Picture book biographies you’re sure to enjoy reading
We learn an incredible amount about our world by learning the stories of others. Reading about someone else’s journey and experiences teaches us a great deal; informing us about their contributions to society and perhaps granting us a figure to look up to. And sometimes real life is more exciting than fiction! Picture books that focus on how a person made their mark can be inspiring and entertaining at the same time, and can be a great way to introduce biographies to children from a young age. Hopefully, you will be inspired by some of the titles on this list.
‘Bessie the Motorcycle Queen’ by Charles Smith
The year is 1929 and Bessie Stringfield is on an adventure across the United States. Bessie explores the beauty of the world, and runs into some of its ugliness, as she travels to compete in races all over the country. There are more than a few times when Bessie has to make a quick exit because of the unwelcomeness of the Jim Crow era. Nevertheless, she persists and drives a new road for the sport of women’s motorcycle racing! This book speaks on topics of racism, sexism, bravery, and doing what you’re passionate about.
‘Finding My Dance’ by Ria Thundercloud
When Ria Thundercloud was four years old, she participated in her first powwow; wearing the special jingle dress her mother made for her. As she grew up, Ria loved dancing so much that she learned more styles of dance, but always loved indigenous dancing best. Follow Ria’s journey as she moves to make her dream as a professional dancer come true; becoming the first Native dancer to star as a prima ballerina in a ballet.
‘The Tower of Life’ by Chana Stiefel
Yaffa Eliach’s story begins when she is a young girl and is introduced to a camera for the first time. Yaffa’s grandmother takes photos of ev
eryone in the town. Things soon take a turn, however, when World War II arrives and invades Yaffa’s community. Yaffa survives the war and becomes a professor of history and America’s foremost Holocaust expert. At the invitation of President Jimmy Carter, she decides to travel around the world collecting pictures taken of people who fled from her beloved town. Yaffa uses their photographs along with their stories and memories to create a permanent exhibit at The National Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., and her story is sure to inspire and inform young
‘The Greatest Song of All’ by Megan Hoyt
Have you ever had a dream? Isaac Stern had a dream to play his violin on the famous Carnegie Hall stage. Why? Carnegie Hall was known for talented artists performing there; no matter their skin color or religion. So when a real estate bigwig gets ready to demolish Carnegie Hall, Isaac knew something had to be done to save decades of dreams, history and inclusivity.
For more info, or to place a hold on any of these titles, visit ferndalepubliclibrary.org and click “Search Catalog” or check with your local library.