best biographies for 2nd graders

20 Biography Books For Kids To Help Them Dream Big

Brandie DeRusha

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

View All posts by Brandie DeRusha

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

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

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

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

20 of the Best Biography Books for Kids

The Story of Harriet Tubman by Christine Platt

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

Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. By signing up you agree to our terms of use

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kera Ascoet

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

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

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

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

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

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and George Ford

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

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

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

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

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

Vincent Can’t Sleep by Barb Rosenstock and Mary Grandpre

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

Magic Ramen by Andrea Wang and Kana Urbanowicz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Might Also Like

Living Well + Learning Well

with Alicia Hutchinson

100+ Beautiful Biographies Your Kids Will Love

73   95 100+ Biographies for Kids

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

Biographies for Kids: Scientists + Mathematicians to Admire

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

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

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

Learning Well LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links from Amazon or other programs are used on this website. For more info, please refer to our disclosure statement .

4.  Rosie Revere, Engineer  by Andrea Beaty

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

Get the 6 Secrets to a Simpler Mom Life

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

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

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

9. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artists + Musicians to Learn About

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

21. Mr Cornell’s Dream Boxes by Jeanette Winter

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

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

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

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

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

27. Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter

28. Becoming Bach by Tom Leonard

29. Viva Frieda by  Yuyi Morales

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

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

Biographies for Kids: Heroes from History

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

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

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

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

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

34. Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

35. What to do about Alice? by Barbara Kerley

36. Elizabeth Leads the Way by Tanya Lee Stone

37. Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley

38. Leif the Lucky  by Ingri Daulaire

39. Columbus  by Ingri Daulaire

41. George Washington by Ingri Daulaire

42. Benjamin Franklin by Ingri Daulaire

43. Buffalo Bill  by Ingri Daulaire

44. Abraham Lincoln  by Ingri Daulaire

45. Bard of Avon:William Shakespeare  by Diane Stanley

46. Leonardo Davinci by Diane Stanley

47. Good Queen Bess by Dianne Stanley

48. Peter the Great by Dianne Stanley

49. Cleopatra by Diane Stanley

50. Along Came Galileo  by Jeanne Bendick

51. Joan of Arc: Warrior Saint by Jay Williams

52. Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock

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

54. Eleanor by Barbara Cooney

55. A Boy Named FDR  by Kathleen Krull

56. Alexander the Great by John Gunther

57. George Washington’s World by Genevieve Foster

58. The World of Captain John Smith by Genevieve Foster

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

60. Augustus Caesar’s World by Genevieve Foster

61. Abraham Lincoln’s World by Genevieve Foster

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

63. Encounter by Jane Yolen

64. Picture Book of Daniel Boone by David Adler

65. The Secret Subway by Shana Corey

66. Abraham by Frank Keating

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

68. Brave Clara Barton by Frank Murphy

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

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

71. First Mothers  by Beverly Gherman

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

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

74. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson

75. Before She was Harriet   by  Lesa Cline-Ransome 

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

77. Nelson Mandela   by  Kadir Nelson

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

Biographies about Writers

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

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

82. Noah Webster and his Words  by Jeri Chase Ferris

81. Going Solo by Roald Dahl

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

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

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

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

87. Malala’s Magic Pencil  by  Malala Yousafzai 

Biographies for Kids About Amazing Athletes

88. Ali an American Champion by Barry Denenburg

90. Brothers at Bat by Audrey Vernick

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

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

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

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

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

95. Iggy Peck, Architect  by Andrea Beaty

96. The Story of Johnny Appleseed  by Aliki

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

98. The Great and Only Barnum by Candice Fleming

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

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

101. Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi

102. Here come the Girl Scouts by Shana Correy

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

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

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

106. Manjhi Moves a Mountain

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

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

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

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

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

YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• How Read Alouds Will Lead our Language Arts this Year
• 36 of the Best Children’s + Young Adults Books Made into Movies
• Colonial Life Books + Resources
• Building a Book List for your Homeschool Year
• Our Huge List of Books for the Middle Ages

24 Comments

I love this list and have referenced it many times!!! Has anyone made an excel file of these to check off? Also my daughter loves to listen and so I’m wondering if anyone has found any of these on audiobooks?

• Pingback: Fiction or Non-fiction Books for Your Children? – The Answer Will Surprise You! – Press 1 for Parents

Great list!

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

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

• Pingback: 31 Things to do in April That Your Family Will Love - over at alicia's
• Pingback: 45 of the Best Picture Books for Studying Ancient History - LEARNING WELL COMMUNITY
• Pingback: How To Homeschool When You Hate Science Curriculum - LEARNING WELL COMMUNITY
• Pingback: 47 of the Best Fall Picture Books That Will Help You Celebrate the Season - LEARNING WELL COMMUNITY
• Pingback: How To Read More This Year! Honest Book Reviews and Tips - over at alicia's
• Pingback: How to Combine Beautiful Feet Books with Homeschool in the Woods - LEARNING WELL COMMUNITY
• Pingback: How to Make Hands On History Simpler this Year - LEARNING WELL COMMUNITY
• Pingback: 25 of the Best Books You'll Want for Sneaky Summer Learning - over at alicia's

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

• Pingback: How This Crazy Busy Mom Read 36 Books in One Year - alicia + co.
• Pingback: 12 Homeschool Days in the Life that Will Inspire - LEARNING WELL COMMUNITY
• Pingback: New to Jolabokaflod? How to Plan a Really Good One - alicia + co.

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

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

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

http://www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com

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

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

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

Love love love this post! Thank you!

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Want the 6 Secrets to a

Simpler Mom Life?

Get it here!

Your email is safe here. 

Want the FREE Summer Reading Guide? CLICK HERE!

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

Similar Posts

Fractured Fairy Tales: Picture Books and Chapter Books

Best Gifts for Book Lovers

The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal

6 Terrific (and Not-Too-Scary) Halloween Books

Favorite Books of 2013

5 Books I’m Currently Reading (+ My Team’s Picks!)

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.)

• Pingback: Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom by Shane W. Evans - Everyday Reading
• Pingback: 8 Picture Books to Read with a Cup of Cocoa - Everyday Reading

We love Mr. Ferris and His Wheel!

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

2nd Grade Biographies

Popular Collections

The Leading Digital Reading Platform for Kids

The only kids' eBook subscription service that offers thousands of high-quality books from well known publishers like HarperCollins, National Geographic and others.

Javascript required.

Whoops! We're sorry but Epic doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Check your web browser's settings to make sure it's enabled.

Trending Post : Books Made Into Movies

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.

Similar Posts

Fed up with (school) lunch – the book.

A Poem a Day Activities for Kids

Gifts for Kids: Children’s Books 2013

Write a Family Newsletter

From Story Idea to Book Agent

What is the mission of your child’s school?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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!

