autobiography books for middle school

35 Biographies that will Inspire your Middle School Student

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

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

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

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Middle School Biographies

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

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

A Simple Biography Report

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

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

35 Biographies for Teens and Tweens

I am Malala

Malala Yousafai

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

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

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

No one expected her to survive.”

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Candace Fleming

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

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

Becoming Emily: The Life of Emily Dickinson

Krystyna Poray Goddu

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

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

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

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

Jo Ann Allen Boyce

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

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

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

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America

Teri Kanefield

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

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

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

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

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

William Kamkwamba

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

March: Book One

John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

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

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

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

Thurgood Marshall: The Making of America

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

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

by Lynda Blackmon Lowery

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

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

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

by Patricia McCormick

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

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

Gifted Hands, Revised Kids Edition: The Ben Carson Story

by Gregg Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

Abraham Lincoln: Making of America

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

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

Child of the Dream (Memoir of 1963)

by Sharon Robinson

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

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

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

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

A Long Way from Home

Saroo Brierley

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

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

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

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina (Young Reader)

by Misty Copeland

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

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

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

Andrew Jackson: The Making of America

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

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

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

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

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

by Ashlee Vance

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

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

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

Don Mitchell

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

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

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

Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Making of America

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

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

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

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

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

Tonya Bolden

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

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

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

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

Seymour Reit

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

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

Susan B. Anthony: The Making of America

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

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld

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

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

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

Erica Armstrong Dunbar

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

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Dorothy Sterling

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

My Survival: A Girl on Schindler’s List

Joshua M. Greene

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

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

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

Simone Arnold Liebster

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

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

Katherine Johnson

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

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

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

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

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

Skai Jackson

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

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

Ann McGovern

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

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

Bethany Hamilton

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

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

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

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

The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia

Esther Hautzig

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

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

Chasing Space (Young Readers’ Edition)

Leland Melvin

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

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

The Notorious Benedict Arnold

Steve Sheinkin

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

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

Deborah Noyes

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

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

More Books for Middle Schoolers:

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

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

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

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

Additional Biography for Kids Books:

Biography picture books your kids will love.

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Books for Kids and Grown Ups

The Best Biography Books for Middle School

Ahh, middle school. Those awkward early teen years, brimming with angst and euphoria, are all about kids on the cusp of adolescence, trying to figure out their story and who they will be. Middle schoolers have developed a sense of their own history and are developing their passions that will shape who they are in the years to come. Middle grade biography books are a critical gateway into giving middle schoolers a chance to glimpse the coming-of-age stories of their own idols and heroes. Whether they are ballerinas, civil rights activists, inventors or foodies, there are middle school biography books for kids of all interests on this list. You’ll also find the recommended grade levels for each book on this list!

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20 Best Middle Grade Biography Books

Text Middle School Biography Books

The books in this section are the typical biographies, written in largely text format:

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team

Steve Sheinkin, a three-time National Book Award finalist, writes a compelling history of one of the most impressive athletes in American history, as well as one of its most disturbing instances: the creation of Indian boarding schools in the late 1800s to early 1900s. This book highlights one athlete’s story, from his humble beginnings to his athletic triumphs over adversity on the football field to the larger contributions of Native Americans to the field of football. This is an intriguing and important must-read for many sports fans. 

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina

There are multiple children’s biographies and picture books of Misty Copeland, the first African American principal dancer for the prestigious American Ballet Theater. This autobiography shares the details of her impressive rise from an itinerant childhood to the elevated niche in which she now finds herself. Hand this book to kids who devoured her picture books and are now ready to read the finer details of her life and the way she persevered through challenges like her stepfather’s alcoholism, frequent moves, and body image issues in a notoriously difficult environment for girls with curves. Her optimistic voice, giddy with youth yet wise with a sense of purpose, sends a strong message to teens about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a strong commitment to family, making her a positive, yet very cool, role model to look up to. 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind 

A nonfiction classic that weaves strands of agricultural innovation, strength in adversity, and a community coming together, this book, also the subject of multiple movies and documentaries, doesn’t get old. This book tells the fascinating story of a boy and a community. William Kamkwamba, who was born into a small village in Malawi, faces the terrible consequences of a drought that hits his village. Losing all their crops and struggling to farm their land with the rising cost of maize and faced with a government that could or would not help much, Kamkwamba ends up creating a windmill out of old, scavenged parts that helps their community pump water back into the village’s land. Told with strength, joy, humor, and energy, this nonfiction book is a great read-aloud or book to be shared between middle schoolers and adults alike.

Popular: How a Geek in Pearls Discovered the Secret to Confidence

The premise of this book is bound to appeal to middle schoolers. Written by a teen herself, Maya Van Wagenen is a shy, quiet bookworm who is having trouble making friends at her school in rural Texas and is, in her words, on one of the lowest rungs of the social ladder. Before her 8th grade year, she finds a vintage book in her parents’ collection, titled “How to Be Popular,” written in 1951 by former teen model Betty Cornell. Maya decides, as a social experiment, to follow these rules for popularity in her contemporary 2000s-era high school to a tee. What follows is expectedly hilarious, adorably awkward, sweetly poignant and unapologetically, unflinchingly beautiful and inspiring, as Maya learns the true secret of popularity – confidence in one’s own unique voice. Hand this book to every middle schooler navigating the treacherous shoals of finding their own identity during their teen years.

Amelia Lost

Candace Fleming is a nonfiction author who is such an expert at characterization and tight pacing,  that her biography of this famed aviator, which could have been very run-of-the-mill (and we know there are many of those out there!), into a suspenseful thriller that will keep readers turning the pages, even though we already know how it all ends. Starting not at Earhart’s childhood but at her disappearance, Fleming’s narrative flips back and forth between the excruciating hours of her disappearance and the frantic search to find her, to snippets from her childhood, growing up years, eventual fame, and marriage, before all finally meeting up at the end. You think you know the story of Amelia Earhart, but this book writes it in a way that feels fresh and fascinating.

