Biographies
For Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Biographies
Kindergarten-4th Grade
Picture Books
E COREY Here Come the Girl Scouts! by Shana Corey
This introduction to the life of Juliette Gordon Low describes how
her lifelong love of the outdoors and adventure led her to found
the Girl Scouts. (K-2nd)
E HURST Rocks in His Head by Carol Otis Hurst
A young man has a lifelong love of rock collecting that eventually leads him to
work at a science museum. (1st-3rd)
E JORDA Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
by Roslyn Jordan
Young Michael Jordan learns about determination and hard work.
(K-2nd)
E KERLE What to Do About Alice? By Barbara Kerley
Alice Roosevelt’s experiences in the white house when her father, Teddy ,
was president. (2nd-4th)
E SAY Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say
A Japanese grandfather’s journey to America. (1st-3rd)
Easy Biographies
EB ANDER When Marian Sang by Pam Munoz Ryan
The story of Marian Anderson, who was the first African
American to perform with the Metropolitan Opera. (1st-3rd)
EB BENTL Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
William Bentley discovers a way to photograph snowflakes. (1st-4th)
EB CADE Robert Cade: Gatorade Inventor by Joanne Mattern
This biography presents the life of talented Gatorade inventor Robert Cade.
(2nd-4th)
Also available in:
Audio Book
E Book
Playaway View
Book plus CD
Digital Audio Book
Black Road Branch
EB HANCOCK A Picture Book of John Hancock by David A. Adler
A biography of John Hancock, American patriot and founding father. (1st-3rd)
EB KING JR. Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
This book is a tribute to civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. (K-2nd)
EB MENDEL Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas by Cheryl Bardoe
This picture book is a biography about the father of genetics and his pea
plants. (K-2nd)
EB REINHARDT Django: The World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist
by Bonnie Christensen
The story of a jazz guitarist who overcomes burns and scars on his hands to
play the guitar again. (2nd-4th)
EB ROOSEVELT Eleanor by Barbara Cooney
Presents the childhood of Eleanor Roosevelt, who married a President of the
United States and became known as a great humanitarian. (K-2nd)
EB SEUSS The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up
to Become Dr. Seuss by Kathleen Krull
The story of the childhood of Ted Geisel who grew up to become
children’s author Dr. Seuss. (1st-3rd)
Easy Nonfiction
E 305.42092 STO Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the
Right to Vote by Tanya Lee Stone
This inspiring story is about an extraordinary woman who changed America
forever because she wouldn't take no for an answer. (1st-3rd)
E 338.76874 Boss of the Plains: The Hat that Won the West
by Laurie M. Carlson
The story of John Stetson and how he came to create the most
popular hat west of the Mississippi. (2nd-4th)
E 520.92 SIS Starry Messenger by Peter Sis
A book depicting the life of a famous scientist, mathematician, astronomer,
Philosopher and physicist, Galileo Galilei. (1st-3rd)
E 590.92 WIN The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the
Chimps by Jeanette Winter
This illustrated biography of British primatologist Jane Goodall
describes her childhood, the years she spent in the African
forests observing chimpanzees, and her efforts to protect and
preserve primates and their habitats. (K-2nd)
E 598.092 DAV The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon
by Jacqueline Davies
The story of young John Audubon, America’s greatest painter of birds. (K-2nd)
E 641.5092 HAR Bon Appetit!: The Delicious Life of Julia Child by
Jessie Hartland
Follow Julia Child from her childhood in Pasadena, California, to
her life as a spy in WWII, to the cooking classes she took in Paris,
to the publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, to the
funny moments of being a chef on TV. (3rd-5th)
E 811.54 MED Love to Langston by Tony Medina
A series of poems written from the point of view of the poet Langston Hughes,
about key events in his life. (3rd-5th)
E 970.3092 Crazy Horse’s Vision by Joseph Bruchac
The life of a dedicated young Lakota boy, who grew up to be one
of the bravest defenders of his people, Crazy Horse. (1st-3rd)
4th Grade and Up
J Biographies
JB ANDERSEN Hans Christian Andersen: His Fairy Tale Life
by Hjordis Varmer
The story of Andersen's fairy tale life, how he struggled for many years before
finally finding worldwide fame writing fairy tales. (4th-6th)
JB ARNOLD Traitor: The Case of Benedict Arnold by Jean Fritz
A study of the life and character of the brilliant Revolutionary War general who
deserted to the British for money. (2nd-5th)
JB ATTILA Attila the Hun: Leader of the Barbarian Hordes
by Sean Stewart Price
The life of Attila the Hun, the warrior who led the Barbarian
invasion of the Roman Empire. (5th-7th)
JB BARNUM The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life
of Showman P. T. Barnum by Candace Fleming
This book takes a complete and captivating look at P.T. Barnum, the man
behind the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. (4th-7th)
JB BOOTH Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson
Based on James Swanson's bestselling adult book MANHUNT: THE
