Skip to content

Children's Picture Books: Biography Category

Narrative nonfiction books about the life of a particular person or group of people from a historical or contemporary perspective.

The librarian of Basra

2005

by Jeanette Winter

Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, the library where she works has been a meeting place for those who love books. Until now. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library--along with the thirty thousand books within it--will be destroyed forever. In a war-stricken country where civilians-- especially women--have little power, this true story about a librarian's struggle to save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge know no boundaries

Biography

The Wonderful Towers of Watts

2005

by Patricia Zelver and Frané Lessac

"The incredible artwork of an Italian immigrant who followed his dream of monumental proportions in the impoverished Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles is revealed in this fascinating and engaging true story. Simon (Sam) Rodia had no formal engineering or architectural training. Yet, over the course of three decades, he constructed an artistic masterpiece in his own backyard – the Watts Towers. Using all kinds of things other people had thrown away, such as broken bottles and tiles, pieces of mirror and glass, seashells, and bits of pottery, he adorned the collection of 17 interconnected sculptural towers. His imaginative salvaging and perseverance can be seen today, as people from all over the world still come to marvel at Sam’s dream." -- publisher

Biography

Alia’s mission

2004

by Mark Alan Stamaty

Alia takes matters into her own hands when government officials refuse to listen to her concerns about the books in the Baṣrah Central Library.

Biography

Fly high!

2004

by Louise Borden, Mary Kay Kroeger and Teresa Flavin

Discusses the life of the determined African American woman who went all the way to France in order to earn her pilot's license in 1921

Biography Oppression & Resilience

Jim Thorpe’s bright path

2004

by Joseph Bruchac and S. D. Nelson

A biography of Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, focusing on how his boyhood education set the stage for his athletic achievements which gained him international fame and Olympic gold medals. Author's note details Thorpe's life after college.

Biography

Joe Louis, My Champion

2004

by William Miller and Rodney S. Pate

"During the mid-1930s, an African American boy who yearns to be a boxer learns the value of determination, perseverance, and his own natural abilities from the example of his hero, world champion prizefighter Joe Louis. It's the spring of 1937, and anticipation for the heavyweight title fight between Joe Louis and James Braddock is at a fever pitch. Sammy can hardly contain his excitement. He knows his hero, Joe Louis, will soon be the boxing champion of the world. Although he isn't big and strong, Sammy wants to be a boxer, just like Joe Louis, whose fame and success are a source of great pride and hope for African Americans. Only after Sammy realizes the significance of Louis's victories in the ring does he understand the true meaning of being a champion. Joe Louis, My Champion is a heartfelt tribute to the first African American to be regarded as a hero by all Americans. Louis's enduring legacy of determination and perseverance is sure to inspire readers to find and fulfill their dreams." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography

Jump!

2004

by Floyd Cooper

Michael Jordan was once just an ordinary little boy growing up in a North Carolina suburb, trying to keep up with his older brother Larry. Michael was always good at sports, but it seemed like Larry was always going to be bigger, quicker, and luckier. But Michael never gave up, and his practicing began to pay off. Then one summer day during a backyard game of one-on-one, Larry Jordan's "little" brother took him--and the whole family--by surprise! Based on actual events, this story of a friendly sibling rivalry is enhanced by Floyd Cooper's stunning two -tone art. Jump! even features a gate-fold depicting Michael Jordan's trademark leap that will send young readers soaring

Biography

Knockin’ on Wood

2004

by Lynne. Barasch

Presents a picture book biography of Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates, an African American who lost his leg in a factory accident at the age of twelve and went on to become a world-famous tap dancer.

Biography Oppression & Resilience

Major Taylor, champion cyclist

2004

by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

Introduces the life of the African American bicycle racer who won the 1899 World Championship title

Biography

Many of the cover images on this site are from Google Books.

Footer Content

Using Tiny Framework Log in