. Gr 1-3 –A lively picture book biography with tie-ins to Earth Day and Women’s History Month. Highly recommended.

BAUSUM, Ann. The Bard and the Book . illus. by Marta Sevilla. Peachtree. Gr 5-10 –A voluminous book centering the playwright, along with a group of people who saved him from outright oblivion, this is a sharply funny, delightful must-have for every library shelf.

BURNS, Loree Griffin. One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them. illus. by Jamie Green. MIT Kids. Gr 3-5 –Burns’s writing style invites readers into a compelling narrative of wonder and discovery.

CLINE-RANSOME, Lesa. Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis. illus. by James E. Ransome. S. & S. /Paula Wiseman. Gr 1-3 –A strong biography on John Lewis, this highly recommended volume will complement the civil rights shelves as well as collections on Black Americans who worked for the good of the country.

CREWS, Nina. Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano. Gr 1-3 –Purchase this lovely biography as an intro to Hamilton’s work or to encourage future creators. With each page, readers will be inspired to follow their own magic.

DAY, Nicholas. Nothing: John Cage and 4’33”. illus. by Chris Raschka. Holiday House/Neal Porter. Gr 1-5 –A beautifully written and illustrated story of a man who wanted people to explore nothingness, which is a necessity in today’s busy world. A great read-aloud and a must-purchase for all library collections.

FINKELSTEIN, Norman H. Amazing Abe: How Abraham Cahan’s Newspaper Gave a Voice to Jewish Immigrants. illus. by Vesper Stamper. Holiday House. Gr 1-3 –A commendable addition to library collections focused on immigration, little-known historical figures, and the pivotal role of language and the written word in shaping the immigrant experience.

HOYT, Megan. A Grand Idea: How William J. Wilgus Created Grand Central Terminal. illus. by David Szalay. HarperCollins. K-Gr 4 –Whether readers are train and construction buffs or not, this is a living, breathing biography of a building, and the man who believed in it from the ground up. Extraordinary.

KIM, Cheryl. Wat Takes His Shot: The Life & Legacy of Basketball Hero Wataru Misaka. illus. by Nat Iwata. Lee & Low. K-Gr 4 –Readers of all ages, especially those who love basketball, will rejoice over Wat’s triumphs.

KING, Coretta Scott. Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. illus. by Ekua Holmes. Macmillan/Godwin. G r 3-5 –A gorgeous book to introduce children to the triumphs and tragedies of one of the Civil Rights Movement’s most avid champions.

LAPATI, Joanna. Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman. Eerdmans. Gr 3-6 –Epic is an overused word—most of the time. It barely begins to explain the tremendous work and vision behind this sensational piece of compelling nonfiction that truly is a picture book for young readers and adults.

LEUNG, Julie. Mr. Pei’s Perfect Shapes: The Story of Architect I. M. Pei. illus. by Yifan Wu. HarperCollins/Quill Tree. PreS-Gr 3 –A fascinating and beautifully illustrated biography of one of our most celebrated architects.

MCDANIEL, Brenna J. Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller. illus. by April Harrison. Penguin/Dial. K-Gr 4 –An essential purchase not to be missed—what a wonderful person, and what a worthy life.

MEADOWS, Michelle. Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin. illus. by Jamiel Law. HarperCollins. Gr 4-6 –In this stunning picture book biography, Meadows gets into enough detail for readers to understand the nuances of Baldwin’s life without totally overwhelming them.

MEDINA, Uma. Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez. illus. by Natalia Rojas Castro. S. & S. /Atheneum. Gr 1-4 –This is a striking introduction to ultra-marathon runner Lorena Ramírez of the Indigenous Rarámuri people of Mexico. An exceptional addition to all collections.

PIMENTEL, Annette Bay. Los cuentos de Pura Belpré. illus. by Magaly Morales. Vintage Español. SP Gr 1-4 –A biographical text that teaches the importance of inclusion, heritage, and seeing oneself in the stories one reads. A must for biography shelves.