12-DAY CHASE FOR LINCOLN'S KILLER. (6th-8th)
JB BRONTE The Bronte Family: Passionate Literary Geniuses
by Karen Smith Kenyon
A joint biography of Charlotte, Emily, Branwell, and Anne Brontë. (5th-8th)
JB CHAPLIN Sir Charlie: Chaplin, the Funniest Man in the World
by Sid Fleischmann
This book chronicles the life and accomplishments of Charlie Chaplin, silent
film star and director. (4th=6th)
JB CHAVEZ Cesar Chavez: A Voice for Farm Workers by Barbara Cruz
Biography of the Mexican-American labor leader. (7th and up)
JB CURIE Something Out of Nothing: Marie Curie and Radium
by Carla Killough McClafferty
The story of Marie Curie's discovery of the previously unknown elements of
polonium and radium. (5th-7th)
JB EARHART Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator
by Shelley Tanaka
The story of the legendary aviator Amelia Earhart, from her
childhood until her final flight in 1937. (5th-7th)
JB FITZGERALD Ella Fitzgerald by Tanya Lee Stone
This biography of legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald chronicles her troubled
childhood in Harlem and the events that catapulted her to fame. (6th-8th)
JB FRANKLIN Ben Franklin’s Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good
Gentleman’s Life by Candace Fleming
A scrapbook of the life of Benjamin Franklin. (5th-8th)
JB GEORGE Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George? by Jean Fritz
A biography of George the Third, King of Great Britain at the time of the
American Revolution. (2nd-4th)
JB GRIMM The Brothers Grimm: Two Lives, One Legacy
by Donald Hettinga
A biography of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm that examines the
influences that shaped their lives. (5th-7th)
JB KELLER The World at Her Fingertips: The Story of Helen Keller
by Joan Dash
Profiles the life of Helen Keller. (4th-7th)
JB LAFFITE Jean Laffite: The Pirate Who Saved America
by Susan Goldman Rubin
This biography of the infamous pirate Jean Laffite is a real-life,
action-packed adventure. (4th-6th)
JB LINCOLN Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman
Photographs and text trace the life of the Civil War President. (4th-7th)
JB LOW First Girl Scout: The Life of Juliette Gordon Low
by Ginger Wadsworth
This biography offers insight into the life of Juliette Low, the
woman behind the creation of Girl Scouts. (4th-6th)
JB MADISON The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz
The life and contributions of the sickly child with the small voice who grew up
to become the fourth president of the United States. (5th-8th)
JB ROOSEVELT Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt by Jean Fritz
This biography follows the life of the dynamic twenty-sixth President.
(5th-8th)
JB ROOSEVELT Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s
Remarkable Life by Candace Fleming
The story of one of our most popular first ladies. (5th-7th)
JB THUMB Tom Thumb: The Remarkable True Story of a Man in
Miniature by George Sullivan
The story of the life of Charles S. Stratton, who stopped growing
about seven months after his birth in 1838 and began performing
as a curiosity named Tom Thumb. (5th-8th)
JB TRUTH Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth
by Anne Rockwell
Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century,
speaking out against slavery. (2nd-4th)
J Nonfiction
J 294.3923 DEM The Dalai Lama by Demi
A brief biography of the fourteenth Dalai Lama, who is the Buddhist leader in
Tibet. (3rd-6th)
J 323.092 DRA Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a
Crusading Journalist by Stephen Alcorn
Journalist Ida B. Wells, a tireless crusader for justice and civil rights,
faces her greatest challenge when she confronts the horrible
practice of lynching. (2nd-4th)
J 323.092 HOO Claudette Covin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip M. Hoose
An account of fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin, an African American girl who
refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in
Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks did the same thing.
(6th-8th)
J 333.72092 NIV Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai
by Claire A. Nivola
The remarkable story of one woman's effort to change the fate of her land by
teaching many to care for it. (3rd- 5th)
J 362.41092 ALE She Touched the World: Laura Bridgman, Deaf-Blind Pioneer
by Sally Hobart Alexander
Laura Bridgman paved the way for future generations of children with
disabilities, making possible important advances in the way they would be
educated. (3rd-5th)
J 362.734092 Orphan Train Rider: One Boy’s True Story
by Andrea Warren
The story of one boy and his brothers, who were part of the
placement of over 200,000 orphaned and abandoned children in
homes throughout the Midwest from 1854 to 1929. (4th-6th)
J 618.92 MON Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows
Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery
This biography takes us inside the extraordinary mind of Temple Grandin
and opens the door to a broader understanding of autism. (5th-8th)
J 709.2 STA Michelangelo by Diane Stanley
A biography of the Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet well-known
for his work on the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome.
