My favorite way to learn history is through stories, and I can tell that Jona (age 7) is also a big fan of learning about the past this way. The last few years we have been enjoying reading about real people: historical figures and others less well-known who have made an impact, through picture books.
Here is a round-up of 10 picture book biographies to read with your kids. These have been particularly successful for the elementary age, but even Violet (now 4) has enjoyed many of them.
Shark Lady by Jess Keating and Marta Alvarez Miguens. This is the story of Eugenie Clark, a scientist who devoted her life to the study of sharks. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the details about Clark’s life were fascinating–we all enjoyed this one.
The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock and Mary Grandpre. Vasya Kandinsky was raised very traditionally and was expected to act–and paint–properly, but his heart had something else in mind. This tells the story of how Kandinsky experienced colors as sound, and how it helped him produce stunning abstract art.
When Sue Found Sue by Toni Buzzeo and Diana Sudyka. When Sue Hendrickson was a girl, she was always very curious, and excellent at finding things. This natural curiosity led her to a career in diving and paleontology, and eventually she discovered the largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton ever found.
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock and John O’Brien. After we watched Hamilton this summer Jona wanted to read all the things about the founding fathers. We loved this in-depth look at Thomas Jefferson and his first love: books.
A Race Around the World by Caroline Starr Rose and Alexandra Bye. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, reporter Nellie Blye decided to try to make the trip herself, but in less time. Soon after, writer Elizabeth Bisland headed on the same journey, but in the opposite direction. Who would finish the trip first?
I Dissent by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley. This is the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life, and how disagreeing with the injustices around her led her to become a successful, beloved, and now very missed, Supreme Court justice.
From a Small Seed by Camille Andros and Tessa Blackham. In this picture book biography, we learn about Eliza Hamilton and her lifelong desire to help others in need. From her childhood to her life as Mrs. Alexander Hamilton, Eliza devoted herself to serving others.
I Am Jackie Robinson by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos. This is one of many picture book biographies by Brad Meltzer, and we will definitely be picking up more. I Am Jackie Robinson tells the story of Robinson’s life, before and after his life as a professional baseball player. Jona, who loves baseball and true stories, particularly loved this one.
Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk. Katherine Johnson always loved math, and her mathematical gifts took her all the way to NASA. However, being both Black and a woman, she had to overcome many barriers to get there. Thanks to her persistence and her intelligence, the Apollo 13 crew were able to return safely after trip to the moon.
One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul and Elizabeth Zunon. In Gambia, like so many other places, people used plastic bags to do their shopping, but too often they ended up on the ground, piling up and polluting the environment. Isatou Ceesay saw the bags and decided to do something. Working with other women who lived nearby, they took the discarded plastic bags and turned them into something beautiful.
I hope you’re inspired to try one of these picture book biographies to read with your family! Are there any you’ve read that we should pick up?
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