SHOP RESOURCES

6 Amazing Biography Book Series Teachers and Students will Love

I love having my students read biographies.  Not only does this expose them to a new genre of writing, but there is quite often a great social studies or history connection too!  And . . . if that wasn’t enough, there are so many amazing people that can inspire our students to do anything, go anywhere, be all they can dream of being!  I’m excited to share some of my favorite biographies for elementary students and activities we use when studying this genre.

Amazing Biographies for Kids

1. ordinary people change the world by brad meltzer.

2. You Should Meet . . . by Ready to Read

3.  Step into Reading Biographies

4. The Story Of . . .  A Biography Series for New Readers

5.  Easy Reader Biographies by Scholastic

6. National Geographic Kids Biographies

You Can’t Go Wrong with Biographies

• Not all books with illustrations are fiction
• Real-life events and people can be engaging and entertaining like a story
• Books can help us learn and inspire us

Biography Activities

1. fact and opinion, 2. non-fiction text features.

Many of these biographies series I love to use are written with a variety of non-fiction text features.  This is a great way to teach students about how these text features can help them improve their understanding of the non-fiction books they read.  

• Headings & Sub-Headings
• Photos & Captions
• Table of Contents

3. Introductory Research and Note Taking

Grab these free biography note taking templates.

Biography Research Project

Save these Biography Books and Teaching Ideas

You May Also Enjoy...

JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE ISLAND CLUB TODAY!

Grab 4 weeks of my challenge phonics today for free.

• Classroom Management
• Teaching Ideas
• Online Catalogue
• 2024 Elementary Island
• Site design by Laine Sutherland Designs
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

• Books for 1-Year-Olds
• Books for 2-Year-Olds
• Books for 3-Year-Olds
• Books for 4-Year-Olds
• Books for 5-Year-Olds
• Books for 6-Year-Olds
• Books for 7-Year-Olds
• Books for 8-Year-Olds
• Books for 9-Year-Olds
• Books for 10-Year-Olds
• Books for 11-Year-Olds
• Books for 12-Year-Olds
• Books for 13-Year-Olds
• Preschool Books
• Kindergarten Books
• Books for 1st Grade
• Books for 2nd Grade
• Books for 3rd Grade
• Books for 4th Grade
• Books for 5th Grade
• Books for 6th Grade
• Books for 7th Grade
• Books for 8th Grade
• Books for 9th Grade
• Early Picture Books
• Picture Books
• Read Aloud Chapter Books
• Easy Reader Books
• Early Chapter Books
• Chapter Books
• Young Adult Books
• Autobiography / Biography
• Children's Poetry
• Fables / Fairy Tales
• Fantasy / Folklore
• Legends / Myths

The Best Autobiography & Biography Books for Kids

As kids begin to understand the larger world around them, there’s nothing more expansive than learning about the lives of others. So it’s no wonder biographies are a hit with curious young readers. Learning about amazing people who shaped the world through bravery and dedication isn’t just a way to inspire your child’s own dreams—it’s a path to building stronger empathy and relationships. 

That’s why we’ve created this list of the best biographies for kids of all ages and reading levels, from preschool to middle school. Featuring stories of dreamers and doers from all walks of life, these books will have your reader thinking big about their boundless potential!

Mahatma Gandhi: My First Mahatma Gandhi (Little People, Big Dreams)

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This picture book is a gentle introduction for babies and toddlers to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The charmingly illustrated tale tells the story of young Mohandas and his upbringing in India under British rule. All the while, Mohandas dreamed of a world where all living beings were treated with kindness—and dared to chase it into reality. Your toddler or preschool reader will light up as they learn from Gandhi about nonviolence, peace, and unwavering kindness.

David Bowie (Little People, Big Dreams)

This one’s for all the diaper-dancers and future rockstars. Even the youngest baby learners will be inspired by the one-of-a-kind Starman and his message of fearless individuality. Young David Jones may have looked like an ordinary boy on the outside, but on the inside, he was full of dreams, music, and creativity. Show your child that gigantic dreams are as close as the karaoke microphone in this motivational depiction of David Bowie’s story. The board book format is sturdy enough for little readers to thumb through on their own—and with the bold, bright illustrations, they’ll want to!

Where’s Jane?

By Jaye Garnett

If your growing reader is a naturalist-in-training, this wonderfully engaging board book is just what the biologist ordered. Designed for children ages 3 to 5, this board book is a lighthearted introduction to Jane Goodall’s fascinating chimpanzee research. Your reader will be so busy searching for hidden pictures in the illustrations that they won’t realize they’re learning facts well beyond their science curriculum. Vocabulary words and questions on every page also help encourage discussion and develop more advanced communication skills.

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

By Linda Skeers

Got an up-and-coming paleontologist in the family? Then this is the biography you’re looking for! Mary Anning was a true scientific pioneer. Every young dino fan will be enraptured by the story of how her earth-shaking scientific career began by hunting for fossils in her own backyard. This fully illustrated picture book invites 4- to 9-year-olds to turn over pages and stones as they advance their exploratory skills .

Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg? (Who Is/Was)

By Patricia Brennan Demuth

The Who Was … books are among the best biographies for kids, presenting accurate history in an easy-to-read style. Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg? introduces kids to one of the renowned legal minds of our time while making her feel accessible, relatable, and wholeheartedly human. This story of Ginsburg’s advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights will empower readers from ages 8 to 11 to stand up for what they believe in as they learn to read independently and think critically.

Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels

If your 10- to 13-year-old reader loves adventure-packed stories, this book is a must-have. They might’ve heard about Amelia Earhart in school, but they’ll marvel at the lesser-known stories of Russian astronaut Valentina Tereshkova, stuntwoman Helen Gibson, and oceanographer Sylvia Earle in this riveting collection. Each profile is short and readable, yet brimming with value and heart. Try reading one profile with your child before bed each night and watch as they gravitate toward certain adventurers, navigate moral complexities, and relate the stories to their own lives.

Help Your Child Dream Big With Biographies From Literati Book Clubs

Once your kids start learning about the real lives of influential people like the ones above, they’ll realize how endless their own potential really is. You can make sure your reader is always stocked up with the best biographies for kids—along with all the other genres they love—by becoming a Literati Kids Book Club member. We’ll send your child the best-in-class literature suited perfectly to their reading level and interests. The result? A passion for reading, a thirst for learning, and ideas that flow as freely as David Bowie’s melodies. To get started, complete our quick personalization quiz and open the gates to your young reader’s literary adventure today.

LITERATI NEWSLETTER

Free Reading Resources & Activities

We’ve made it easy to support your reader at home. Literati’s newsletter provides parents with free, research-backed reading resources, activities, and more! Sign up today to get started.

