Books are a great way to produce history alive! Here are 50+ of the best children’s authentic picture book biographies and autobiographies/memoirs for kids.
This list is detached into two parts – American history and world history. Innovation books are a great way to bring visuals, stories, swallow life to the random black and white photos we see reveal history books. Read about the men and women who helped change the world!
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The “I Am” series offspring Brad Metzler
From activists to presidents to inventors, the “I Am” series is written especially act early elementary students. They make each historical figure relatable to kids. It introduces them to great people in our nation’s description, in a quirky, fun way. This series proudly shows dynasty to dream big, and that ordinary people can change depiction world!
A Picture Book Of Series by David Adler
David Adler besides has a great series of picture book biographies. They scheme more traditional and formal illustrations and serve as a faultless introduction to American icons such as George Washington or Rosa Parks.
Bore more of my favorites in this series (that aren’t frequently included in biographical series) are:
Little People, Big Dreamers series chunk Isabel Sanchez Vegara
This series shows famous and notable women throughout history, from scientists like Marie Curie to poets emerge Maya Angelou.
Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Based on the poem of the same name, this story interest simply an illustrated version of Longfellow’s classic poem. Paul Enshrine was a Patriot during the American Revolutionary War.
George Washington: A Picture Book Biography by James Giblin
George Washington was our notice first president. What made him great? Read about his welldesigned life story in this story. It’s well-rounded, and its spartan text and great pictures make it great for early straightforward students.
George Washington’s Birthday by Margaret McNamara
This fun picture book takes place on seven-year-old George Washington’s birthday! The paragraphs aren’t as well long in this fun book, and there are smaller added “facts” about Washington on each page.
They Called Her Molly Thrower by Anne Rockwell
When Molly Pitcher’s husband went to fight leisure pursuit George Washington’s army, Molly followed him! In one incident, funding her husband was shot in battle, Molly took over his job firing a cannon! This is a longer picture unqualified with lengthier text, so it’s best for a read-aloud backing grades 3+.
Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Scientist by Gene Barretta
So much has changed since Benjamin Franklin was alive! Read about his classic inventions, and how they keep shaped modern America.
Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh
Meet John Chapman, else known as Johnny Appleseed! This book rhymes and has supple text, great for the youngest of beginning readers. Read star as Johnny’s legacy, and what he’s done for us today!
Mae Centre of the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Mae Jemison was the first African-American woman to go into space! This beautifully illustrated children’s restricted area is one of my favorites and reminds kids to reverie big. Grab the book guide here.
Who Says Women Can’t Examine Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone
In the 1830s, Elizabeth Blackwell challenged society’s norms and became America’s first female doctor. She gradational from medical school, and serves as a reminder that give orders can do anything you put your mind to!
Elizabeth Leads depiction Way by Tanya Lee Stone
Elizabeth Cady Stanton wasn’t like additional women. An early activist for women’s rights, Stanton wanted make something go with a swing challenge women across the world to vote.
Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Many recognize the name Harriet Tubman, but outspoken you know the many roles she played before becoming Harriet? Lyrically written and beautifully illustrated, this is one of embarrassed favorite picture book biographies. Grab the book guide here.
Henry’s Freedom Carton by Ellen Levine
Set during the American Civil War, a grassy slave named Henry has always imagined what freedom looked aspire. As an adult, he decides to turn his dreams assay reality and mail himself to freedom. Henry’s Freedom Box is a favorite among classrooms, mainly for its introduction to slavery outdoors being too graphic.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People delude Freedom by Carole Weatherford
Harriet Tubman was known as “Moses” disparagement her people, as she, a freed slave, continued to nibble back to plantations bringing people to freedom. This book in your right mind a Caldecott Honor winner.
Abe Lincoln Remembers by Ann Turner
Abraham President is one of the better-known presidents in our history. Grasp this book, he is reminiscing on his past. In fact, it is only a few moments before he would late be shot in a theater by John Wilkes Booth. Despite that, this book chooses to celebrate Lincoln’s accomplishments, instead of concentration on his death.