(3rd-5th)
J 730.92 FRI Leonardo’s Horse by Jean Fritz
The story of Leonardo da Vinci's plan to make a great sculptured bronze
horse statue to stand before a palace in Milan and the American man who
made the master's dream realized five-hundred years later. (3rd-6th)
J 741.64092 SAY Drawing from Memory by Allen Say
This book is Allen Say's own story of his path to becoming the renowned artist he is
today. (5th-8th)
J 741.64092 YOU The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China
by Ed Young
When war came to Shanghai, the home that Ed Young's father built to keep his
family safe became a place to picnic, roller-skate, play hide-and-seek, and watch
planes. (K-2nd)
J 782.421649092 Kanye West: Hip Hop Star by Gretchen Weicker
The life of hip-hop artist Kanye West, from his childhood dreams to stardom, and
his future plans as an artist. (3rd-5th)
J 373.1782092 She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall
by M. Bernall
The story of Cassie Bernall, one of the students killed at Columbine High School.
(6th-9th)
J 793.8092 FLE Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischmann
This book is a biography of the magician, ghost chaser, aviator, and king of escape
artists whose amazing feats are remembered long after his death in 1926.
(4th-8th)
J 535 BAR The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe
Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors by Chris Barton
This is the story of the Switzer brothers, who invented a whole new
kind of color, one that glows with an extra-special intensity. (4th-6th)
J 796.357092 GRE A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut”
Johnson by Michelle Y. Green
Fueled by her passion for the game and buoyed by the inspiration of
Jackie Robinson, Mamie Johnson is determined to be a professional
baseball pitcher. (4th-7th)
J 567.9 KER The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley
The unforgettable story of Waterhouse Hawkins and his dinosaurs has
something to teach all of us about the importance of believing in oneself, and
following a dream. (4th-6th)
J 796.83092 The Greatest: Muhammad Ali by Walter Dean Myers
The story of Muhammad Ali, through his childhood, his rise as a
champion, his politics, and his battle against Parkinson's disease.
(6th-10th)
J 797.21092 TOR Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold
by David P. Torsiello
The life of American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won eight gold medals at
the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, breaking the record for most gold medals
won at a single Olympics. (3rd-5th)
J 940.5315092 MCC In Defiance of Hitler: The Secret Mission of Varian Fry
by Carla Killough McClafferty
This book chronicles the efforts of American journalist Varian Fry to help
artistic and intellectual refugees, such as novelist Heinrich Mann, flee the Nazi
regime. (6th-9th))
J 799.3092 Bull’s-Eye: A Photobiography of Annie Oakley by Sue Macy
A biography of Annie Oakley, told through text, historical photographs, and
quotes from Annie herself. (4th-8th)
J 940.5318092 LEV Hana’s Suitcase by Karen Levine
A biography of a Czech girl who died in the Holocaust, told in alternating
chapters with an account of how the curator of a Japanese Holocaust center
learned about her life after Hana's suitcase was sent to her. (4th-8th)
J 811.54 NEL Carver: A Life in Poems by Marilyn Nelson
A collection of poems depicting the life of George Washington Carver.
(6th-8th)
J 813.4 KRU The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps and Triumphs in the Life
of L. Frank Baum By Kathleen Krull
This biography traces the life of L. Frank Baum from his privileged childhood
through the many detours on his road to Oz. A failure as an actor, a breeder
of prize chickens, a merchant in a wild west town, among other occupations,
he finally made a success doing exactly what he had always loved to do: tell
stories. (4th-7th)
J 818.409 FLE The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in
the Wild, Wild West by Sid Fleischmann
This is the story of a wisecracking adventurer who came of age in
the untamed West and surprised himself by becoming the most
famous American of his time. (5th-8th)
J 861.62 RAY To Go Singing Through the World: The Childhood of Pablo Neruda by Deborah Kogan Ray
Blending the story of Neruda's childhood with excerpts from his own poetry
and prose, this book captures the people and places that inspired him.
