book nook: Biographies
4-8 Years
Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein by Don Brown
Albert Einstein, a very smart boy with a temper, was often misunderstood. Many children will see themselves in this story about a boy who doesn’t learn or think like everyone else, but who eventually grows up to be one of the biggest and most respected thinkers in the world.
Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris and Roslyn M. Jordan
Before he became a basketball legend, Michael Jordan was a boy who was once teased for his height. His parents’ lessons on prayer, determination and practice eventually showed that being the tallest doesn’t always mean being the best – it takes practice.
The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth by Kathleen Krull
Do you know who first invented the television? Did you know that his idea for television and how it could work was inspired by his time plowing a field? Discover the story of how the television came about and of the boy behind the TV!
Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne
As a boy, Cousteau dreamed of breathing underwater. His curiosity, passion, experiments and discoveries are chronicled in this book using simple, poetic descriptions.
Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates by Jonah Winter
This inspirational picture book biography follows baseball great Roberto Clemente from a poverty-stricken life in Puerto Rico to a successful major-league baseball career and ultimately to his death in a plane crash while seeking to bring aid to those in need.
Rachel: The Story of Rachel Carson by Amy Ehrlich
Highlighting Rachel Carson’s life and work, readers will enjoy this introduction to the biologist whose work and writing made such an impact and is beginning the environmental movement.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
Combining her own text with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rappaport shares the life story of one of the great leaders of the civil rights movement.
9-12 Years
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
This true story of a girl, Sadako, who lived in Japan during the atomic bomb drop, describes Sadako’s life before the bombing, her diagnosis, and her long battle with leukemia. While in the hospital she begins making origami cranes to pass the time. Will she reach her goal of 1,000 paper cranes?
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
The story of the first black girl – the first to be allowed to go to an all-white elementary school in New Orleans during desegregation in 1960.
What’s the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz
Ben Franklin, a man of many talents and interests, is the focus of this brief biography.
Helen Keller by Margaret Davidson
The challenges facing Helen Keller, being deaf and blind, were tremendous. But with courage, commitment, and with the help of Anne Sullivan, Helen was able to accomplish her goals.
Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America by Sharon Robinson
In this biography written by Jackie Robinson’s daughter, readers will learn about his life and the historical events that affected his life. Included are numerous photographs, letters, magazine articles, and newspaper headlines.
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Bass Reeves was the first African-American deputy U.S. marshal. Tales of this fascinating figure from American history come alive when paired with the bold illustrations.
Django: World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist by Bonnie Christensen
Born in poverty in a Gypsy encampment, Django Reinhardt escaped by teaching himself how to play guitar as a boy. Just as he was making a name for himself, however, tragedy struck and Django faced the possibility of never playing again.
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