Explore Related Articles

Literati’s First Annual Kids’ Favorite Book Awards

The Best Fun and Engaging Nonfiction Books For Kids

The Best Fantasy & Folklore Books For Kids

The Best Biographies for Kids: Inspiring Reads for Young Minds

Biographies for children serve as both educational resources and sources of inspiration. They give young readers a glimpse into the lives of influential figures, ranging from historical leaders to contemporary heroes. By exploring the journeys, challenges, and successes of these individuals, children can learn about different cultures, eras, and the qualities that contribute to an individual’s impact on the world. These stories also provide a powerful means to teach values such as resilience, perseverance, and empathy.

When selecting the best biographies for kids , it is important to choose books that are age-appropriate and that offer engaging storytelling. The complexity of language, the depth of detail, and the representation of challenges faced by the subjects should all be considered for the target age group. Illustrations can also play a crucial role in making these narratives more accessible and appealing to younger audiences.

Some biographies are tailored for early readers with simple sentence structures and colorful pictures, while others are more suitable for middle-grade readers, offering more nuanced explorations of a person’s life and achievements. It’s important for guardians to look for books that not only educate but also captivate, ensuring a balance between factual accuracy and narrative enjoyment.

While engaging with these stories, we gain the opportunity to introduce children to a world of possibilities and encourage a lifelong interest in learning about the people who have shaped our society. By keeping in mind these considerations, we move to explore some of the best biographies that can broaden the horizons of young minds, making sure our young readers are both informed and inspired.

Top Biographies for Children

We understand the value of introducing young readers to the remarkable lives of influential figures. With that in mind, our selection includes compelling biographies that are not only age-appropriate but also engaging and inspirational. These books are thoughtfully written to capture the essence of each individual’s achievements and contributions, offering children a window into the diverse paths of greatness.

Baseball Biographies for Kids

We recommend this book for young readers who show enthusiasm for baseball and wish to learn about the sport’s history and legendary players.

• Tailored to young baseball fans with engaging storytelling
• Illustrates baseball history and player stats effectively
• Encourages reading in children who have a keen interest in sports
• Specific audience: primarily appeals to kids interested in baseball
• May not provide in-depth analysis for more knowledgeable fans
• Could be less engaging for those seeking modern-day player information

Young readers drawn to the world of baseball will find this book a home run. It offers a journey through the sport’s history, focusing on players from the 1960s to the current day. With easy-to-digest facts and stories, children are not just reading—they are also learning about perseverance and dedication.

The book serves as a bridge connecting younger generations with the legends of baseball. Filled with player biographies, it gives kids a glimpse into the lives of their sports heroes, illustrating how they too can aim for greatness in life and maybe on the diamond.

As we share this passion for baseball with the next generation, books like this not only educate but keep the spirit of the game alive. It’s more than just facts and figures; it’s about the love of the game, and this biography series perfectly encapsulates that for young readers.

Soccer Legends for Kids

We believe this soccer biography offers young readers an engaging introduction to the sport’s most legendary players , blending essential historical facts with captivating graphics.

• Engaging graphics support the text
• Concise biographies ideal for young readers
• Text-to-Speech feature supports learning
• Limited depth of information
• Some reviewers mentioned overpricing
• Occasionally compared unfavorably to online content

The book under consideration provides young soccer enthusiasts with a glimpse into the lives of the sport’s most iconic figures. It’s a lightweight read, best suited for kids just beginning to show interest in soccer history and its notable players. Portrayed through a mix of factual storytelling and visual appeal, the book has the potential to spark a lasting interest in the sport.

Despite some reservations about the depth of content, the biographies remain accessible. This makes it a suitable option for its intended age range, as intricate details might be overwhelming. The book’s layout, with its vibrant illustrations and easy-to-follow text, keeps young readers engaged while making the learning process enjoyable.

Parents and educators should note that while the book does a good job of introducing historical sports figures, it may not suffice for those looking for a comprehensive educational tool. While the price point raised concerns among a few reviewers, the engaging content, supported by the Kindle features, justify considering this book as an accessible starting point for children exploring soccer history.

Messi: A Boy Who Became A Star

We recommend this book for young soccer enthusiasts eager to learn about Lionel Messi’s journey to stardom.

• Portrays a positive role model and inspires determination
• Captures Messi’s challenges and triumphs in a kid-friendly narrative
• Engaging for children with an interest in soccer
• Some copies have had printing issues
• Limited to 39 pages, which might be brief for some readers
• Focused on Messi, with less appeal for those not interested in soccer or sports

For young readers who dream of athletic greatness, “Messi: A Boy Who Became A Star” provides engaging insights into the life of one of soccer’s greatest players. The story narrates Lionel Messi’s humble beginnings and the obstacles he overcame, making it a source of motivation for kids.

The book’s layout is crafted to capture a child’s attention, with ample illustrations and easy-to-follow text. Its focus is not only on Messi’s achievements but also the hard work and dedication that propelled him to the top.

While the narrative is an advantage, its brevity may leave some readers wanting more. It’s a glimpse rather than a comprehensive biography, but its power to inspire is unmistakable. The printing issues reported by a few buyers are a concern, but they represent a small fraction of the overall feedback.

On balance, “Messi: A Boy Who Became A Star” stands out as a valuable read for kids. It highlights perseverance, passion, and the payoff of dedication, all through the story of a modern sports icon.

No Better Friend: Young Readers Edition

We believe this moving true story of a man and his dog surviving the trials of war is an inspirational and educational pick for young readers.

• Engages young readers with a gripping tale of friendship and survival
• Demonstrates the value of historical knowledge through storytelling
• Accessible writing style suitable for children 10 years and older
• Some passages may require guidance for younger readers
• A select few readers found certain parts to be slower paced
• The story’s intensity may not be to every child’s taste

This biography stands out with its unique angle, presenting history through a canine companion’s unwavering loyalty during World War II. It’s not just a story about survival, but also about the deep bond between a man and his dog that can teach children about friendship, empathy, and courage.

Tailored for the young reader, the book translates a complex period into an accessible narrative. It shows the power of historical events to shape lives, providing a meaningful context for understanding the past.

While keeping children engrossed, the book also opens doors for parents and educators to discuss broader themes and lessons learned from history. It is an opportunity to delve into the struggles of wartime, the resilience of the human (and animal) spirit, and the impact of friendship.

Wright Brothers Biography for Kids

We believe young readers will soar to new heights with this engaging biography that chronicles the lives of the pioneer aviators.

• Illustrations and narrative are engaging for young readers.
• Tailored for new readers with larger font and clear language.
• Encompasses important historical details without overwhelming the child.
• Some advanced readers may find the content too simplistic.
• With 66 pages, the book might be brief for those seeking a more detailed account.
• The reading age range is narrow, primarily targeting ages 7-10.

Engaging young minds with tales of innovation and ambition, this concise biography brings the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright to life. The storytelling strikes a balance between detailing the brothers’ journey and keeping the content accessible. It’s peppered with illustrations to capture children’s imaginations and make the historical narrative visually appealing.

Catering to young readers, the book offers an excellent introduction to biographies. Its clear language ensures that children at the lower end of the reading age spectrum can enjoy it without assistance. The page count is a positive for beginners, preventing any feelings of being overwhelmed while providing a sense of accomplishment upon completion.