Unbroken (Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive 

This book is a harrowing true account of Louis Zamperini, an exuberant Italian American immigrant who gets shot down during World War 2 and survives being stranded at sea as well as nightmarish torture in a Japanese POW camp. Adapted for teen readers, the author unflinchingly describes the hope and suffering that Louis Zamperini experiences during wartime. The evocative, spare language, accompanied by the expert pacing, will leave readers racing to read each next chapter to find out what happens. Unflinching descriptions of the harsh conditions that Zamperini experiences make this book one to read before giving to younger readers, but teens will be able to read this important and classic survival epic and have a renewed appreciation for war veterans and the heavy price our veterans have paid for America’s freedom.

Free Lunch 

This searing true account of the author’s personal experiences as a 6th grader experiencing hunger will have middle school readers poring over every page and when the book is done, seeing their world with new eyes. For privileged readers, this will help them better understand the unseen hardships of their fellow students. For those who are struggling, this book will help them feel seen and hopefully, understood. Ogle’s writing is direct, honest and sympathetic and will go straight to the heart of all readers, whether they are fantasy readers who often reject nonfiction in favor of new worlds to explore, or reluctant readers who get overwhelmed by too much descriptive text on the page. Ogle’s short, spare, evocative language will appeal to all readers.

Becoming Kid Quixote

A sweet, authentic nonfiction biography narrated by a ten year old girl, who finds inspiration and a way to share her story and her voice in the after school program she attends. Sarah Sierra, a daughter of Mexican American immigrant parents, studies the Spanish classic Don Quixote and together with a group of other young theater students, reimagine the play in modern day Brooklyn, New York. A slim, accessible volume, suitable for younger readers who will relish the opportunity to see and hear the words of one of their own and be inspired by her creativity themselves.

The Plot to Kill Hitler

A sobering, heroic biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a quiet, bookish pastor who saw the rise of Hitler and fought in a conspiracy to stop it. Although his actions ended in tragedy, his words continued to live on and inspire other activists, such as Martin Luther King Jr. This young reader’s adaptation is text-heavy but worth the time, especially for readers interested in this time period and the actions of those who resisted Nazi thinking and atrocities.

The Boys who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

A more hopeful story of another band of World War 2 resisters, this biography of a group of schoolboys in Denmark who end up fighting back against the Nazis in Occupied Denmark, will be sure to delight middle schoolers who are history buffs and enjoy reading about the part children can play in history as well. We often tell the story of battles from the general’s point of view, but it is invigorating and inspiring to read how even small actions can have a powerful impact, to shape and motivate an entire community to act for the greater good.

Middle School Graphic Memoirs

There’s been a growing trend in middle grade nonfiction publishing for graphic memoirs – or autobiographies in a graphic novel format. These books are highly appealing for middle school readers, especially those who are reluctant readers. These graphic memoirs can seem deceptively simple but offer layers of emotional resonance, encouraging middle school readers to read text as well as visual cues of these biographies of authors who often share anecdotes and insights about their own teen years. 

Dare to Disappoint: Growing up in Turkey 

This funny, heartrending graphic memoir tells the story of Ozge, a girl growing up in 1980s Turkey. Readers will laugh along with Ozge as she describes her childhood growing up in Turkey and be intrigued by the differences between her childhood in newly industrializing Turkey and our modern-day American experience. As the book progresses, more complicated forces come into play and we notice, like the author as she gets older, the contradictory tug between loyalty,  faith, Muslim traditions and Westernized values. Hand this book to older middle schoolers who love art and who are ready for the harder questions of politics, economy and history.

Diary of a Tokyo Teen

This short, sweet graphic memoir was written by the author when she was just seventeen years old. Interspersed with drawings and photographs, this book traces the author’s first solo trip as a sixteen-year-old to stay with her grandparents in Japan for one summer. Told with a vivacious, authentic energy, this rises up above the mere travelogue and explores the thoughts and feelings a teenaged girl would experience, from the touristy (visiting golden Buddhist temples and feeding the Nara deer) to the mundane (like riding the bullet train by herself). This book will appeal to armchair travelers, artists and foodie teens alike.

Dreamer 

For the sports fan especially during hockey season, this memoir tells the story of Akim Aliu, a Nigerian-Ukrainian-Canadian professional hockey player who charts his fascinating personal story of his childhood and how he discovers ice hockey. Aliu shares his personal experiences with racism on and off the ice, his engrossing candor and compelling stories will make this a surefire hit with middle school readers. There are some visually depicted scenes of violence and swearing, just as a warning to parents who want to explore this before handing this book to their younger readers.

Almost American Girl: A Memoir

Middle schoolers who loved Raina Telgemeier’s Smile will be immersed in Robin Ha’s memoir. She came to Kansas on what she thought was a vacation with her single mother. However, once she landed in the United States, a teenage Robin was astounded to learn that they were no longer returning to Seoul, Korea, but living in the Southern US with a Korean-American man whom her mother had just met and planned to marry. Empathetic tween readers will shudder with sympathy as they follow Robin’s years through an American education, not speaking the language or being able to read her beloved comics. Artistic readers will relish the solace she ends up finding in drawing.

A First Time for Everything

Awardwinning graphic novelist Dan Santat pulls off a hat trick of a book – a personal story of his own awkward middle school years seen through the prism of one trip to Europe. This book hits all the right notes – the travelogue aspect, a chance to see Santat’s incredible illustrations of Europe in the 1980s, and his realistic, humorous depiction of his own experiences with friendship, first love and…Fanta, the European soda. Middle school readers will come for the drawings and stay for the thoughtful, poignant and thoroughly engaging musings of the brilliant Dan Santat.

Picture this: a Winnebago full of your EIGHT siblings, as you travel into Mexico, where you have barely been, even though you are a Mexican-American family, to find your abuelita and bring her back with you to the United States. This reads like the best premise of a novel, but is the true story of Pedro Martin, describing his own journey! Told in a poignant yet hilarious fashion, Martin’s graphic memoir (which won a Newbery Honor), shares family misadventures and anecdotal insights into Mexican-American culture that everyone will appreciate.

Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation 

The trend of graphic novel adaptations of classic middle grade books continues to grow. This book, one of the early adaptations, is a haunting, powerful and compelling version that stays true to the original text and portrays Anne Frank’s words and experience in elegant yet ominous detail.  The subdued color palette sets the atmosphere but the finely rendered ink drawings bring sophistication and dignity to this important story. Recommended for older middle grade readers, who will not be able to gloss over the realities of Anne Frank’s tragedy since it is rendered in visual detail, rather than in nuanced text.

Relish: My Life in the Kitchen 

The first of author/illustrator Lucy Knisley’s graphic memoirs, this book traces Lucy’s origins as a child of culinary parents, chefs and gourmets, in New York. From fine dining restaurants to farmers’ markets, this book has complex but beautifully illustrated recipes, detailed explanations and comic drawings, all of which will appeal to any young readers who love cooking shows. Whether you love creme brulee or cupcakes, this book has something for each palate.

Dragon Hoops

One of the best graphic biographies out there – since it combines the biography of Gene Luen Yang himself, as he struggles to write another book after his bestselling graphic novel, American Born Chinese. As he shares his writerly struggles, we learn more about his role as a teacher and his unexpected interest in his school’s varsity basketball team, which is making waves as they move towards the unprecedented goal of making the California State Championships. As Yang finds himself drawn to tracing their journey and their biographies, as individuals and as a team, he begins to see how this impacts his own history and view of himself. A must-read for middle schoolers who love comics, history, basketball, who didn’t think they liked comics, history or basketball. This book has it all.

March: Book One

A powerful graphic memoir about the beginnings of the civil rights movement, told through the eyes of Congressman John Lewis, one of its key figures. The first in a trilogy, the first book tells the story of Lewis’s childhood in Alabama, the life-changing moment he met Martin Luther King Jr, and his growing involvement in the sit-ins and other non-violent protests against segregation and discrimination. Readers will want to continue observing his journey in the following books in the series, that will take us up to the powerful March on Washington.

There they are: 20 fantastic middle school biographies! Which one of these have you read and enjoyed? What did I miss?

More Middle Grade Nonfiction

• 40 best middle grade nonfiction books
• Great nonfiction books for 6th graders
• 5th grade nonfiction books

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About Evelyn Schwartz

Evelyn is a school librarian/fifth grade teacher who loves board games, bird watching and most of all, being buried in a good book! Preferably while sipping hot cocoa on a slouchy couch with her family.

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Middle School Biography Books That Will Inspire Tweens

Tweens can learn a lot by reading middle school biography books . When you think about the best books for middle grade students, this genre should definitely be on every homeschooler’s reading list.

Biographies give kids the chance to learn about the lives of extraordinary people. Their stories are interesting and informative and without a doubt will inspire and challenge your tweens and teens. 

That is to say, this book style lets readers see life from another person’s perspective. It helps them appreciate different cultures, beliefs, and values.

Reading middle grade biographies will certainly broaden your child’s horizons!

If your kids are hesitant to read biographies, it’s important to realize that the people in these books have important stories to tell. Particularly, about their daily life, something amazing they’ve accomplished, or challenges they’ve overcome. 

Table of Contents

What is a biography?

In short, a biography is a type of book that tells the true story of an individual’s life that’s written by someone else.

It’s slightly different from an autobiography or a memoir. An autobiography is a person’s story written by themselves and a memoir is a collection of stories (or memories) told in their own words.

One of the best things about the biography genre is that it gives readers a glimpse into the lives of prominent contemporary and historical people.

It typically focuses on someone’s achievements and experiences, and in addition, often includes personal things like family relationships, health issues, and character traits.

Why Should Middle Schoolers Read Biographies?

Biographies are an important part of any reading plan, but especially so for tweens. Middle school is the stage when kids are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit into the world. That is to say, they need role models.

This genre gives tweens the chance to study the achievements of well-known people, their various attributes, and the obstacles they overcame to reach their goals.

Biography books are motivating and can be a source of inspiration for middle schoolers who are in the process of finding themselves. As they read these impactful stories, they’ll discover each person has something special within them and that it’s possible to use those qualities to affect the world around them.

What are the Benefits of Reading Biographies?

There are many benefits to kids reading biography books, including:

• opening up different worlds to kids by sharing the lives of influential men and women
• conveying the context within which history happened
• encouraging young readers to think critically about current events and inspiring them to become more engaged citizens
• teaching tweens empathy
• increasing vocabulary and comprehension skills

Choosing a Biography

One thing I love about biographies is that there are so many to choose from. On the other hand, this can also make it difficult to pick titles for your kids to read.

It might help to sit down with your tween and make a list of individuals they would like to learn more about. In this case, having a list of specific people they want to get to know better will help you narrow down your search.

Biography Report Form

To help direct their learning, encourage your tween to use this biography report template .

It’s a wonderful tool that will help them dive deeper into the life of an extraordinary person and learn how to organize research material.

Middle School Biography Books

A biography is the perfect type of book for inquisitive kids. The stories are motivating, engaging, and entertaining and may even help middle schoolers discover their own unique strengths.

Also, they’re some of the best nonfiction books for homeschoolers and should be essential reading in subject areas like language arts, science, and history.

Here are some of our favorite stories that are perfect for kids in 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. Some of them even highlight young people. Those who are stepping up to make a difference, taking action right now to improve the lives of themselves and those around them.

All of these stories are important, inspirational, and fascinating and should be read by all middle grade students.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. There are thousands of stories to choose from, so there’s no way to include them all here.

Any links in this post may be affiliate links. See my disclosure statement .

Biographies for Middle Schoolers

These middle school biography books are all stories of people who have done important things and made a difference. They're a great way to learn about what their lives were like and how they broke through barriers and persevered.

Encourage your tween to apply the lessons they learn in their own life.

Who Is Greta Thunberg?

Learn about this impressive Swedish teen that's challenging the world to think differently about climate change and our role in saving the environment.

