P i c t u r e    B o o k    B i o g r a p h i e s

Index: Hank Aaron | Buzz Aldrin | Muhammad Ali | Louis Armstrong | John James Audubon | Nellie Bly | Daniel Boone | Molly Brown | Kit Carson | Rachel Carson | Marc Chagall | John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) | Cesar Chavez | Roberto Clemente | Buffalo Bill Cody | Bessie Coleman | Thomas Edison | Albert Einstein | Ella Fitzgerald | Benjamin Franklin | Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) | George Frederic Handel | Buddy Holly | Winslow Homer | Harry Houdini | Thomas Jefferson | Joan of Arc | Michael Jordan | Langston Hughes | Frida Kahlo | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Sammy Lee | John Lennon | Abraham Lincoln | Joe Louis | John Muir | Annie Oakley | Rosa Parks | Pocahontas | Beatrix Potter | Elvis Prestley | Will Rogers | Eleanor Roosevelt | Theodore Roosevelt | Haym Salomon | Sequoyah | Anna Howard Shaw | Socrates | Alexis Soyer | Major Taylor | Mother Teresa | Jim Thorpe | Sojourner Truth | Mark Twain | Saint Valentine | Various Inventors | George Washington | Phillis Wheatley | Walt Whitman | Laura Ingalls Wilder | Victoria Woodhull | Orville & Wilbur Wright | Malcolm X |

Buzz Aldrin

Aldrin, Buzz. Reaching for the Moon. 2005.

A readable autobiography by the Apollo 11 astronaut who was the second man to walk on the Moon. Aldrin recounts episodes in his life that influenced his choice to become part of the space program.

Muhammad Ali

Bolden, Tonya. The champ!: The Story of Muhammad Ali. 2004.

Muhammad Ali is one of the world's best-known figures, and this incredible biography delves into precisely why.

Louis Armstrong

Orgill, Roxanne. If I Only Had a Horn: Young Louis Armstrong. 2004.

Relates how the famous jazz trumpeter began his musical career, as a poor boy in New Orleans, by singing songs on street corners and playing a battered cornet in a marching band.

John James Audubon

Armstrong, Jennifer. Audubon: Painter of Birds in the Wild Frontier. 2003.

Briefly tells the story of this nineteenth-century painter and naturalist who is most famous for his detailed paintings of birds.

Davies, Jacqueline.The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon. 2004.

John James Audubon was a boy who loved the outdoors and believed in studying birds in nature, not just from books. Capturing the early passion of America's greatest painter of birds, this story will leave young readers listening intently for the calls of birds large and small near their own homes.

L. Frank Baum

Krull, Kathleen.The Road to OZ: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum. 2008.

Highlights events in Baum's life that inspired the characters of Oz.

Nellie Bly

Christensen, Bonnie. The Daring Nellie Bly: America's Star Reporter. 2003.

Introduces the life of Nellie Bly who, as a "stunt reporter" for the New York World newspaper in the late 1800s, championed women's rights and traveled around the world faster than anyone ever had.

Daniel Boone

Glass, Andrew. Bewildered for Three Days: As to Why Daniel Boone Never Wore His Coonskin Cap. 2000.

With the help of what he learned from a Delaware Indian boy and an accommodating mother raccoon, young Daniel Boone escapes danger when a bear steals his coonskin cap.

Molly Brown

Blos, Joan Wl. The Heroine of the Titanic: A Tale Both True and Otherwise of the Life of Molly Brown. 2003.

An anecdotal account of some of the adventurous activities of Molly Brown, with an emphasis on her survival of the sinking of the Titanic.

Kit Carson

Glass, Andrew. A Right Fine Life: Kit Carson on the Santa Fe Trail. 1997.

Shortly before his sixteenth birthday, Kit Carson leaves his home in Missouri, heads out for Santa Fe, and begins a series of adventures as a legendary mountain man.

Rachel Carson

Ehrlich, Amy. Rachel: The Story of Rachel Carson. 2003.

Describes the life and work of Rachel Carson, the biologist and writer whose book, "Silent Spring," prompted today's environmental movement.

Marc Chagall

Markel, Michelle. Dreamer from the village: The Story of Marc Chagall. 2005.

"Marc knew he was different from other boys. He saw things they didn't see." A beautiful introduction to the life and work of Marc Chagall.