This book could serve as a stepping stone for a child’s future exploration of biographies and history. While it might not satisfy the curiosity of every young reader due to its brevity, the Wright Brothers’ biography is designed to inspire and educate within its scoped framework, making it a wise choice for parents and educators alike.

The Story of Albert Einstein

If your young reader displays an interest in science and renowned figures, this engaging biography is a must-have for their collection.

• Written specifically for beginning readers aged 6-8.
• Encourages interest in science and history through a compelling narrative.
• Illustrations enhance understanding and engagement.
• Limited depth due to the book’s concise nature.
• More advanced readers may find the content too simplistic.
• Designed for a narrow age range, limiting broader appeal.

Introducing children to historical icons can inspire them and spark a lifelong love of learning. “The Story of Albert Einstein” accomplishes this by presenting the life of this extraordinary scientist in a way that kids can easily comprehend and enjoy. The book’s text is carefully tailored to suit readers in the first and second grade, making complex ideas accessible and fascinating.

Incorporating vivid illustrations, the book not only captivates young minds but also supports visual learning. Narratives about Einstein’s life are both informative and exhilarating, potentially setting children on a path to discover more about scientific phenomena and historical milestones.

We must consider a child’s developmental stage when choosing reading material. While some kids will relish the simplicity and visual storytelling, others could outgrow the content quickly. It’s crafted for a specific audience, which means its appeal is targeted rather than universal. However, for the right reader, this book can be an excellent tool for both education and entertainment.

We recommend ‘Shark Lady’ as an empowering read that offers a captivating glimpse into marine biology for children.

• Illustrates the life of a pioneering female scientist
• Engaging for both children and adults with an interest in marine life
• Exceptional illustrations complement the inspiring narrative
• Some buyers received the book with damaged pages
• A single story may not provide a wide range of scientific perspectives
• The narrative may be too simple for older kids within the age bracket

Children’s biographies are a great way to combine education and inspiration, and ‘Shark Lady’ does just that. Its pages are filled with the life of Eugenie Clark, a trailblazing marine biologist whose love for sharks changed how we view these magnificent creatures. This book not only introduces young readers to an influential scientist but also encourages curiosity about the natural world .

Reading about Eugenie Clark presents a unique opportunity for children to see a woman’s profound impact on science . This can be especially important for young girls who are interested in STEM fields. Additionally, an engaging narrative ensures that the material is not only educational but also enjoyable for a younger audience.

Visual storytelling plays a significant role in children’s literature, and ‘Shark Lady’ excels with remarkable illustrations that capture the imagination. The book makes an excellent gift for children with an affinity for the ocean or sharks. It’s an inspiring story told through a blend of artistic visuals and accessible writing that can keep young readers hooked.

Reading is an adventure, and ‘Shark Lady’ invites children to dive deep into the life of someone whose passion led her to break barriers and set new standards in marine biology. It’s a story we believe will resonate with young hearts and possibly spark a lifelong interest in science and exploration.

Buying Guide

When selecting biographies for children, we should consider several key features to ensure we make the best choice. It’s important to focus on readability, educational value, and engagement.

Readability

Age Appropriateness: Understand the reading level of the child to match the complexity of the text and vocabulary.

• For younger children : Look for simple sentences and larger print.
• For older children : More complex structures and advanced vocabulary may be appropriate.

Illustrations: Visuals can aid comprehension and maintain interest.

Educational Value

Accuracy of Information: Ensure that the biographical details are factually correct.

Historical Context: Provide a backdrop for the subject’s life, which aids in better understanding.

Story Appeal: The narrative should be compelling and appropriate for the intended age group.

• For all ages : Incorporate elements of storytelling such as challenges, achievements, and personal growth.

Interactive Elements: Activities or questions that prompt reflection can enhance engagement.

Additional Aspects

Cultural Diversity: Include a range of biographies from diverse backgrounds to broaden a child’s perspective.

Positive Role Models: Focus on individuals whose traits we wish to inspire in children, such as perseverance, kindness, and intelligence.

By considering these aspects carefully, we can select biographies that are not only informative but also resonate with the interests and developmental stage of the child.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we address common queries about the best biographies for kids, highlighting suitable books and resources across various age groups.

What are some engaging biography books suitable for middle school students?

Middle school students often enjoy biographies that tell compelling stories of historical figures and modern-day leaders. “ Who Was Steve Jobs? ” by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso and “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson are excellent options for this age group.

Can you recommend informative biography websites appropriate for student research?

Websites like Ducksters Education Site and Biography.com provide a range of biographical information on historical figures and cultural icons, making them ideal for student research.

What are the top biographies to consider for 4th to 5th-grade readers?

For 4th to 5th-grade readers, “I am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)” by Malala Yousafzai and “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba are inspiring choices that resonate well with this age group.

Which biographies are both educational and appealing to 10 to 12-year-olds?

Biographies like “ Who Was Anne Frank? ” by Ann Abramson and “Who Was Neil Armstrong?” by Roberta Edwards strike a balance between educational content and engaging storytelling suitable for 10 to 12-year-olds.

How can kindergarteners benefit from reading simplified biographies?

Simplified biographies, like those from the “Little People, BIG DREAMS” series, introduce kindergarteners to significant figures in history through simple text and colorful illustrations, which help develop an early interest in personal histories and achievements.

What is the educational impact of children reading biographies?

By reading biographies, children gain insight into the lives and impacts of people from different eras and backgrounds. This helps them understand historical contexts, develop empathy, and inspire their own goals and aspirations.

Kids Who Learn

You may also like.

The Best Reading App for Kids: Unlocking a World of Literature

The Best Book Subscription for Kids: Unlocking a World of Adventure and Learning

The Best Magazine Subscriptions for Kids: Top Picks for Young Readers

The Best Free Reading Apps for Kids: Engaging & Educational Tools

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Join Our Newsletter!

Hey there, Awesome Parents and Curious Kids! 🌟 Ready to dive into a world of fun, learning, and excitement? Join our KidsWhoLearn Newsletter! Subscribe to our newsletter and get a weekly dose of joy, including:

• 🎨 Creative Crafts and DIYs
• 📚 Exciting Learning Tips & Resources
• 🍎 Healthy Snacks and Fun Recipes
• 🎉 Monthly Giveaways and Surprises!

Plus, a special welcome gift awaits! 🎁

Biography Picture Books for Your Homeschool

Even before becoming a homeschooler I knew the importance of reading aloud. I vividly remember reading books to my ginormous pregnant belly (yes I was that mom).

But it was not until I became a homeschooler and read Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook then subsequently stumbled upon the amazing Sarah Mackenzie at Read Aloud Revival that I realized just how important the time spent reading aloud really was.

I was determined then that books would be the staple for everything in our homeschool. We would learn everything we could in all of the subjects with books as our base.