Asian American Women in Science

Introduce your tweens to 15 Asian American women who are pioneers in science.

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery

Sure, we all know he was a traitor, but do you know the full story of Benedict Arnold?

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes

Kids will love these short stories of 17 famous Asian Pacific American women who changed the game and excelled in their sport.

Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune

Introduce your tweens to one of the most important samurai in the history of Japan.

Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of the Original "Girl" Reporter, Nellie Bly

Journalist Nellie Bly had herself institutionalized in order to expose the poor treatment of the patients housed inside the well-known asylum on Blackwell's Island. Readers will learn about her life and writing career.

Home of the Brave: 15 Immigrants Who Shaped U.S. History

Read about the lives of 15 extraordinary people who came to America and used their gifts, talents, and intellect to shape their world and history.

John Muir: Young Naturalist

If your family enjoys exploring nature, this book is a must-read.

Discover why even as a young boy John Muir was so passionate about the natural world and how his early childhood led him to fight for the preservation of acres of beautiful wilderness and create the Sierra Club.

Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad

This book will introduce teens to the life John Horse, a Black Seminole leader, diplomat, and heroic warrior.

He spent his life fighting for the freedom and survival of his people against the government, rival tribes, and slave hunters.

Who Was Frida Kahlo?

Learn about the life story of this famous painter whose artwork is instantly recognizable thanks to the artist herself.

Leaders and Thinkers in American History: 15 Influential People You Should Know

This book will introduce tweens to 15 influential people throughout American history.

Trailblazers: Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers in Baseball

Learn about how Jackie Robinson changed the game of baseball.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers

This book will introduce you to 100 stories of young women who are working hard to create a better future and world.

Serena Williams

Learn about the obstacles Serena Williams overcame from a young age to become the world's best tennis player.

Who Was Annie Oakley?

Annie Oakley was a trailblazer who pushed aside all the cultural norms of her day. As a famous sharpshooter, she traveled all over the world with the renowned Buffalo Bill show during the wild west time period.

Lincoln's Spymaster: Allan Pinkerton, America's First Private Eye

Allan Pinkerton was America's first private eye who worked with his undercover team to catch all kinds of outlaws. President Lincoln funded his network, which ushered in the Secret Service.

Dian Fossey: Animal Rights Activist and Protector of Mountain Gorillas

If your tweens love animals, they need to know the story of Dian Fossey. She spent years studying, protecting, and fighting for the mountain gorillas in Africa.

Trailblazers: Martin Luther King, Jr.: Fighting for Civil Rights

No biography reading list would be complete without the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role fighting for social justice and the civil rights movement.

16th Century Superstar: Da Vinci

This book will show tweens how much Da Vinci's projects, artwork, and inventions changed the world.

Native Americans in History

In this book, older kids will read about 15 influential Native Americans and their important accomplishments.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Revolutionary Playwright, Composer, and Actor

If your family is a fan of the musical Hamilton, you'll want to read this story about Lin-Manuel Miranda and how he has influenced the arts.

Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Before and after taking her seat on the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for gender equality and women's rights. She was the first woman of Jewish faith to sit on the court.

Rising Above: How 11 Athletes Overcame Challenges in Their Youth to Become Stars

Sports-loving tweens will enjoy reading about the trials and achievements of these 11 famous athletes.

Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

Older kids will enjoy reading about the life and work of Isaac Newton, one of the most important scientists throughout history. His theories led to big changes in various fields.

DK Life Stories: Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician who was instrumental in putting a man on the moon. A true trailblazer, she overcame many obstacles before being a part of the Apollo space program.

As I have shown, there are a ton of different types of middle school biographies out there, however, it’s easy to choose an excellent one to read. If your tween is struggling with one, pick a different style. They vary widely and you want to find something that grabs and keeps your child’s attention.

Don’t forget to grab your biography book report form !

More Books for Middle Schoolers

Looking for more book lists for your tweens and teens? Check these out.

• Classic Books
• Personal Growth Books
• Newbery Award Winning Books
• Amazing Animal Books
• Adventure Books for Middle School

If your kids struggle with reading, consider switching over to audiobooks . They’re a lifesaver for some families, including those who love read aloud time.

Kids can listen on their devices, like a Kindle Fire . Of course, you can also play books in the car as you travel.

Which one of these middle school biography books is your tween most excited to read?

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It's My Life: Multimodal Autobiography Project

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

In this unit, students write autobiographies, illustrate them, and set them to music. Music is a powerful tool to evoke emotion, and students will carefully select songs to accompany the stories from their lives. Students brainstorm lists of important events in their lives, along with images and music that represent those events. They then create storyboards in preparation for the final PowerPoint project. After making revisions, they present their final projects to their peers in class. If PowerPoint is unavailable, students might create posters and play soundtracks using cassette or CD players.

Featured Resources

Stapleless Book : Students use this online tool to plan each slide of an autobiographical PowerPoint presentation.

From Theory to Practice

According to William Kist, "students should be able to both read critically and write functionally, no matter what the medium." We have "broadened the concept of literacy" (cf. Kist) to include multimodal projects so that no student will feel isolated, and every student will gain knowledge and understanding from the sharing of ideas. As the NCTE Statement on Multimodal Literacies states, "The use of different modes of expression in student work should be integrated into the overall literacy goals of the curriculum and appropriate for time and resources invested." This lesson plan encourages such integration by asking students to create multimodal presentations. Further Reading

Common Core Standards

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

State Standards

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

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).
• It’s My Life Assignment
• Presentation Music and Image Planner
• It’s My Life Project Rubric
• Sample Multimodal Autobiography
• It’s My Life Self-Assessment

Preparation

• Arrange for the use of a computer lab, projector, and CD player.
• Familiarize yourself with PowerPoint. Visit the PowerPoint in the Classroom Website and the PowerPoint tutorials on adding sound and adding music for helpful information and guides. You may also choose to share these Web resources with your students.
• Create a model autobiography presentation for students to view (optional).
• Review fair use and copyright guidelines before having students use copyrighted music and images in their projects.
• Make copies of the Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for School Projects , It’s My Life Assignment , Presentation Music and Image Planner , Sample Multimodal Autobiography , It’s My Life Self-Assessment , and It’s My Life Project Rubric sheets for your students.
• Test the Stapleless Book on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tool and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page .

