Great Biographies of Lesser Known People

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Joan of Arc

by Demi

Summary: Presents an illustrated biography of Joan of Arc, from her early vision of Archangel Michael to her military victories, and eventual execution at the stake for heresy.

The illustrations of this book are beautiful, rich illustrations typical of Demi. I like the use of gold and the depictions of characters in this book. The best audience for this book is fourth to sixth graders or older students interested in learning about Joan of Arc. Younger children may not appreciate this story because of its length and sensitive subject matters. However, this story can be used as a springboard into moral discussions.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 5

Oprah: The Little Speaker

by Carole Boston Weatherford

Summary: Documents the disadvantaged but loving preschool and elementary school years of the Emmy-winning talk-show host, describing how as a toddler she performed in churches before adoring crowds and spent time on the family farm.

This book is a short biography with fairly simple language. It is appropriate for discussing the will to succeed and overcoming hardships. The story addresses Christian beliefs; therefore, a reader should asses if it is appropriate to share this book with his/her audience before doing so.

Interest Level: grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Native American Biographies

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Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers

by Dianna Hutts Aston

Summary: In Watts, California, over a period of many years, a man known to all as Uncle Sam spends his free time collecting broken bits of pottery, glass, and other scraps and turning them into a work of art.

This biography, told as a story, is an ideal read aloud. Uncle Sam’s life and accomplishments are interesting. The collage illustrations were appropriate, although I would have liked to see more photographs of his real work. This book may be used to discuss following one’s heart and dreams.

Interest level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life

of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Summary: Retells the life of Bass Reeves, a former slave who became a deputy U.S. Marshal in the Indian Territory and was exceptional at tracking down fugitives and bringing them to justice.

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson was given the American Library Association’s prestigious Coretta Scott King award for this book. This biography is a great read during Black History Month or during an unsung hero discussion. I like the notes in the back; especially the comment that this book appears to be a tall tale but is true. For this reason, young advanced readers or young listeners with a long attention span may enjoy this Wild West tale.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Just Being Audrey

by Margaret Cardillo

Summary: Provides biographical information about actress Audrey Hepburn, from her youth in Nazi-occupied Europe, through her rise to stardom in some of the era's most popular films, to her dedication to UNICEF.

This book is lengthy and most appropriate for older elementary school students to read to themselves. However, the content manner is appropriate for younger children. Audrey is depicted as a strong, independent woman allowing for a variety of discussions, including being one’s self. Her mother encouraged her to pursue careers for enjoyment and not for other motives such as fame. Once Audrey did become famous, she used her popularity to promote worthy causes.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

by Peter Sis

Summary; Annotated illustrations, maps, and dreamscapes explore how the artist-author's life was shaped while growing up in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War, in a powerful graphic memoir.

This biography is the winner of the American Library Association’s prestigious Sibert Informational Award. The story is very moving. The main text is simple, but the side notes are what make an impact on the reader. This is an excellent read for any talk on the Cold War and the importance of free speech.

Interest Level: grades 4-12
Reading Level: grade 5

The Adventures of Mark Twain By Huckleberry Finn

by Robert Burleigh

Summary: Presents a biography of Mark Twain told from the perspective of one of his most famous characters, Huckleberry Finn.

This is an outstanding biography. The Huckleberry Finn in this book narrates in the vernacular of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry. This makes the book interesting, though at times difficult to follow, especially for younger children. This book is a great read aloud “hook” for a first lesson on any Mark Twain story.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

by Gary Golio

Summary: Before he became one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Jimi Hendrix was a boy who loved to paint and listen to records, and who asked himself an unusual question: could someone paint pictures with sound? Run-on

This book won the prestigious American Library Association (ALA) Coretta Scott King illustrator honor award. The beautiful and unique illustrations are used in a creative way. I was surprised ALA picked a book on Jimi Hendrix to celebrate the African-American experience. The story itself is child friendly and has a positive message. At the end of the book there is a note about Jimi Hendrix’s death and substance abuse resources for young people.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace

Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace

by Jen Cullerton Johnson

Summary: A biography of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmentalist Wangari Maathai, a female scientist who made a stand in the face of opposition to women's rights and her own Greenbelt Movement, an effort to restore Kenya's ecosystem by planting millions of trees.”

This book’s beautiful illustrations are inspired by handmade quilts. It is the winner of the prestigious American Library Association (ALA) Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent (Illustrator) Award. It is an interesting biography of a strong African woman. It is appropriate for this summer’s national public library theme, “One World Many Stories.”

Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: grades k-6

Frida by Jonah Winter

Summary: About the life of an artist named Frida, who suffered many pains but made it through life with her art.

I was curious how the author would make the story of Frida into a children’s book after seeing the R rated movie that won academy awards. This book is simplistic enough that it is appropriate for children. There is an artist’s note at the end that she portrayed traditional characters in Mexican folk art which included funny skeletons, little devils, and sweet jaguars.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3