For us picture books are the perfect place to linger. Emily is an auditory learner and I am a visual learner. So we use beautiful picture books to bridge our gap. This way we are both getting what we need and learning together along the way.

This series will feature our favorite picture books broken down into academic subjects so you can learn with books along with us! This post will be all about biography based picture books, these are a favorite for learning about history in our homeschool.

BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOKS

  Hidden Figures: The American Dream and   Shark Lady: The True Story of   I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes   The Girl Who Thought in Pictures:   Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan   The Boy Who Loved Math: The   Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of   Alabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper   On a Beam of Light: A   William Still and His Freedom Stories:   Marie’s Ocean: Marie Tharp Maps the   A Race Around the World: The   Finding Narnia: The Story of C.   Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous   Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson   Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind   Stephen Curry: The Children’s Book: The   The Crayon Man: The True Story   Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played   Ada Byron Lovelace & the Thinking   Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code   Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass   Six Dots: A Story of Young   W Is For Webster: Noah Webster

  Mr. Ferris and His Wheel   Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of   Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His   Trombone Shorty   Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True   The Tree Lady: The True Story   The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with   Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of   The Power of Her Pen: The   Malala’s Magic Pencil   Bard of Avon: The Story of   Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration

  Rescatando palabras (Digging for Words Spanish   Rachel Carson and Her Book That   The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors   The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael   The Boo-Boos That Changed the World:   Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman   Before She Was Harriet   Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story   Fly High!: The Story of Bessie   Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian   Finding Winnie   Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True

  Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote   So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth’s Long   The Secret Garden of George Washington   Jump at the Sun: The True   The Real Mccoy, The: Life of   Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells:   Eleanor Makes Her Mark   Lighter than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the   Coretta Scott   She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens   No Truth Without Ruth: The Life   The Only Woman in the Photo:   Molly, by Golly!: The Legend of   Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for   Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos (1)   Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien

SHOP EVEN MORE BIOGRAPHIES

Related Blog Posts:

• Geography Picture Books for Your Homeschool
• Art & Music Picture Books for Your Homeschool
• Language Arts Picture Books for Your Homeschool

• --> BIOGRAPHIES

Biographies for Kids

A biography is a true story written about someone's life. There are many biographies for kids about famous people that students can read. These are written on a variety of reading levels to meet the needs of all types of readers. Famous people that children enjoy reading about can be people from long ago, such as George Washington or Betsy Ross, or from more recent times, such as Neil Armstrong or Ronald Reagan. Reading and learning about biographies of famous people is essential in school. Children enjoy reading about renowned people's lives, and really learn a lot of life lessons by reading them. Some children can even make life connections to the people they read about, and certainly relate to them. We have short biographies for kids to let children explore the joys of this genre. This type of genre is read during class as a read-aloud activity by the teacher, or in small reading groups facilitated by an instructor.

E-books for Kids

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Free Attendance Questions Slideshow ✨

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

60 Best Second Grade Books To Update Your Classroom Library

Discover new favorite titles.

An awesome second grade classroom library needs so many types of books. You’ve got your favorite series, read-alouds, and teaching titles, but updating your shelves can help make sure your library represents diverse experiences and feels energizing and exciting for kids. Check out 60 of our favorite recent second grade picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, series, and more.

1. The Wilderness by Steve McCarthy

Oktober Vasylenko is part of an adventurous family, but he prefers to stay closer to home … and definitely indoors. He’s heard people speak of “the Wilderness” and he’s sure it’s a terrible monster lurking outside. This story about fear, bravery, imagination, differing perspectives, and, of course, nature, is sure to start some lively classroom discussions.

Buy it: The Wilderness on Amazon

2. This Book Is Banned by Raj Haldar

This clever book puts a hilarious spin on an important topic. Introduce kids to the dangers of censorship in a developmentally appropriate way, while simultaneously making them laugh out loud.

Buy it: This Book Is Banned on Amazon

3. Dear Unicorn by Josh Funk

Not just for unicorn lovers, though you probably have plenty of them in second grade! Pen pals Connie and Nic send letters and art back and forth all year. They learn a lot about each other—but when they finally meet, they are shocked to find out Connie is a human and Nic is a unicorn! Perfect for discussing characters and relationships, along with themes of friendship, positivity, and acceptance.

Buy it: Dear Unicorn on Amazon

4. Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story by Dave Eggers

When Annie had to raise pigs to earn a living but her neighborhood did not allow livestock, what did she do? She figured out how to move her house 4 miles down the road! Second graders who love quirky true stories will adore this account of how a 19th-century widow in Idaho tackled a problem in an innovative way. Add this fun read-aloud to your second grade books for talking about story elements.

Buy it: Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion on Amazon

5. Lunch From Home by Joshua David Stein

Four chefs contributed memories about being teased for bringing school lunches from their home cultures to create this school lunch story. The targeted kids try out bringing sandwiches like everyone else, but soon that feels … boring. Ultimately everyone agrees that a lunch from home that you love is always delicious. This title is good for discussions about author’s message. (Plus, the lunch descriptions will make your mouth water!)

Buy it: Lunch From Home on Amazon

6. The World’s Best Class Plant by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

Students in Room 109 envy all the other classrooms that have animal pets. All they have is a plant. It’s so boring … or is it? Over time students come to appreciate their faithful spider plant and learn lots about plants in the process. We’re adding this to our second grade books to to share during a science unit on plants.

Buy it: The World’s Best Class Plant on Amazon

7. 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle

This counting “down” book is perfect for introducing subtraction story problems. Through zany, random events, a crew of 100 dragons (all named Broccoli) gradually part ways. Perfect for adding a little laughter to math class.

Buy it: 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli on Amazon

8. My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero

A young girl tells the tale of a motorcycle ride around her neighborhood with her Papi. Lean on this title for studying character traits and emotions and as a fresh, diverse mentor text for personal narrative writing.

Buy it: My Papi Has a Motorcycle on Amazon

9. If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall

The illustrations in this new title from two-time Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall are gorgeous, as are the book’s themes of connectedness and inclusivity. Share it to open community-building conversations, or to support your social studies curriculum. Having students write their own “If you come to …” letters would be an awesome writing prompt too!

Buy it: If You Come to Earth on Amazon

10. Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

When Kora-Jalimuso’s teacher and classmates can’t pronounce her name, her mother gives her the most empowering, uplifting advice of all: Tell them her name is a song. Share this affirming story at the start of the school year or to lead off conversations about celebrating identity. Every classroom needs this book!

Buy it: Your Name Is a Song on Amazon

11. Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! by Kelly Bennett

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story is a longtime read-aloud favorite. Now there’s a sequel that makes us love that glug-glugging goldfish and his endearing owner even more! Norman and his human are excited to perform a routine of tricks at Pet-O-Rama—until an unexpected case of goldfish stage fright. The details are perfect for supporting kids’ narrative writing.