Student Objectives

Students will

• examine the lyrics to songs and describe how the music and words relate to their life stories.
• organize their thoughts and express their stories by using PowerPoint presentations.
• improve technical skills by familiarizing themselves with PowerPoint.
• evaluate their own work.

Session One

• Present the PowerPoint autobiography assignment to students and explain the required elements. If you have created a model presentation, you can use it to present the concept to students.
• Students will select five important events in their lives. Using written summaries of these events, they will create PowerPoint multimodal autobiographies.
• Students may use recordings from the radio or their personal music collections.
• Students will follow guidelines for fair use of copyrighted images and music. (Explain that this topic will be discussed in detail in the next session.)
• Student will present their slideshows in class. Slideshows are limited to 5–10 minutes in length.
• Students will respond to their peers’ presentations in writing.
• First day of school (e.g., preschool, kindergarten, first grade, middle school, high school)
• A special family trip or vacation
• A family event or milestone
• A personal achievement (e.g., first place in a competition)
• A personal loss
• Explain that in this stage of the writing process, students should write down all of their ideas. If they are working in groups or with the whole class, lay ground rules that encourage all students to share their ideas with the group and that discourage students from critiquing their peers’ responses during this brainstorming stage. Explain that students will have the opportunity to evaluate their lists and select the events that they want to include in their autobiographies in later sessions.
• Have students view the PowerPoint presentation Finding Your Focus: The Writing Process . Discuss the stages of the writing process—including drafting, revising, and editing—and explain that students will go through each of these stages as they work on their autobiographies. The final stage will be the actual publishing of their autobiographies in the form of PowerPoint presentations.
• Ask students to select 8–10 events from their lists and write a brief paragraph summary for each one. Students may also include events that were not included on the lists they created during their brainstorming sessions.
• Have students set aside these summaries to use in a later session. If necessary, have students complete this activity for homework.

Session Two

• Initiate a class discussion by describing a significant event from your own life (i.e., birth of a sibling, parents’ divorce, first car). You can refer to the Sample Multimodal Autobiography for an example.
• Ask a few students to share an event from their own lists, and record each event on the board.
• Have students think about the events described and to connect songs to these events. For example, a student might associate a love song with a family member’s wedding ceremony.
• How does the song make you feel?
• What images come to mind when you think of this event?
• What images come to mind when you think of this song?
• Next play a song or two that you associate with the event from your own life that you’ve described. It doesn’t matter if the songs are not “current” hits; students will understand the feelings behind the music.
• Ask students to discuss how the song fits the event and to suggest other songs they might associate with the same event.
• Have students review the summaries they wrote in Session One.
• From the list of events they described, ask students to select five to include in their autobiographical presentations.
• Pass out the Presentation Music and Image Planner and have students list each of the five events they’ll include.
• Have students use the Presentation Music and Image Planner to write the title of a song and describe an image for each event they will include in their presentations. Students can work with a classmate or in small groups if they are having trouble generating ideas. You may wish to have students begin this activity in class and then complete their planners for homework.
• Be sure to discuss lyrics with students to assure that song selections are classroom-appropriate as determined by teacher and school policy.
• Emphasize that students should avoid using music that involves profanity or derogatory remarks towards any race, gender, and/or religious affiliation. Encourage students to discuss any questionable lyrics with you in advance. Point out you will either approve students’ choice of songs and images or provide suggestions for revision on their planning sheets.
• Have you ever downloaded music or other content from the Internet? What other Internet resources have you used?
• You will need to use music for your presentations. What are some ways you can get the songs you’ll need? From what sources can you download music? Are all of these ways legal?
• Is it OK to use other people’s music in something you are creating?
• Students can use 1–5 images from the same photographer or illustrator without permission.
• Up to 10% of a song can be used in a presentation. That translates to about 30 seconds from one song.
• Students must include a bibliography of any work used in their presentations.
• Before beginning Session Three, review students’ planners to ensure that they understand the assignment and have selected appropriate images and songs. Approve each plan, providing feedback, or make suggestions for revision.
• Meet with students individually to discuss any necessary changes.

Session Three

• Tape sheets of plain paper together along the short edges.
• Divide a large piece of blank paper into equal rectangles.
• Use a blank index card for each PowerPoint slide.
• Use the ReadWriteThink Stapleless Book interactive to plan each slide of their presentation. This tool provides space for students to write the text that will appear on the slide and information about the song they will include, along with space for a simple illustration.
• Before beginning their PowerPoint presentations, students should use the storyboards to lay out their text and images, and to write the titles of the songs and specific lyrics they will use for each slide.
• Have students add the text of the paragraphs they wrote in Session One to their storyboards in this drafting session.
• Remind students of the writing process and explain that they will have the opportunity to revise their text and other elements when they reach the revising stage.
• Allow more than one session of class time to complete this work if required. You can choose to extend this activity to the next class period or have students complete their drafts for homework. Students should also have any CDs or music they want to use available for the next session.
• Provide access to a scanner for students who wish to scan photographs or other images for use in their projects.
• Before moving to the next session, review students’ drafts and provide feedback.

Sessions Four through Six

• PowerPoint in the Classroom
• PowerPoint Tutorial—Adding sound
• Demo: Add music to a presentation
• Once students are comfortable with PowerPoint and have practiced with the software, have them begin creating slides using their drafts/storyboards.
• Remind students of the guidelines for using copyrighted music in their projects.
• Share this adding sounds page from PowerPoint in the Classroom with students, which details how to add portions of a song from a CD to a PowerPoint slide.
• Review students’ progress as they work and provide assistance to students who are having difficulty using PowerPoint.
• Allow additional time as needed for students to work on their projects in or out of class.