(3rd-6th)
J 910.911 WEA I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer
by Carole Boston Weatherford
The story of Matthew Henson, an African American man who
vigorously pursued his dream to reach the North Pole along with
explorer Robert Peary. (2nd-4th)
J 932.021 STA Cleopatra by Diane Stanley
Chronicles Cleopatra's rule in Egypt, and tells how she persuaded
Romans Julius Caesar and Mark Antony to help her try to make
Egypt powerful. (3rd-6th)
J 973.7092 FLE The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary
by Candace Fleming
This dual biography of Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary uses photographs,
letters, engravings, and cartoons to share their years together. (5th-8th)
J 973.7092 GIO Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship
by Nikki Giovanni
This book describes the unusual friendship that existed between
Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War
years. (1st-4th)
Autobiography
JB CLEARY A Girl from Yamhill: A Memoir by Beverly Cleary
The popular children's author relates her childhood. (5th-8th)
J 379.263092 Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges recounts the story of her involvement, as a six-year-old, in the
integration of her school in New Orleans in 1960. (2nd-4th)
J 639.9092 GEO The Tarantula in My Purse: And 172 Other
Wild Pets by Jean Craighead George
A collection of autobiographical stories about raising a houseful of
children and wild pets, including crows, skunks, and raccoons.
(3rd-5th)
J 796.323092 ABD On the Shoulders of Giants: My Personal Journey Through
the Harlem Renaissance by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Legendary basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar traces the history of the
Harlem Renaissance and its influence on his life. (6th-9th)
J 796.323092 BOG In the Land of Giants: My Life in Basketball
by Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues
Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues, the shortest player in the history of the
NBA, discusses his life and career. (6th-9th)
J 796.323092 PIP Scottie Pippen: Reach Higher by Scottie Pippen
The Chicago Bulls basketball star relates the story of his life, including both
difficulties and triumphs, in order to encourage readers to persevere as they
pursue their dreams. (4th-6th)
J 796.332092 PAY Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton by
Walter Payton
The celebrated running back for the Chicago Bears discusses his childhood in
Mississippi, his college years, his pro football career, his business, and his
devotion to his family. (6th-9th)
J 796.5092 PAU Woodsong by Gary Paulsen
This story features dog sledding adventures, capped by the story of the
author's first Iditarod. (5th-8th)
J 796.522 RAL Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston
The author, Aron Ralston, recounts his harrowing experiences of
being trapped for six days in Blue John Canyon in Utah and having to
amputate his own right arm in order to save his life. (6th-9th)
J 813.5 CLE My Own Two Feet: A Memoir by Beverly Cleary
A look at the life of the popular creator of classic children's stories from her
college years to the publication of her first book. (6th-9th)
J 813.54 BUR Down a Sunny Dirt Road by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Stan and Jan Berenstain, creators of the Berenstain Bears, tell their own
stories from early childhood until their marriage, then continue the tale to the
present. (6th-9th)
J 813.54 LOW Looking Back: A Book of Memories by Lois Lowry
Using family photographs and quotes from her books, the author provides
glimpses into her life. (4th-6th)
J 813.54 PAU How Angel Peterson Got His Name: And Other
Outrageous Tales About Extreme Sports by Gary Paulsen
Author Gary Paulsen relates tales from his youth in the late 1940s
and early 1950s, such as skiing behind a souped-up car and
imitating daredevil Evel Knievel. (5th-8th)
J 813.54 SCI Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka
How did Jon Scieszka get so funny? He grew up as one of six brothers with Catholic school, lots of comic books, lazy summers at the
lake with time to kill, babysitting misadventures, TV shows, and
jokes told at family dinner. (2nd-6th)
J 813.54 SPI Knots in My Yo-Yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid
by Jerry Spinelli
The author presents a humorous account of his childhood and youth in
Norristown, Pennsylvania. (5th-8th)
J 813.54 STI It Came from Ohio! My Life as a Writer by R. L. Stine
This is an autobiography of the best-selling author who reveals
what he was like when he was young and what his scary life is like
now. (4th-7th)
J 951.056 JIA Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jang
A memoir of a Chinese girl, her family, and how their lives became a
nightmare during Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution of the late 1960s.
(4th-7th)
J DAH Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
Humorous anecdotes from the author’s childhood which includes summer
vacations in Norway and an English boarding school. (3rd-5th)
TEEN NON FICTION 797.3 HAM Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith,
Family and Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton
The story of Bethany Hamilton, a 14-year-old aspiring professional
surfer from Hawaii who survived a shark attack and returned to
surfing. (6th-9th)
Joliet Public Library
Youth Services Department
Main Library
150 N. Ottawa St. Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-2662
Black Road Branch
3395 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 846-6508
LLH 10/13