John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed)

Balcziak, Bill. Johnny Appleseed: Tale Retold by Bill Balcziak. 2003.

Presents the life story of John Chapman, whose distribution of apple seeds and trees across the Midwest made him a legend of tall tales and left a legacy still enjoyed today.

Glass, Andrew. Folks Call Me Appleseed John. 1995.

A fictionalized account describing how John Chapman was joined in the western Pennsylvania wilderness by his half-brother Nathaniel, who was unprepared for John's spartan lifestyle and unusual ways.

Cesar Chavez

Krull, Kathleen. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. 2003.

A biography of Cesar Chavez, from age ten when he and his family lived happily on their Arizona ranch, to age thirty-eight when he led a peaceful protest against California migrant workers' miserable working conditions.

Roberto Clemente

Winter, Jonah. Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 2005.

Spare, evocative language and exquisite illustrations by Ral Col, n depict the life of Roberto Clemente, a great athlete and an even greater man, who became one of the most respected baseball players of all time.

Buffalo Bill Cody

Glass, Andrew. The Sweetwater Run: The Story of Buffalo Bill Cody and the Pony Express. 1996.

Buffalo Bill Cody recounts his adventures as a teenaged rider for the Pony Express. Includes a history of the Pony Express and facts about Cody's life.

Bessie Coleman

Lindbergh, Reeve. Nobody Owns the Sky: The Story of "Brave Bessie" Coleman. 1996.

A rhymed telling of the life of the first African American aviator, who dreamed of flying as a child in the cotton fields of Texas, and persevered until she made that dream come true.

Thomas Edison

Dooling, Michael. Young Thomas Edison. 2004.

How did Edison grow up to be a legendary inventor? Michael Dooling explores the origins of Edison's scientific genius: his interest in mixing chemicals--sometimes with explosive results--and his diligence in his work as a paperboy, as well as his difficulty paying attention in school.

Albert Einstein

Brown, Don. Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein. 2004.

An introduction to the work and early life of the twentieth-century physicist whose theory of relativity revolutionized scientific thinking.

Ella Fitzgerald

Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa. 2002.

A brief recounting of the career of this jazz musician in the voice of "Scat Cat Monroe".

Benjamin Franklin

Harness, Cheryl.The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin. 2005.

An inviting introduction to the varied and unique life of this fascinating Founding Father.

McDonough, Yona Zeldis. Life of Benjamin Franklin: An American Original. 2006.

In elegant prose and vibrant pictures, McDonough and her mother, renowned folk artist Malcah Zeldis, collaborate on this biography of one of America's founding fathers.

Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Krull, Kathleen. The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up To Become Dr. Seuss. 2004.

Introduces the life of renowned children's author and illustrator Ted Geisel, popularly known as Dr. Seuss, focusing on his childhood and youth in Springfield, Massachusetts.

George Frederic Handel

Anderson, Matthew T. Handel, Who Knew What He Liked. 2001.

A man who would later compose some of the world's most beautiful music is shown as a stubborn little boy with a mind of his own.

Buddy Holly

Bustard, Anne. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. 2005.

Born Charles Hardin Holley, Buddy Holly grew up in West Texas just like other boys--shooting marbles, playing baseball, and pelting cans with his slingshot. But when he heard a new kind of music--a mixture of country, gospel, and blues--his life changed forever.

Harry Houdini

Krull, Kathleen and Velasquez, Eric. Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King. 2005.

An acclaimed author and an award-winning illustrator combine their talents to reveal the remarkable story of Harry Houdini, the legendary magician and escape artist.

Langston Hughes

Walker, Alice. Langston Hughes, American Poet. 2002.

An illustrated biography of the Harlem poet whose works gave voice to the joy and pain of the black experience in America.

Thomas Jefferson

Harness, Cheryl. Thomas Jefferson. 2004.

Examines the life and times of the multifaceted man who wrote the Declaration of Independence and later became the third president of the United States.

Joan of Arc

Tompert, Ann. Joan of Arc: Heroine of France. 2003.

A picture book biography of French national hero Joan of Arc.

Michael Jordan

Cooper, Floyd. Jump! 2004.

Based on actual events in Michael Jordan's childhood, this story of a friendly sibling rivalry is enhanced by Floyd Cooper's stunning two-tone art.

Jordan, Deloris. Salt In His Shoes: Michael Jordan: In Pursuit of a Dream. 2000.