Session Seven

• Are slides arranged in an effective way? How are the events in my autobiography arranged? Sequentially? Thematically?
• Can I do a better job of describing each event? Will the reader/viewer understand what I’m trying to communicate?
• Do the images I’ve selected adequately represent the events?
• Does the song reflect my feelings about each event?
• Guide students in working through this stage of the writing process and encourage them to make revisions that will help them more effectively communicate the information included in their autobiographies.

Sessions Eight and Nine

• When students have finished making revisions, have them take turns presenting their PowerPoint autobiographies to the class. Use a projector if you have access to one.
• After all students have completed their presentations, have them respond in writing by completing the It’s My Life Self-Assessment .
• Teach the ReadWriteThink lesson Copyright Infringement or Not? The Debate over Downloading Music to reinforce the concepts of fair use and copyright infringement explored in this lesson.
• Teach the ReadWriteThink lesson The Year I Was Born: An Autobiographical Research Project to have students further explore the autobiography writing genre.
• In place of or in addition to PowerPoint presentations, have students write a typed autobiography, a narrated audio autobiography (set to music) on CD, cassette, or MP3, or a videotaped biography. Students can use the CD/DVD Cover Creator to design and print their covers for their finished presentations.
• Have students use the Profile Publisher to enhance their autobiographies by creating one or more profiles to represent themselves at different times in their lives, with a special focus on the connection between experiences and music.

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Have students reflect on their projects by completing the It’s My Life Self-Assessment .
• Assess students’ PowerPoint projects using the It’s My Life Project Rubric .
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Biographies & Autobiographies for Kids

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12 Inspiring Memoirs and Biographies for Teens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plus, some of our favorite high school reading lists .

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12 Must-Read Inspiring Autobiographies For Teens

The Diary of Anne Frank

All boys aren't blue: a memoir-manifesto, i am malala: how one girl stood up for education and changed the world, i will always write back, soul surfer: a true story of faith, family, and fighting to get back on the board, being jazz: my life as a (transgender) teen, the reason i jump: one boy's voice from the silence of autism, mud sweat and tears junior edition, kian and jc: don't try this at home, courage to soar: a body in motion, a life in balance, jamie vardy from nowhere. my story, may i have your attention please.

As they become more independent, teenagers may listen less to their parents, but may be inspired by other people they admire.

As they get ready to head out into the big wide world, learning about other people's lives, their successes and even more importantly, their failures, is a great way to prepare teens for what lies ahead.

And if your teen is a bit of a reluctant reader, they may find it easier to immerse themself in a real-life story rather than a work of fiction.

Find more ways to entertain your teen during lockdown with the best YouTube channels and these debate ideas to encourage critical thinking.

Anne Frank was a Jewish teenager living in Amsterdam during the Second World War. She was given a diary for her 13th birthday.

For any teens who are getting cabin fever, reading Anne Frank's account of how she and her family hid in a tiny secret annexe may help them to appreciate how well off they really are! The teenager's diary accounts in some detail how her family lived, and the fear of being arrested and taken away by the Nazis.

Anne and her family were sent to concentration camps, where Anne died at the age of 16. For a 21st century version, teens can watch The Anne Frank video diaries.

George M. Johnson is a  journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist.

This personal tale takes us through his childhood, teen and college years in the states of New Jersey and Virginia, from being bullied at the age of five to embarking on sexual relationships.

Suitable for older teens as it deals with some tough topics such as toxic masculinity, gender identity and consent, being black and gay,  it will appeal to teens who are exploring their own sexuality, black teens who are looking for role models and readers who want to stand up for themselves and fight for equality.

Growing up in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai was taught to stand up for what she believes in. So when the Taliban took control of the area, and dictated that girls were not allowed to go to school, the 10-year-old resolved to fight for her rights.

It led to her being shot and nearly dying, as she rode the bus back from school.

Readers can discover how she came to have such strong views, what happened on the day she nearly lost her life, and how she has proven that one person - even a 10-year-old girl - can make a big difference. It will inspire readers to stand up for their rights and stick to their beliefs.

Proving how some school assignments can go further than just getting you a good grade, this story tells how 12-year-old  Caitlin Alifirenka's assignment to write to an unknown student in a far-off place turned into something life-changing.

When Caitlin first began corresponding with Martin Ganda in Zimbabwe, she began to learn about the poverty that he and his family lived in, and it opened her eyes to how other people lived, and helped to change Martin's future.

Teens will be inspired by Martin's determination to study his way out of poverty, and Caitlin's determination to help him.

Bethany Hamilton is a professional surfer, who returned to the world of elite surfing after she lost her arm in a shark attack.

In this moving story, Bethany describes how she survived that attack and found the determination and faith to continue with the sport she loved.

The books details how she adjusted her surfing style to compensate for her injury, and how her belief in God and her will power saw her putting in an impressive performance at the World Surfing Championships.

Teens will be inspired by Bethany's faith and resolve, especially young athletes who are struggling with injury or self-doubt.

Jazz Jennings already has her own hugely popular reality TV show on TLC. Jazz transitioned to life as a girl at the very young age of five and now she is one of the most recognised activists for transgendered kids, teens and adults.

In her memoir, Jazz describes how growing up in the public eye has helped to shape how the public see the transgender community.

She also describes the discrimination and bullying that she has to endure. Teens will be fascinated by how Jazz navigates adolescence, having started her life as a boy.

Autistic teen Naoki Higashida wrote this autobiography at the tender age of 13.

It's not always easy to understand why some people with autism behave the way they do, so a book written from their perspective offers a rare insight that is not only fascinating, but will help teens understand and accept the behaviour of autistic friends and family.

Naoki explains why he talks loudly, what causes his panic attacks, and why he likes to jump.

This book will inspire teens to be more considerate and understanding of the people around them.

Bear Grylls is the ultimate adventurer. A former SAS serviceman, he is also a survival instructor, and has found fame as a writer and TV presenter.

In this memoir, he describes how he learned to sail and climb with his dad, and spent his teenage years practising mountaineering and martial arts.

But when he broke his back in a terrible parachuting accident, he defied expectation and learned to walk again, eventually climbing Everest at the age of 23.. His story will inspire teens who love the outdoor life.