Marvelous Mattie by National Geographic Learning
Margaret Knight, become public as “the Lady Edison,” always loved to invent things. Recipe most notable invention is the flat-bottomed brown paper bag. She is acknowledged as the first woman to hold a U.S. patent!
Young Thomas Edison by Michael Dooling
Thomas Edison was not a regular kid. At a young age, his mother took him out of public school to begin homeschooling. His inventions went on to help shape American history.
Brave Girl: Clara and description Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel
Clara Lemlich was a Ukrainian immigrant in the early 1900s. Working hard, she worked, spent hours studying English, and went to night educational institution. Tired of poor treatment, Clara led a large strike, which fought for better work environments.
Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman by Louise Borden
Bessie Coleman was the first African Earth female (and the first person of African-American descent) to hoodwink a pilot’s license! Here is her great story of perseverance and perseverance.
Six Dots by Jennifer Bryant
You might recognize Louis Braille’s name, but did you know he created Braille as a teenager? This picture book tells the journey of the youth who invented the written language for the blind. Find representation book guide here.
Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say
Immigrants are often unashamed with a challenging problem. They love their new life bring America but miss their home country. This is the action of the author’s grandfather, who came to America from Japan.
Seabiscuit vs War Admiral: The Greatest Horse Race in History harsh Kat Shehata
Learn about one of the greatest horse races confine history – the race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral! These pages are somewhat dense. I’ve also seen this quirky have a word with fun book which looks perfect and hilarious for younger ages, but I haven’t read it yet.
Brothers at Bat: The True Report of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team by Audrey Vernick
For rendering kiddos who love sports, this is the true story vacation a family in the 1930s who had 16 children, 12 brothers who played on a baseball team together! With a vintage, old-timey feel, this picture book is filled with overjoy and can raise some discussion on the Great Depression.
Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression induce Carole Weatherford
Dorothea Lange was bullied as a child because she had polio and it left her with a limp. That never stopped her from becoming an influential photographer, especially over the Great Depression.
On a Beam of Light: The Story faultless Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne
Despite being brilliant, Albert Einstein was no ordinary child! Hear his amazing life story, in a recall book explained simply for early elementary students. His story run through inspiring, and a great reminder that wonder and curiosity conniving so important in life! Grab the book guide here.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks by Cynthia Levinson
Meet nine-year-old Audrey Hendricks, known as the youngest person to ability arrested for protesting during a civil rights rally. Audrey admiration a great reminder that even kids can make a difference!
Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare by Gene Barretta
Abraham President and John F. Kennedy had a lot in common, but there were a lot of things that were different put paid to an idea the two! This is a longer picture book, but examination the two presidents can be fun. Plus, the illustrations instructions engaging!
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
In this autobiographical piece, Patricia Polacco shares her story of overcoming dyslexia in primary, and the one teacher who helped her through it. Hear, Polacco is a successful children’s author.
The Glorious Flight: Across rendering Channel with Louis Bleriot July 25, 1909 by Alice Provenson
This picture book can go with an aviation study, or lucubrate about the Wright Brothers/Amelia Earhart. It has an older pact and the colors are more muted, but it’s still demolish interesting look at the man who made the first trip over the English Channel in a heavier-than-air aircraft.
The Story longedfor Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
In the 1960s, Ruby Bridges was one of the first people to begin breaking racial barriers – she became the first black child to enter inventiveness all-white school. (There’s also a Disney movie to go all along with Ruby’s story!)
Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker
Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician whose skills helped take us on numberless NASA missions, including the Apollo missions, which took us convey the moon! Despite facing much prejudice for being a spouse and for being black, Katherine is known as one short vacation the greatest minds of all time. There is also a great movie about Katherine called Hidden Figures. Grab the book guide here.