Buy it: Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! on Amazon

12. Ten Ways To Hear Snow by Cathy Camper

Lina wakes up on the morning she’s meant to visit her grandmother to help cook grape leaves, only to discover a fresh blanket of snow. Her walk to her grandmother’s house inspires a poetic list of ways to “hear” snowcapped observations for her grandmother, who is blind. Use this text to support both narrative and poetry writing, or simply enjoy it on the first snowy morning of the school year.

Buy it: Ten Ways To Hear Snow on Amazon

13. Cat Problems by Jory John

The Animal Problems books are awesome second grade books for their perfect balance of humor, vocabulary, and curriculum connections. In this one, a cat complains about its life indoors. Meanwhile, a squirrel outside the window reminds the cat how cushy a life it has. Great for lessons about reading with expression or to discuss point of view.

Buy it: Cat Problems on Amazon

14. Skywatcher by Jamie Hogan

Tamen wishes he could see the stars, but that’s basically impossible in his bright urban neighborhood. His mom surprises him with a camping trip to make his dream come true. If you need more second grade books that portray single parents, this is a good one. The back matter teaches readers about astronomy and light pollution.

Buy it: Skywatcher on Amazon

15. Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse

A grandmother and small child take a beach walk on a gray day. The story tells how they “crouched to greet dogs,” “skirted a fence,” “leapt over logs,” and more. The language is gorgeous but concise. Use this book as a mentor text for reading-comprehension strategies or narrative-writing craft techniques.

Buy it: Granny and Bean on Amazon

16. What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke

This is an invaluable resource for talking to kids about pronouns and how pronoun choice is just one piece of someone’s identity. Uncle Lior, who prefers they/them pronouns, comes to visit and helps Ari explore the words that feel right to use.

Buy it: What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns on Amazon

17. and 18. I’m New Here and Someone New by Anne Sibley O’Brien

This pair of titles tells the story of three newly arrived immigrant children and the peers who welcome newcomers to their school community. Presenting the two books together offers a unique chance to examine an experience from multiple perspectives.

Buy it: I’m New Here and Someone New on Amazon

19. Hey, Wall by Susan Verde

Ángel notices an ugly, neglected wall that spans an entire city block near his home and organizes a neighborhood effort to create a mural that celebrates their community. Inspire students with this kid-powered story of art and activism.

Buy it: Hey, Wall on Amazon

20. How To Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi

This autobiography shares how Ashima Shiraishi became one of the world’s top rock climbers—as a teenager! It’s an inspirational story that will wow kids (and teachers) and is a unique addition to a biography genre study.

Buy it: How To Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion on Amazon

21. How To Write a Story by Kate Messner

Follow a young writer’s illustrated thought bubbles and tips as she works through the narrative-writing process from the seed of an idea to drafting, revising, and editing, and then to showcasing her work. Share this to inspire a budding author, or use it during a fiction-writing unit.

Buy it: How To Write a Story on Amazon

22. Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten

Thanksgiving stories from a Native perspective are essential to share in the classroom. Introduce students to how the Wampanoag people helped the Pilgrims survive by teaching them skills like how to grow “The Three Sisters”: corn, beans, and squash. Beyond the important social studies content, we love all the connections to second grade science standards about plants.

Buy it: Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story on Amazon

23. The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey

A gorgeous Own Voices story about a present-day Wabanaki girl who joins her grandmother in harvesting sweetgrass to make baskets. Add this to your growing collection of second grade books that celebrate indigenous characters.

Buy it: The First Blade of Sweetgrass on Amazon

24. Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

A new favorite! If you’re looking for second grade books to inspire students as writers, you absolutely need this one. Abdul has many stories to tell, but handwriting and spelling are so hard for him. A visiting author, Mr. Muhammad, gives him the reassuring nudge he needs to shine.

Buy it: Abdul’s Story on Amazon

25. Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes

On this street, “the houses and dreams inside are as different as thumbprints.” This celebration of a diverse neighborhood is based on the author’s and illustrator’s own childhoods in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It would make a strong mentor text for descriptive writing. And a class display about students’ hopes and goals would be a perfect follow-up project.

Buy it: Dream Street on Amazon

26. The Cool Bean by Jory John and Pete Oswald

If you loved The Bad Seed and The Good Egg , you need to meet the Cool Bean! Who knew legumes could be such good models for how it’s “cool to be kind”?

Buy it: The Cool Bean on Amazon

27. The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan

Every Fan Brothers book is gorgeous, but this is one of our favorite second grade books to mull over with students. One morning, William notices a mysterious topiary out his window. Soon, there are changes all over town.

Buy it: The Night Gardener on Amazon

28. Rodney Was a Tortoise by Nan Forler

Rodney was Bernadette’s treasured pet and companion. When he dies, no one seems to notice how Bernadette’s sadness lingers—until new friend Amar reaches out. This is a tender story to help second graders talk about important themes of grief, friendship, and empathy.

Buy it: Rodney Was a Tortoise on Amazon

29. The Flamingo by Guojing

This almost-wordless graphic novel shares the story of a girl who visits her grandmother, her Lao Lao, at the beach. When she finds a flamingo feather in Lao Lao’s house, the magical story-within-a-story explains where it came from. Definitely add this one to your second grade books for teaching about making inferences—there is so much to wonder and talk about!

Buy it: The Flamingo on Amazon

30. Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is) by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

We reference it all the time, but how long is five minutes, really? Well, that depends on whether you’re waiting in line or playing your favorite game! Add some fun to your math lessons about telling time by sharing this little gem.

Buy it: Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is) on Amazon

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

Storyteller and author Pura Belpré was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. Treat yourself and your class to this gorgeous and inspirational biography that offers just the right amount of detail for a classroom read-aloud and discussion. (Plus, motivate your students to explore other Pura Belpré Award titles!)

Buy it: Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré on Amazon

32. Now You Know How It Works by Valorie Fisher

How often do we stop and think about how things we use every day, like soap or screws, work? This title explains it all, with labeled diagrams perfect for teaching students about using nonfiction text features for reading and their own writing.

Buy it: Now You Know How It Works on Amazon

33. How To Make a Mountain in Just 9 Simple Steps and Only 100 Million Years! by Amy Huntington

Introduce second grade standards about processes that shape the earth with this funny and informative guide. The different text sizes and sections give you choices about how much detail to share if reading aloud.

Buy it: How To Make a Mountain in Just 9 Simple Steps and Only 100 Million Years! on Amazon

34. Seeds Move! by Robin Page

Did you ever think of seed dispersal as involving “hitchhiking,” “catapulting,” or “parachuting”? Robin Page’s fresh, informative text and collage illustrations will get students thinking about grade-level science concepts.

Buy it: Seeds Move! on Amazon

35. We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire

Everyone deserves to be able to move through their world with ease. This is one of our favorite all-ages books to open discussions about social justice and disability. It’s especially suited to second graders who are eager to connect to others and make the world a more fair place.