Entertainers Kian Lawley and Jc Caylen have 7 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Their fans will enjoy discovering how the pair of comedians found fame and huge success online with their unique offering of pranks. This book will inspire any teens who have dreamed of being an entertainer - or a YouTube star!

Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles appeared to somersault onto our screens from nowhere when she became the darling of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. But the gymnast, like all successful athletes, had spent many years perfecting her craft and overcoming a less-than-perfect start to her life.

Taken from her drug-addict mother, she was fostered and eventually adopted.

So it is even more remarkable that she managed to make her way into the highly-competitive arena of competitive gymnastics. Her story will inspire gymnasts, teens with ADHD or those who have been fostered or adopted.

Jamie Vardy has made it from being an ordinary boy in Sheffield to the soccer player who led underdogs Leicester City to the top of the Premier League and won himself a place on the England team, despite early career disappointment.

His autobiography describes his childhood in Sheffield, how he was dropped from Sheffield Wednesday and found himself playing for £30 a match and his subsequent rise to the top of his profession.

His tale will be inspiring to all football fans and sportspeople.

James Corden has achieved the dream of many a British entertainer, by becoming a huge success on the other side of the pond. His Carpool Karaoke TV show has an almost cult following.

Yet at school, he wasn't cool, or clever - in fact, he was pretty disruptive. But he never gave up, forming a boy band and going to hundreds of auditions.

It was only when he co-wrote Gavin and Stacey that his life changed. His story will be particularly inspiring for teens who haven't yet found their 'thing'.

Second image credit: SN040288 / Shutterstock.com

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Raised in the Home Counties, Naomi is an enthusiastic explorer of London, Beds, Herts, and Bucks, frequently accompanied by her husband and son. In addition to this, she is an avid driver, often traveling to various skateparks around the UK. Naomi is always looking for new opportunities to explore or try new activities as a family.

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2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.

3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.

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Autobiography Lesson for Middle School and High School Students

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

Read a Published Autobiography or Biography

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

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

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

Students should take note of how the autobiography or biography

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

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

Guidelines for Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Christian Biographies for Young Readers: Our Favorite Recommendations

At Sonlight, we believe that reading should not be just educational, but transformational. With this goal in mind, we include our favorite Christian biographies for young readers at most levels of our curriculum . We believe that these carefully selected books will serve to both inform and inspire both you and your children in unexpected ways. Keep reading to learn why we think Christian biographies are among the best reading choices for your children.

Why Should Children Read Christian Biographies?

A great life story can be life-changing and inspiring. While history and reading are central to all Sonlight curriculum levels, we include different kinds of literature and reading, including biographies for children, missionary stories , and novels. Christian biographies for young readers are a central piece of Sonlight specifically because they so artfully combine history and personal stories of the people who lived that history. 

We know that stories are always more memorable than mere date/time/place history learned from a textbook. Children will always be more engaged in the story of history, which is the primary reason we include a biography or two in nearly every Sonlight level. Children will tend to have a well-rounded view of a biographical character and their place in history after reading their story.

What Are the Best Children's Christian Biographies?

As a Christian curriculum provider, we lean toward choosing characters in history who have expressed faith and who also have relevant stories for our children to read. We believe that reading and discussing the strengths and weaknesses of these true-life people can be instructional and encouraging for young people. Many of our favorite Christian biographies for children may be a starting place for future study later.

Many adult-sized biographies would be overwhelming for younger children, in particular, so we have carefully chosen Christian biographies for young readers to suit different ages and reading maturity levels.

We have many selections from the series Christian Heroes: Then and Now, for instance, that are fast-paced, engaging, and just the right length to hold the kids' attention.

Why Read Biographies Aloud to Your Kids?

Reading aloud is far more than sharing a story with your children. The Read-Aloud Handbook , a million-copy bestseller, shared groundbreaking research on the benefits of reading aloud to children for their academic development. Author Jim Trelease subsequently lectured in all 50 states and overseas, advocating the benefits of reading aloud to children. For more on this topic see Jim’s free parent handouts . Since reading aloud is so good for you and your children, why not include favorite Christian biographies for young readers?

What Other Christian Biographies Should Kids Read?

While many of the Christian biographies for young readers sets in our curriculum are selected for their connection to the specific Bible / History / Literature level, we also believe that the right biography may spark an interest in other areas of study as in the arts or science. We have several curated lists for some of these categories:

• Books for Black History Month
• Books for Kids Who Love History
• Presidents Day Books
• Books About Artists
• Heroes in History

How Do I Write a Christian Biography About Myself? 

Reading the life stories of fascinating people in history can be a great impetus for your children to write their own stories as a language arts assignment. These do not necessarily have to be difficult and may be a work in progress as your children mature. Learning to think chronologically and to consider cause and effect in their life events are useful skills.

A few good places to start for your children is to ask them to respond to the following prompts:

• Tell about a time you overcame obstacles.
• Tell your faith story.
• Give an account of a life-changing experience in your life.
• Tell about people, books, and experiences that had an influence on you.

For younger writers, encourage them to think through the simpler points of their life stories:

• Where and when were you born?
• Tell about your immediate family.
• What is unique about you? What do you enjoy doing?
• Include some specific memorable experiences in your life.
• Tell about your home and the town you live in.

What Are the Types of Biographies?

Biographies can be generally grouped into a few categories—share these with your children so they can identify what type of biography they are reading.

• Autobiographies —first-person accounts of a person’s life.
• Biographies —accounts of a person’s life written by another person, usually using historical accounts, documents, letters, speeches, etc. of the person.
• Memoirs —also written in first-person but usually just covering a narrow part of a person’s life story, such as their experiences during World War II.
• Novelized Biographies , sometimes called creative non-fiction—where the majority of the story is true and based on known facts as a biography above, but the dialogue and some aspects of the story may be imagined, simplified or combined for a smoother reading experience. Many, but not all of our selections for children fall into this category.

Where Can I Get Great Biographies for Young Children?