ROCCO, Hayley. Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough. illus. by John Rocco. Putnam. Gr 1-3 –A must-purchase for libraries; children will delight in learning about the “voice of nature.”

ROGERS, Kim. I Am Osage: How Clarence Tinker Became the First Native American Major General. illus. by Bobby Von Martin. HarperCollins/Heartdrum. PreS-Gr 3 –The incredible life story of Clarence Tinker, the first Native American major general in the United States, is an excellent addition to nonfiction collections for young readers.

RUSSELL-BROWN, Katheryn . La pequeña Melba y su gran trombón. tr. from English by Rita Elena Urquijo-Ruiz. illus. by Frank Morrison. Lee & Low. SP K-Gr 4 –A biographical read about a young woman who beat many odds due to her love of music. Perfect for burgeoning musicians and aficionados, and certainly for the nonfiction shelves.

SÁNCHEZ VEGARA, Maria Isabel. Tenzing Norgay. illus. by Bandana Tulachan. Quarto/Frances Lincoln. K-Gr 2 –Well researched and carefully presented, this is a quality introductory biography for young readers.

SMITH, Emma Bland. The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America’s Cook. illus. by Susan Reagan. Astra/Calkins Creek. Gr 1-3 –This book rightfully bestows hall-of-fame status on a woman who insisted on accuracy when it came to getting success—not waste—from a recipe every time. For the biography shelves.

STONE, Tanya Lee. Remembering Rosalind Franklin: Rosalind Franklin & the Discovery of the Double Helix Structure of DNA. illus. by Gretchen Ellen Powers. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano. K-Gr 4 –While the book’s technical vocabulary and complex scientific concepts may pose a minimal challenge for younger readers, older students with an appreciation for learning about unsung historical figures and an interest in science will find inspiration in Franklin’s resilience.

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15 Diverse Picture Book Biographies

Sarah S. Davis

Sarah S. Davis holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's of Library Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Sarah has also written for Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, Audible, Psych Central, and more. Sarah is the founder of Broke By Books blog and runs a tarot reading business, Divination Vibration . Twitter: @missbookgoddess Instagram: @Sarahbookgoddess

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With millions of titles, ThriftBooks has an endless selection of children’s books at the best prices to fill your child’s imagination.... and their library. From childhood classics to new undiscovered worlds of adventures, there is something for everyone and every budget. And with the ThriftBooks ReadingRewards program, every purchase gets you a step closer to your next free book. Shop ThriftBooks.com today to unleash the pure imagination a world of children’s books has to offer. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.

Picture book biographies are a great way to introduce the life of influential people to the youngest readers. Through the stories they tell, these biographies help children learn about diversity. In this inclusive list of 15 diverse picture book biographies, you’ll find celebrations of the lives of a variety of leaders, artists, athletes, and activists. Get ready, get set, and get going adding these to your TBR list.

Diverse Picture Book Biographies

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel, Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, and Nabi H. Ali

This picture book tells the remarkable story of Jennifer Keelan, a disability rights activist who participated in the Capitol Crawl to convince Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha, and Yuko Shimizu

If your child loves cats, you definitely want to check out The Cat Man of Aleppo , the true story of how Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel helped feed and care for the many pet cats left behind during the Syrian Civil War. This hopeful story is a must-read for any feline fan.

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle and Rafael López

Dancing Hands follows piano prodigy Teresa Carreño, a Venezuelan refugee who came to America and enthralled the world with her musical gifts that transcended language barriers. Dancing Hands highlights Carreño’s performance in front of President Lincoln in 1883. Can her music help heal the country?

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade and Cozbi A. Cabrera

Exquisite memorializes the life and writing of poet-author Gwendolyn Brooks, a groundbreaking writer who became the first Black American to win a Pulitzer Prize. Slade and Cabrera’s acclaimed picture book about Brooks was a Coretta Scott King Nominee for Illustration.

Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh and Baljinder Kaur

This lively picture book biography showcases the story of gritty athlete Fauja Singh, who smashed records as the first 100-year-old to run a marathon, a stunning achievement for someone who had mobility issues as a child.

Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes by Wab Kinew and Joe Morse

Go Show the World champions the work of noteworthy American and Canadian Indigenous people from history to present, from the well-known to those whose powerful stories are more unsung. Based on a song, Go Show the World ‘s inspiring refrain is: “You’re a person who matters. Yes, it’s true. Now go show the world what a person who matters can do.”

Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson and David Shannon

Robbie Robertson and David Shannon bring the remarkable story of Hiawatha to life. In the 14th century, Hiawatha helped bring peace to the five Iroquois nations at war with one another. Thanks to Hiawatha’s peacemaking leadership, the Iroquois united, laying the groundwork for political change.

I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings, and Shelagh McNicholas

I Am Jazz draws on co-author Jazz Jennings’s life as a transgender and queer rights activist. This picture book biography covers Jennings’s journey as she and her family find a way for Jennings to live a life true to her identity.

Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuko Ando by Andrea Wang and Kana Urbanowicz

In Magic Ramen , readers meet the influential Momofuku Ando, who made it his mission to find a way to serve ramen to hungry people after World War II. Ando believed that “Peace follows from a full stomach” and helped pioneer the soup that’s now loved all over the world.

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz and A.G. Ford

Many are familiar with the groundbreaking work by Black minister and human rights activist Malcolm X, but they might not know his origin story. Fortunately, in Malcolm Little readers learn about Malcolm before he became Malcolm X, with a focus on the influences that would later inform his ideas, beliefs, and actions.

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Dow Phumiruk

This picture book biography showcases the life of Maya Lin, an artist whose design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was chosen when she was just 21. Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines digs deep to show how art shaped Lin’s life, having grown up in a family of artists and taking to art from a young age.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno

Pride champions the work of politician and queer rights activist Harvey Milk. Pride also focuses on the creation of the iconic rainbow flag by Gilbert Baker, the designer of the flag that is now seen as a symbol of queer identity around the world. Readers looking for a book for Pride Month — and beyond! — will definitely want to check out Pride .

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

In this picture book biography, readers learn about the incredible activist work done by Sylvia Mendez and her family to end school segregation in California in 1947. Author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh’s moving picture book biography ensures that Mendez’s life and work will never be forgotten.

Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story by Paula Yoo and Lin Wang

Shining Star celebrates the first Chinese American movie star, Anna May Wong. In Shining Star , readers are introduced to Wong, with a focus on the origins of Wong’s love for cinema while she was just a kid. Shining Star also highlights Wong’s activism for Asian American actors.

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku by Ellie Crowe and Richard Waldrep

This stunning picture book brings to life the enormous achievements of Duke Kahanamoku, a Native Hawaiian six-time Olympic champion swimmer who also helped popularize surfing around the globe.

Looking for more diverse kid lit?

• Our list of 10 of the Best Picture Book Biographies celebrates the lives of influential women
• Check out our roundup of The Best Feminist Picture Books
• Find new books for your TBR with our list of 14 Children’s Books about Race and Racial Diversity

Also In This Story Stream

• Middle Grade Books About Music, Bands and Musicals
• My Daughter’s Male World and the Books That Reinforce It
• Indestructible Books for Curious Kids
• Children’s Books That Contextualize, Correct, or Challenge Classic Kid Lit
• 8 Middle Grade Books With Latinx Characters
• Top Streaming Movies and Shows Based on Children’s Books
• Quiz: What Classic Middle Grade Character Are You?
• Great Early Chapter Books For Your Emerging Reader!
• Roughing It: The Appeal of Survivalist Kids’ Books

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A small scoop of kid lit with all the toppings.