Buy it: We Move Together on Amazon

36. Money Math by David Adler

Content-area book guru David Adler addresses money identification and beginning addition and subtraction. Break out the piles of change!

Buy it: Money Math on Amazon

37. The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel

This series combines science, silly humor, and just enough gross facts to delight any young reader.

Buy it: The Disgusting Critters Series on Amazon

38. The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Sophia Gholz

Share this biography of an Indian environmental activist with students when you talk about the role of plants in an ecosystem. After reading, go outside and plant some native plants in your own habitat!

Buy it: The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng on Amazon

39. Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares

Three whimsical chapters make poetic observations about the world based on size. This book invites readers to notice things like how big the quiet feels when it’s your turn to perform, the “in between” of a wiggling tooth, and how small you feel when you stare at the ocean. Add this title to your second grade books for Poetry Month or launching a poetry unit of study.

Buy it: Big and Small and In-Between on Amazon

40. On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen

We still read Owl Moon every single year, but we also love Jane Yolen’s more recent nature offerings. Here, her signature poetic and precise language chronicles the brief moment when a child walks a dog past a pond.

Buy it: On Duck Pond on Amazon

41. A Place To Start a Family: Poems About Creatures That Build by David L. Harrison

As anyone who has studied a bird’s nest up close knows, animal structures are amazing. Each poem describes how an animal creates a home for its young.

Buy it: A Place To Start a Family: Poems About Creatures That Build on Amazon

42. Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger

Read about a family’s camping experience, as described by different family members. This fun title also includes a handy guide for teaching kids about different forms of poetry. Also check out Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse , starring the same characters.

Buy it: Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse on Amazon

43. Two-Headed Chicken series by Tom Angleberger

Share these hilarious graphic novels with your second graders who love funny books or need something to read after Dog Man .  A two-headed chicken has bizarre adventures as it hops around the multiverse and back and forth through time.

Buy it: Two-Headed Chicken series on Amazon

44. Frankie and Friends: Breaking News by Christine Platt

Add this illustrated chapter book series opener to your second grade books for building kids’ background knowledge about different careers. Frankie’s mom is a busy journalist. It’s tough on Frankie when her mother has to rush out of town to cover a breaking news story, but she decides to pass the time by honing her own reporting skills at home. The back matter includes information about journalism terms.

Buy it: Frankie and Friends: Breaking News on Amazon

45. Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi

Yasmin has plenty of spirit and a talent for looking on the bright side. This early chapter book series has lots of titles to keep kids reading. It’s a must-own on the growing list of kid-lit titles starring contemporary Muslim Americans.

Buy it: Yasmin series on Amazon

46. Diary of an Ice Princess series by Christina Soontornvat

Second graders love this fantasy series about a princess who lives in the clouds and wields a ton of cool weather-related powers. And teachers shouldn’t be discouraged by all the pink! The series has diverse characters and relatable themes to discuss with kids.

Buy it: Diary of an Ice Princess series on Amazon

47. Every Day With April & Mae series by Megan Dowd Lambert

April and Mae are best friends who navigate relatable kid situations and feelings. It’s so important to have second grade books available for readers who are still learning to decode. This series is easier but still engaging. Plus, we love the cheerful illustrations.

Buy it: April & Mae and the Tea Party on Amazon

48. Pets Rule! series by Susan Tan

The Branches illustrated chapter book collection offers tons of great choices, but kids especially love this funny series about a pet chihuahua who has big dreams of world—or at least neighborhood—domination.

Buy it: Pets Rule! series on Amazon

49. Word Travelers series by Raj Haldar

Best friends Eddie and MJ use an enchanted word book to go on fantastic treasure-hunting adventures. They’ve got to stretch their vocabulary knowledge to figure out clues. This is a fun series for advanced second grade readers who still need age-appropriate content.

Buy it: Word Travelers series on Amazon

50. Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series by Jordan Quinn

A crew of young dragons goes head-to-head with one danger after another. These imaginative graphic novel spinoffs of a popular chapter book series have wide appeal, and there are plenty of titles to keep kids reading.

Buy it: The Coldfire Curse (Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly) on Amazon

51. The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour

This feel-good series opener stars Ella, who lives with her two moms in an apartment building in San Francisco. She delights in knowing her neighbors, their habits, and their comings and goings. Add this title to your collection of endearing, character-driven second grade early chapter books.

Buy it: The Apartment House on Poppy Hill on Amazon

52. Too Small Tola series by Atinuke

Stories by this author—we also love the Anna Hibiscus series—are great for adding representation of life in contemporary Africa to your classroom libraries. Tola lives with her siblings and grandmother in an apartment in Lagos, Nigeria, where things are never dull. These collections of stories have endearing characters and rich descriptions for kids working on noticing details about setting.

Buy it: Too Small Tola on Amazon

53. Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files by Andrea Beaty and Theanne Griffith

We love the Questioneers , and these nonfiction partner titles based on the Netflix show are awesome additions to your second grade science books. A fun journal format keeps readers interested.

Buy it: All About Plants (Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files) on Amazon

54. Geraldine Pu series by Maggie Chang

Geraldine Pu has lots of relatable school experiences and is proud of her family’s Taiwanese culture. These are the perfect second grade books for introducing kids to reading graphic novels. Each one has a “How To Read This Book” tutorial to teach kids about speech and thought bubbles and how to read panels left to right and top to bottom.

Buy it: Geraldine Pu series on Amazon

55. Class Critters series by Kathryn Holmes

Mrs. Norrell’s second grade class seems normal, but kids learn in unusual ways. Each student gets the chance to turn into an animal for a day, giving them an interesting perspective! Relatable themes with an appealing fantasy twist make these excellent second grade chapter books.

Buy it: Class Critters series on Amazon

56. Classroom 13 series by Honest Lee and Matthew J. Gilbert

Spark those 7- and 8-year-old imaginations! These second grade books work well as fun class read-alouds, book club picks, or independent reads. Each short chapter stars one student in Classroom 13, where plenty of wacky things take place.

Buy it: Classroom 13 series on Amazon

57. Mac B., Kid Spy series by Mac Barnett

Mac Barnett tells his childhood story—as a spy for the queen of England. It’s a spoof, of course, but there are real themes here too. This series would be a great fit for advanced but reluctant readers or as fun read-alouds (especially if you’re a kid of the ’80s and treasured your Game Boy as much as the author did).

Buy it: Mac B., Kid Spy series on Amazon

58. Planet Omar series by Zanib Mian

Omar is a fun-loving and imaginative kid navigating relatable kid challenges like starting at a new school and trying to earn money. These fast-paced illustrated chapter books work well as read-alouds or as independent reading. We especially love how they highlight Muslim characters.

Buy it: Planet Omar series on Amazon

59. Legends of Lotus Island series by Christina Soontornvat

Plum learns about her own strength as a Novice student on magical and mysterious Lotus Island. Read the series opener aloud to introduce students to the fantasy genre. Or offer these chapter books as independent reading material for confident second grade readers. The stories weave in themes related to animals, protecting the environment, and friendship, making them appealing to a wide range of readers.