Sonlight is an excellent source of favorite Christian biographies. As we discover new Christian biographies at Sonlight, we occasionally add or adjust our titles in our homeschool curriculum packages. You can view some of our favorites listed below from younger grade levels to higher ones. Some of these, like Little House in the Big Woods and Little Britches , are part of a larger Christian biography series.

1. Little House in the Big Woods   

From sonlight's history / bible / literature k.

The first in the Little House on the Prairie stories finds Laura living with Pa and Ma and her sisters Mary and baby Carrie in a log cabin in the Wisconsin woods. The late 1870's setting provides a glimpse into long-ago times. These stories have long been loved by young and old. Reads like fiction but these are true accounts. 

2. Out of Darkness   

From sonlight's history / bible / literature a.

Louis Braille suffered the loss of his eyesight as a young boy, but overcame his difficulties and went on to pioneer the alphabet used by the blind worldwide. This account follows his life from a young age through his time at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris. 

3. Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend  

Johnny Appleseed has long been a man of myth and legend, but John Chapman was a real person born in 1774 in Massachusetts! Children will enjoy this story of the man who planted apple trees across an emerging nation and became a folk hero. 

4. Mary on Horseback   

Mary Breckinridge is a little-known hero who established the Frontier Nursing Service in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1920s. Mary brought medical care to the remote towns and people via horseback! 

5. The Lewis & Clark Expedition   

From sonlight's history / bible / literature d.

Many accounts of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s overland expedition exist, but this is an accessible book perfect for young readers. Follow along as these Americans and their team explore “the interior parts of North America,” to the Pacific Ocean. Follow along on a map! 

6. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch  

This is an account no one should miss. See how young Nathaniel Bowditch overcame poverty, dashed educational dreams, and more to travel the world and become the father of modern maritime navigation. Children will be inspired by how this largely self-taught young man never gave up. 

7. Justin Morgan Had a Horse  

The world-famous Morgan horse has a fascinating history in early America. This true story of a boy and a beloved horse is written by Marguerite Henry whose horse stories have delighted generations. 

8. Robert Fulton, Boy Craftsman   

Your aspiring engineers and inventors will enjoy this true account of Robert Fulton who is credited as the inventor of the world’s first commercially successful steamboat. Follow him from his early days of discovery to this world-changing invention and beyond. 

9. One Voice: The Story of William Wilberforce  

From sonlight's history / bible / literature e.

One of the most powerful stories your children can read about how one person committed to a cause can truly change history and make an enormous difference in the world. William Wilberforce fought for decades to end the Slave Trade in Great Britain. He lived to see the success of his work. Inspiring and humbling. 

10. Little Britches : Father and I Were Ranchers   

Ralph Moody paints a poignant memoir of his early years in Colorado after his family moves there for his father’s health. Ranch life is hard with fights over water rights, storms, poverty, and death, but the family perseveres. This early 1900s true story will leave you with a catch in your throat. You may want to read the whole autobiographical series! 

11. Freedom Train

From sonlight’s history / bible / literature e.

This is an excellent account of Harriet Tubman, a Black former slave who spent years rescuing slaves from the south via the Underground Railroad. The risks she took and her successes will encourage and inspire you and your children.

12. Helen Keller   

Tragically, Helen Keller lost both her sight and hearing in a severe illness when she was young. A strong and caring teacher persevered to open the world again for Helen who went on to college and more, overcoming her limitations.

13. George Washington Carver  

A very readable account of George Washington Carver, who began life as a slave but grew up to be a famous agricultural scientist and inventor. He pioneered alternative crops to prevent soil depletion from over-farming cotton, found hundreds of uses for peanuts and more. 

14. A Long Walk to Water   

From sonlight's history / bible / literature f.

A dual account of Nya in Sudan who walks eight hours a day for water and Salva who is a “lost boy” refugee in the same war-torn country. Salva’s story is gripping and often frightening as he overcomes numerous hardships. He eventually returns to his home country to help his people and find his family. Touching and poignant. Videos of the author sharing his story are available online. 

15. Mary Jones & Her Bible

From sonlight's history / bible / literature h.

Mary Jones was a poor girl living in Wales. She worked for years to earn enough money to buy a copy of the Bible in Welsh, walking a long distance alone to acquire one. This unforgettable story shows young people not only her determination but her devotion to the Scriptures. 

16. The Story of Science: Newton at the Center   

From sonlight's history / bible / literature j.

The stories behind the science are sometimes the most fascinating parts! Learn from scientific advances from Newton and Brahe and more. Short, compelling biographies of several scientists reveal the stories behind the discoveries, including the failures and triumphs! 

17. Freedom Walkers   

From sonlight's history / bible / literature 100.

Most people have heard of Rosa Parks and her famous refusal to give up her bus seat. That story was the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott! This account details the how and why and what of the boycotters and the courage they displayed risking their personal safety and more. How did they change the world? You’ll have to read it! 

18. The Great Little Madison  

This little volume by the beloved Jean Fritz tells the story of the "Father of the Constitution," James Madison. Fritz has a knack for including fascinating tidbits about the characters she writes about.

19. The Cross and the Switchblade  

A gripping account for older student readers (mature subjects) of how a pastor is called to New York City to minister to gangs, drug addicts, and more. This modern classic is a must-read. 

20. Farewell to Manzanar   

Too many generations in America are not aware of the detention of hundreds of thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II. This first-person account is a true story of how one girl and her family faced this harrowing experience and persevered in the Manzanar Camp behind barbed wire in California. 

21. The Hiding Place

From sonlight 20th century world history.

This powerful story may change your life. A staunchly Christian Dutch family chooses to hide Jews after their country is occupied by the Nazis in World War II. Their devotion to protecting “God’s people” nearly cost them everything. Gripping, challenging, uplifting. 

22. Up From Slavery  

From sonlight's history / bible / literature 400.

In studying US history, no one should miss Booker T. Washington’s account of his life from slavery to freedom. This devout Christian man went on to become an educator, author, and adviser to several American presidents.

Author: Karen Koch

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