12 Picture Book Biographies About Writers

There are so many picture book biographies out there in the world! Today, I’m focusing just on picture book biographies about writers, poets, and storytellers. Some of these are children’s book writers, so after finishing the biography you can then go check out their entire backlist of titles as well! This would make a great author study resource or for a lesson plan for older students. You can also just check out these fascinating stories just for fun too1

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Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

This rollicking and fascinating picture book biography chronicles the life of the first pioneer of children’s books—John Newbery himself. While most children’s books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, John Newbery imagined them overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games. He believed that every book should be made for the reader’s enjoyment. Newbery—for whom the prestigious Newbery Medal is named—became a celebrated author and publisher, changing the world of children’s books forever. This book about his life and legacy is as full of energy and delight as any young reader could wish.

Big Machines: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton by Sherri Duskey Rinker and John Rocco

In this loving tribute to Virginia Lee Burton, the  New York Times  best-selling creators Sherri Duskey Rinker and John Rocco pay homage to the storied life of one of the most beloved creators in children’s literature.  Everyone in Folly Cove knows Virginia Lee as “Jinnee.” With her magical wands she can draw whatever she imagines, but for her sons Aris and Michael, she draws the most wonderful characters of all: BIG MACHINES with friendly names like Mary Anne, Maybelle, and Katy. Her marvelous magical wands can make anything move—even a cheerful Little House.     

A Book, Too, Can Be a Star: The Story of Madeleine L’Engle and the Making of A Wrinkle in Time by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Adelina Lirius

When Madeleine L’Engle was very small, she often found herself awake at night, marveling at the stars. They guided her throughout her life, making her feel part of a big and exciting world, even when she felt alone. They made her want to ask big questions―Why are we here? What is my place in the universe?―and let her imagination take flight. Books, too, were like stars―asking questions and proposing answers. Books kept Madeleine company, and soon, she began to write and share her own. But would other people see the wonder she found in the world?

A Boy Called Dickens by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by John Hendrix

For years Dickens kept the story of his own childhood a secret. Yet it is a story worth telling. For it helps us remember how much we all might lose when a child’s dreams don’t come true . . .  As a child, Dickens was forced to live on his own and work long hours in a rat-infested blacking factory. Readers will be drawn into the winding streets of London, where they will learn how Dickens got the inspiration for many of his characters. The 200th anniversary of Dickens’s birth was February 7, 2012, and this tale of his little-known boyhood is the perfect way to introduce kids to the great author. This  Booklist  Best Children’s Book of the Year is historical fiction at its ingenious best.

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000) is known for her poems about “real life.” She wrote about love, loneliness, family, and poverty—showing readers how just about anything could become a beautiful poem. Exquisite follows Gwendolyn from early girlhood into her adult life, showcasing her desire to write poetry from a very young age. This picture-book biography explores the intersections of race, gender, and the ubiquitous poverty of the Great Depression—all with a lyrical touch worthy of the subject. Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize, receiving the award for poetry in 1950. And in 1958, she was named the poet laureate of Illinois. A bold artist who from a very young age dared to dream, Brooks will inspire young readers to create poetry from their own lives.

John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

John Ronald loved dragons. He liked to imagine dragons when he was alone, and with his friends, and especially when life got hard or sad. After his mother died and he had to live with a cold-hearted aunt, he looked for dragons. He searched for them at his boarding school. And when he fought in a Great War, he felt as if terrible, destructive dragons were everywhere. But he never actually found one, until one day, when he was a grown man but still very much a boy at heart, when he decided to create one of his own.  John Ronald’s Dragons , a picture book biography by Caroline McAlister and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, introduces the beloved creator of Middle Earth and author of  The Hobbit  and  The Lord of the Rings  to a new generation of children who see magic in the world around them.

Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story of Six Novels, Three Notebooks, a Writing Box, and One Clever Girl by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Qin Leng

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of our greatest writers.

But before that, she was just an ordinary girl.