Buy it: Legends of Lotus Island series on Amazon

60. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan

This is one of our new favorite second grade chapter books to read aloud. Kids and clever farm animals (inspired by the real animals who rode in the first hot-air balloon!) work together to take down a villainous plot in 18th-century France. There’s some historical context, great vocabulary, humor, fun illustrations, and plenty of adventure.

Buy it: The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck on Amazon

Which second grade books are your recent favorites? Let us know in the comments!

Want more articles like this be sure to subscribe to our newsletters . plus, check out our book lists for the other elementary grade levels here:.

• Kindergarten Books
• First Grade Books
• Third Grade Books
• Fourth Grade Books

You Might Also Like

The Ultimate Checklist For Setting Up Your Second Grade Classroom

Reading, writing, and arithmetic ... and more! Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Biographies

Back to Ducksters Home Page

All Year ELA Membership Access - JOIN NOW!

Language & Grammar

Science & Social Studies

Digital Learning

Making biographies fun (with two freebies).

It’s never too early to start teaching biographies to students. Many intermediate teachers will teach strong biography units, but integrating them in primary is excellent, too! I’m gathering up some ideas for making biographies fun in your class!

Start by teaching the genre.

Always start each genre with an introductory lesson. To help with making biographies fun, I suggest a biography anchor chart that you can laminate and keep in your classroom throughout the unit or throughout the entire year. Below, you will see a sample anchor chart for biographies. AND I’m linking the letters and clipart for you for  FREE ! That way, you can replicate a similar anchor chart for your students.

(Link:  Biography Header Freebie )

2. Integrate reading into students independent and partner reading time.

Utilize all the time you can with biographies. Plug them into daily centers and even book bins for students to read during downtime. If you’re giving primary students biography books to read independently or with a partner, make sure to provide them with easy readers. Biographies are tough for students to understand because sometimes they don’t have any background knowledge. So, prevent them from having more difficulty reading their biographies by giving them easy readers to get through independently. Check out these affiliate links to books I suggest from Amazon that are ideal for making biographies fun.

Making Biographies Fun with My Favorite Picks

• Jesse Owens
• Misty Copeland
• Barack Obama
• Alexander Hamilton
• Thomas Edison

12 Leveled Biography Set

3. Have a weekly (free) challenge for review.

I blogged about this fun weekly challenge several months ago. I love it! So, what you’ll do is at the beginning of every week, you will give students a social studies or science clue. Throughout the week, as they read passages in folders and books at their reading centers, they will try to find out what the mystery clues are. It’s a great concept for making biographies fun for primary students. Check out my examples below. Also, click through to  my old blog post  to watch my video of me discussing this fun freebie.

(Link:  Mystery Freebie Blog Post )

4. Tie in technology and reading.

Whenever it comes to science and social studies, Pebble Go and Brain Pop Jr. are necessities for my lessons. If you have been keeping up with my blog, you’ll notice I mention these two wonderful websites quite often. Below, I’ll show you their biography features! Sign up today to get access to all these videos and online content.

(Source:  PebbleGo Biographies ) In the picture above, you can see the categories of biographies! There is a lot to pick from. And within each, there are even more subcategories. Pebble Go offers so many options for making biographies fun. Go check them out.

In the picture below, you can see how I’ve selected women (image of Harriet Tubman), then even more specific Civil Rights Leaders. So this is a selection of all of their biographies on women that were Civil Rights Leaders!

(Source:  PebbleGo Biographies )

(Source:  BrainPop Jr. Biographies ) You can see a selection of Brain Pop Jr.’s biographies in the picture above. And that is just some of them. There are way more! Their biographies come with animated movies, which my kiddos always responded well to. Check out the Amelia Earhart selection below. It shows the video and the follow-up activities for her!

(Source:  BrainPop Jr. Biographies )

5. Use readings as homework, so parents can also discuss the importance.

One option you have is to send passages home once a week for homework. These passages can be read with parents so that parents can discuss with their children their own relation or background knowledge of the person. This will help students see that they’re learning about these influential people at school and they are known outside of the classroom, too! It’s fun for them to see that their parents can tell them about what they’re learning during reading and social studies time. Also, you can choose to have one set passage for the entire class throughout the week, or you can send home a few for parents and children to pick. Then, students can write about the one they chose and what they learned.

Biography and Science Bundles

(Resources in Pic:  Biography Bundle  and  Science Bundle )

6. Let the kids be teachers!

Find clipart online or on TPT of the influential people that you are researching. Then, split your classroom into as many groups as the persons you’re discussing. Give each group of students markers, chart paper, a picture of the person, and a few books on that person. Then, allow them to research that person with their group and create a chart for each person. Afterward, when they are finished creating their chart, allow them to practice their Speaking and Listening skills by presenting their work to the class.

Freebie Idea

Another idea would be to grab the freebie from #1 and allowing your class to work in groups to present on the genre itself!

FREE BIOGRAPHIES HEADER!

For more, download the biography header! When you sign up, you’ll be delivered this freebie directly to your email inbox.

7. Stock up on biographies from TPT!

In my store, you will find over 30  biographies ! I have biographies for 30 influential people. In each of these biography sets, you can get a passage, cut and paste timeline, fact writing research page, writing sheet. Plus, a flip book that includes a passage, comprehension questions, true and false sort, and a writing page.

• Mother Teresa Biography Pack  (or in the Biography Bundle )
• Henry Ford Biography Pack  (or in the Biography Bundle )
• Susan B. Anthony Biography Pack  (or in the Biography Bundle )

Biography Bundle

Want more social studies blog posts to read?

• 5 Activities to Teach Map Skills
• 11 Books for Your Community Unit
• Teaching Diverse Holidays Year-Round
• Women’s History Month Activities
• Read more about: Freebies , Reading Blog Posts , Social Studies Blog Posts , Uncategorized

You might also like...

Organizing Reading Materials: Three Effective Classroom Methods

As a teacher, you will often find yourself buried under heaps of paperwork, especially when it comes to reading and literacy units. Staying organized can

3 Easy Times to Squeeze Speaking and Listening Skills into Your Day

In today’s blog post we will talk about incorporating speaking and listening skills in your elementary classroom! Finding time to focus on these crucial skills

Introduction to Fractions: Partitioning, Shares, and Fractions in 1st and 2nd Grade

Hello teachers! Welcome to today’s blog post, where we will dive into the fascinating world of fractions, tailored specifically for 1st and 2nd-grade classrooms. Fractions

Join these happy teachers

Join the email list.

Get teaching tips, how-to guides, and freebies delivered right to your inbox every Wednesday!

Hi, I'm Jessica

I help elementary teachers master the standards by providing helpful standards-based tips, guides, and resources.

Let's Connect

Access your purchases

© Elementary Nest • Website by KristenDoyle.co