Amazing and Inspiring Biographies for Kids

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Seeds of Change, by Jen Cullerton Johnson, is the inspiring true story of Wangari Maathai. Born in Kenya, Wangari persevered through school studying science in the U.S. She fought for equal rights for the women of Kenya and to protect nature, planting millions of trees through The Green Belt Movement to help people and animals prosper. She became the first African woman to win the coveted Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. This book will inspire children to work hard in school, dream big and know they can succeed in life.

Tim Ponisciak said:  This series of biographies for kids by Brad Meltzer tells the stories of influential individuals through beautiful illustrations, and also by showing the featured individual as a child, which helps kids relate a little bit more and see how one day, they could change the world too! Kids learn about the lives of US Presidents, inspiring and diverse heroes, artists and entertainers.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Daredevil by Meghan McCarthy tells the story of Betty Skelton who grew up in the 1930s with the need for speed, love of airplanes and later, race cars and speed boats. She broke down barriers as a female pilot and race car driver and even trained to be an astronaut.

I love this book because Betty kept persisting and when she got bored of one thing, she moved on to something new. She didn't let others tell her she couldn't do something she wanted. It sends the message of persistence, determination, following your dreams, working hard and listening to your heart.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  William Hoy, a famous major league baseball player from 1888-1902, was also deaf. In The William Hoy Story by Nancy Churnin, we learn how he changed the game because he was unable to hear the umpires. He introduced American Sign Language and umpires began using hand signs to reflect plays. William also taught his teammates so they could share plays secretly.

This book inspires children to do the best they can with what they are given, help change the world for the better and to put their thoughts into an action plan. It shows how one person can create a powerful impact on the world.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Tricky Vic by Greg Pizzoli is the almost unbelievable story of Robert Miller, who became one of the biggest con men in the early 1900s. With a total of 45 aliases, he counterfeited money, scammed people and even tricked Al Capone. But his biggest con was convincing Andre Poisson to "buy" the Eiffel Tower from him. He was later caught and sent to Alcatraz.

This book teaches kids to not always believe everyone or everything they see, that some things are too good to be true and to trust their instincts about people. It is also an interesting piece of history for adults.

Yoli B said:  Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg proves that disagreeing can get you somewhere in life.

RBG has spent her entire career disagreeing with inequality, unfair treatment, and standing up for the greater good. This book peeks into her life through famous cases and dissents. It shows that life isn't always about agreements.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Fallingwater by Marc Harshman and Anna Egan Smucker shares the story of how Frank Lloyd Wright designed the famous house over the Bear Run waterfall in Pennsylvania. This project revitalized Wright's career and he went on to design other famous buildings including the Guggenheim Museum.

The story shows perseverance by Wright as he used his dreams and talents to create this now historic site that millions visit. Since Wright was in his 60s during the design, the story shows that one is never too old to do something as long as you follow your heart.

Kelly R. said:  Shark Lady is the fascinating and beautifully-illustrated biography of Eugenie Clark, who devoted her life to studying sharks and changing the way that they are perceived by the public.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  This story will make you believe in the power of creating something out of nothing. Ada's Violin by Susan Hood tells the story of Ada Rios along with other students and Senor Chavez, who are on a quest to create music with little instruments and no money. They took what they could find from the landfill their town is built on and invented instruments out of other's trash, to form the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay. The musicians went on to perform all over the world.

Parenting Healthy said:  Sadly, Charlie would lose his life as a SEAL and this story was hidden for some time until his mother finally became encouraged to finish her book and share a small piece of Charlie’s life events with us all. It is such a sweet read and the illustrations are simple yet full of emotion from characters on every page.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Edith Houghton was The Kid From Diamond Street in Philadelphia. Author Audrey Vernick shares Edith's journey and life-long love of baseball in which at age 10, she was a professional player and starting shortstop on the Philadelphia Bobbies all-women team. Houghton traveled across the country and through Japan playing men's teams in front of large crowds. She worked in the baseball industry as an adult and lived to age 100.

Houghton had a passion for baseball, was talented and made a living doing what she loved. It is interesting and touching for any sports fan to read her story.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Henri's Scissors shares the life of French artist Henri Matisse and his love of art. Through simple text, author Jeanette Winter tells how he followed his dream which took him from drawing, to painting, to finally creating art with scissors.

The theme of this book for all children (bonus if they love creating art) is the importance of never letting go of your dreams and passions in life. Matisse lived his life doing what he loved, even in his final days. He came up with a new way to create art as an elderly and ill man.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Clara Lemlich became a strong advocate for fair pay, shorter working hours and better working conditions for the garment industry in the early 1900s. Clara was the Brave Girl, as told by Michelle Markel, and stood up for thousands of workers encouraging the biggest strike and walkout of women workers in U.S. history.

This book shows it is important to stand up for what is right and make a movement if necessary to correct a wrong. Lemlich helped thousands of employees in different cities achieve better working conditions. She refused to be silent, took action and her efforts paid off.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Horace Pippin was born with a great talent and love for drawing. A Splash of Red by Jen Bryant shares his amazing story of having to work at a young age to help support his family and fighting in World War I. With determination and hard work, Pippin became a famous artist with his work on display at museums all over the world.

People of all ages will appreciate Pippin's love of art, resolve and work ethic to become the artist he always wanted to be. It reinforces the message to follow your dreams, don't use excuses and never give up, no matter what hardships life gives you.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  John Deere was a hard working man ahead of his time. In John Deere, That's Who! by Tracy Nelson Maurer, we learn about his humble beginnings as a blacksmith who later invented a plow that helped farmers across the Midwest make farming a business. Deere founded his own company and while tractors were invented after his death, Deere & Company is one of America's oldest manufacturing companies.

The story of John Deere is the True American Dream. Deere was a husband, father, inventor, and founder of his own company whose legacy will always live on.