In fact, young Jane was a bit quiet and shy; if you had met her back then, you might not have noticed her at all. But  she  would have noticed  you .

Jane watched and listened to all the things people around her did and said, and locked those observations away for safekeeping.

Jane also loved to read. She devoured everything in her father’s massive library and before long, she began creating her own stories. In her time, the most popular books were grand adventures and romances, but Jane wanted to go her own way…and went on to invent an entirely new kind of novel.

Papa is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost by Natalie S. Bober, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

When Robert Frost was a child, his family thought he would grow up to be a baseball player. Instead, he became a poet. His life on a farm in New Hampshire inspired him to write “poetry that talked,” and today he is famous for his vivid descriptions of the rural life he loved so much. There was a time, though, when Frost had to struggle to get his poetry published. Told from the point of view of Lesley, Robert Frost’s oldest daughter, this is the story of how a lover of language found his voice.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar

An inspiring picture book biography of storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian, who championed bilingual literature.

When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy.

Poet: The Remarkable Story of Geroge Moses Horton by Don Tate

But he was determined―he listened to the white children’s lessons and learned the alphabet. Then he taught himself to read.

Soon, he began composing poetry in his head and reciting it aloud as he sold fruits and vegetables on a nearby college campus. News of the enslaved poet traveled quickly among the students, and before long, George had customers for his poems. But George was still enslaved. Would he ever be free?

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton, illustrated by Felicita Sala

On a stormy night two hundred years ago, a young woman sat in a dark house and dreamed of her life as a writer. She longed to follow the path her own mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, had started down, but young Mary Shelley had yet to be inspired.

As the night wore on, Mary grew more anxious. The next day was the deadline that her friend, the poet Lord Byron, had set for writing the best ghost story. After much talk of science and the secrets of life, Mary had gone to bed exhausted and frustrated that nothing she could think of was scary enough. But as she drifted off to sleep, she dreamed of a man that was not a man. He was a monster.

This fascinating story gives readers insight into the tale behind one of the world’s most celebrated novels and the creation of an indelible figure that is recognizable to readers of all ages.

A Story Is to Share : How Ruth Krauss Found Another Way to Tell a Tale by Carter Higgins, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Born a baby late at night there’s no parade just crashing rain

She listens listens writes and draws stitches pages sews a book She finds another way to tell a tale

This unique picture book biography provides a mesmerizing look at the life of children’s writer Ruth Krauss (1901–1993), best known for books such as  The Carrot Seed ,  A Hole is to Dig , and  A Very Special House . With an imaginative, spontaneous text from Carter Higgins that pays homage to Krauss’s distinctive voice, and Isabelle Arsenault’s exquisite illustrations that evoke a childlike sense of wonder,  A Story Is to Share  is a tribute to storytelling and creativity of all kinds.

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Top 10 Biography And Autobiography Picture Books

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Best Picture-Book Biographies of 2022

CHILDREN'S

JAN. 18, 2022

by Tracey Baptiste ; illustrated by Tonya Engel

An engaging profile of an inspiring civil rights hero whom readers will enjoy learning about and cheering for. Full review >

OCT. 4, 2022

by Tonya Bolden ; illustrated by Eric Velasquez

A richly layered, powerful introduction to an entrepreneur and the problems he solved. Full review >

NOV. 1, 2022

by Tameka Fryer Brown ; illustrated by Nina Crews

As powerful as the woman it profiles. Full review >

SEPT. 6, 2022

by Angela Joy ; illustrated by Janelle Washington

A devastating, uniquely told story that will resonate. Full review >

JUNE 7, 2022

by Jacqueline Briggs Martin & June Jo Lee ; illustrated by Julie Wilson

Inspiring and “kraut-chi-licious.” Full review >

JULY 5, 2022

by Cory McCarthy ; illustrated by Ekua Holmes

A reverent invitation to an enduring classic for new audiences. Full review >

MARCH 1, 2022

by Christine McDonnell ; illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov

A worthy social justice story about a compassionate woman who dedicated her life to helping others. Full review >

by Andrea Davis Pinkney ; illustrated by Keith Henry Brown

This eloquent tribute is a must-read. Full review >

MAY 17, 2022

by Phyllis Root & Gary D. Schmidt ; illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A splendid introduction to a lesser-known nature poet and the landscapes that inspired her. Full review >

SEPT. 20, 2022

by Renée Watson ; illustrated by Bryan Collier

A soaring portrait of a “Black girl whose voice / chased away darkness, ushered in light.” Full review >

JAN. 11, 2022

by Carole Boston Weatherford ; illustrated by Laura Freeman

Pays due honor to Elijah Cummings’ memory and his dedication to the people he served. Full review >

MAY 3, 2022

by Kelly Yang

A radiant tribute to groundbreakers to inspire the next generation. Full review >

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What Is a Picture Book?

New versions are expanding the children's genre

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A picture book is a book, typically for children, in which the illustrations are as important as—or more important than—the words in telling the story. Picture books have traditionally been 32 pages long, although Little Golden Books are 24 pages. In picture books, there are illustrations on every page or on one page of every pair of facing pages.

While most picture books still are written for younger children, a number of excellent picture books for upper elementary and middle school readers have been published. The definition of "children's picture book" and the categories of picture books have also enlarged.

Impact of Author and Illustrator Brian Selznick

The definition of children's picture books was greatly expanded when Brian Selznick won the 2008 Caldecott Medal for picture book illustration for his book " The Invention of Hugo Cabret ." The 525-page middle-grade novel told the story not only in words but in a series of sequential illustrations. All told, the book contains more than 280 pictures interspersed throughout the book in sequences of multiple pages.

Since then, Selznick has written two more highly regarded middle-grade picture books. " Wonderstruck ," which also combines pictures with text,   was published in 2011 and became a New York Times bestseller. " The Marvels ,"  published in 2015, contains two stories set 50 years apart that come together at the end of the book. One of the stories is told entirely in pictures. Alternating with this story is another told entirely in words. 

Common Categories of Children's Picture Books

Picture Book Biographies:  The picture book format has proved effective for biographies, serving as an introduction to the lives of a variety of accomplished men and women. Picture book biographies such as "Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell," by Tanya Lee Stone with illustrations by Marjorie Priceman and " The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos ," by Deborah Heiligman with illustrations by LeUyen Pham, appeal to children in grades one to three.

Many more picture book biographies appeal to upper elementary school kids, while still others appeal to both upper elementary and middle school kids. Recommended picture book biographies include " A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin ," written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet, and " The Librarian of Basra: A True Story of Iraq ," written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter .

Wordless Picture Books: Picture books that tell the story completely through illustrations, with no words at all or a very few embedded in the artwork, are known as wordless picture books. One of the most stunning examples is " The Lion and the Mouse ," an Aesop's fable retold in illustrations by Jerry Pinkney , who received the 2010 Randolph Caldecott Medal for picture book illustration for his book. Another wonderful example that is often used in middle school writing classes as a writing prompt is " A Day, a Dog " by Gabrielle Vincent.

Classic Picture Books:  When you see lists of recommended picture books, you'll often see a separate category of books titled Classic Children's Picture Books. Typically, a classic is a book that has remained popular and accessible for more than one generation. A few of the best-known and best-loved English language picture books include " Harold and the Purple Crayon ," written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson , " The Little House " and " Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel ," both written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton, and " Goodnight Moon " by Margaret Wise Brown, with illustrations by Clement Hurd.

Sharing Picture Books With Your Child

It's recommended to begin sharing picture books with your children when they are babies and continue as they get older. Learning to "read pictures" is an important literacy skill, and picture books can play an important part in the process of developing visual literacy. 

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