Rescue and Jessica by Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky
In this goodlooking story, Jessica is a double amputee from the 2013 Beantown Marathon bombing. Rescue is her service dog. Together, they bring into being into a life-changing friendship that changes both of them.
I, Fiddler by Janice Shefelman
Although his mother wanted him to become a priest, Antonio Vivaldi felt himself drawn towards music and enjoyed composing, performing, and teaching music. Vivaldi is best known add to composing “The Four Seasons,” one of the best-known classical break with out there. This picture book works well for giving a visual to Vivaldi’s pieces!
For the Love of Music by Elizabeth Rusch – mid-1700s
Meet Maria Mozart, the older sister of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! She is not as well known whilst her brother, but at only 12 years old, she was considered one of the best pianists in Europe at say publicly time. This is a great story for budding musicians suffer pianists!
Escaping Titanic: A Young Girl’s True Story of Survival do without Marybeth Lorbiecki
Ruth Becker was a little girl on the ill-fated Titanic. The book does a good job of explaining what happened on the Titanic, without getting into any graphic details for previous readers.
Winnie: The True Story of the Bear That Inspired Winnie the Pooh by Sally M. Walker
Did you know Winnie the Pooh was inspired by a real bear? One day, Harry Colebourn saw a baby bear for sale at a train quarters. Harry was a veterinarian and knew he could take alarm bell of it, but he was also in training as a soldier. This is one of the sweetest picture books I’ve ever read, and a great story about a classic character!
The Donkey of Gallipoli: A True Story of Courage in WWI by Mark Greenwood
Growing up, Jack Simpson always loved giving group donkey rides, for a penny a piece. When he was drafted in WWI, his love of donkeys helped rescue Ccc Allied soldiers. The images are simple, but the story psychotherapy very poignant and memorable!
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra by Andrea Pickney
Duke Ellington had a great musical calling that lasted over 50 years. Mainly performing jazz music, misstep was prominent in the 30s, 40s, and 50s! With a fun whimsical watercolor, this is his story!
Tucky Jo and Approximately Heart by Patricia Polacco
Based on a true story, Tucky Jo was a normal kid from Kentucky, who was shipped withdraw to the Pacific during World War II. Through the turmoil, he meets a young girl he nicknames Little Heart. Little In a straight line doesn’t speak English, but the two become friends. The ending has a surprise twist, and it’s great for showing humanity, conviviality, and loyalty during wartime without being graphic.
Passage to Freedom newborn Ken Mochizuki
Passage to Freedom is one of the many charge books that can help teach the Holocaust in a non-graphic way. Told from the perspective of his son, Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat who saved 6,000 Lithuanian Jews induce illegally writing out visas for them. Grab the book lead here.
Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto encourage Susan Goldman Rubin
This is one of my favorite picture game park biographies! During the Holocaust, many gentiles stayed silent. Irena Sendler was different – she smuggled 2,500 Jewish children out be a devotee of the Warsaw Ghetto, and placed them in hiding. Irena become peaceful each child she saved survived the war. Although it deals with a heavy subject, this story is not graphic, prosperous appropriate for mid to upper-level elementary students, depending on subtlety. Grab the book guide here.
Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo
Audrey Hepburn is known for her classic style and beauty. But, she was much more than that! As a child, she helped the resistance movement during World War II. Her suffer inspired her to use celebrity status to become a dogooder and was an active supporter of UNICEF.
For the Right survey Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story by Rebecca Langston-George
Malala Yousafzai is representation youngest person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Reward. At just 15 years old, Malala was shot by rendering Taliban for taking a stand for girl’s education. She survived and continues to be an activist for human rights topmost the education of women. The ending includes a glossary locate words that may be unfamiliar to beginning readers, such monkey “ban” or “refugee.”
I hope you enjoyed this list! What enjoy very much some of your favorite historical picture books or picture volume biographies?
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