Young Michael Jordan, who is smaller than the other players, learns that determination and hard work are more important than size when playing the game of basketball.

Frida Kahlo

Winter, Jonah. Frida. 2002.

Identifies the tragedies and suffering that Frida Kahlo overcame throughout her life by using her skill as an artist to express her pain and depression--and eventually, her joys and triumphs.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rappaport, Doreen. Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1998.

This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young readers through his own words, using quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell his life story in a simple, direct way.

George Washington Carver.

Krensky, Stephen. A Man for All Seasons: the Life of George Washington Carver. 2008.

Profiles the African American scientist George Washington Carver, who not only put the peanut on the map, but was also one of the first advocates of recycling.

Sammy Lee

Yoo, Paula. Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story. 2005.

This inspirational biography recognizes the life of the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal, at the 1948 Games in London.

John Lennon

Rappaport, Doreen. John's Secret Dream: The Life of John Lennon. 2004.

John Lennon's influence on music and culture is legendary. He was a rebel, a genius, an innovator, and a peace activist. From a young age he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the Beatles, he recognized the need for a deeper meaning in life.

Abraham Lincoln

Winters, Kay. Abraham Lincoln the Boy Who Loved Books. 2003.

This fine introduction to a president over whom, from boyhood, "letters cast a magic spell" points up a valuable message-that of the importance of words in shaping ideas and lives.

Joe Louis

Adler, David. Joe Louis: America's Fighter. 2005.

The life story of Joe Louis, heavyweight champion boxer, with the complete history of his career in the ring.

Miller, William. Joe Louis, My Champion. 2004.

After listening to the radio broadcast of the heavyweight championship boxing fight of his hero, Joe Louis, a young African American boy realizes that he can emulate the boxer's persistence and strive to become whatever he wants to be.

John Muir

Dunlap, Julie. John Muir and Stickeen: An Icy Adventure With a No-Good Dog. 2004.

Come along on a trip to Alaska! This is the true adventure story about John Muir and a "no-good" dog named Stickeen.

Lasky, Kathryn. John Muir, America's First Environmentalist. 2006.

A biography of John Muir, naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, whose travels, speeches and writings led directly to the creation of the Yosemite National Park in 1890 and other national parks that followed.

Annie Oakley

Krensky, Stephen. Shooting For the Moon: The Amazing Life and Times of Annie Oakley. 2001.

Based on her own writings, this picture-book biography of Annie Oakley offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a courageous young girl who went on to break barriers in the field of sports, becoming recognized by Will Rogers and others as the "greatest woman rifle shot the world has ever produced."

Rosa Parks

Giovanni, Nikki. Rosa. 2005.

Far from the cliche of Rosa Parks as the tired little seamstress, this beautiful picture-book biography shows her as a strong woman, happy at home and at work, and politically aware.

Pocahontas: Princess of the New World

Krull, Kathleen.Pocahontas: Princess of the World. 2007.

An illustrated introduction to the life of the Indian princess Pocahontas and her contact with English settlers, especially John Smith.

Beatrix Potter

Winter, Jeanette. Beatrix: Various Episodes From the Life of Beatrix Potter. 2003.

This simple biography of Beatrix Potter, best known for writing The Tale of Peter Rabbit, includes excerpts from her published letters and journals and reveals why she drew and wrote about animals.

Will Rogers

Dadey, Debbie. Will Rogers: Larger Than Life. 1999.

In this tall tale, the legendary Will Rogers is so good with his lasso that he ropes the whole earth and creates the equator and on the rebound hollows out the Grand Canyon. Includes biographical information about the real Will Rogers.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Cooney, Barbara. Eleanor. 1996.

A lively, moving portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most beloved first ladies.

Theodore Roosevelt

Roosevelt, Theodore. My Tour of Europe: by Teddy Roosevelt, Age 10. 2003.

Presents illustrated excerpts from the journal kept by ten-year-old Theodore Roosevelt as his family toured Europe.

St. George, Judith. You're on Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt! 2004.

As a young boy, "Teddie" Roosevelt was frequently ill, but worked hard to become strong and fit while also avidly reading and pursuing his love of natural history.

Haym Salomon

Rubin, Susan GoldmanHaym Salomon: American Patriot 2007.

Everyone knows Revolutionary War figures George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, but Haym Salomon, one of the few Jewish patriots, was also an important hero, and his accomplishments are finally gaining recognition in this biography

Sequoyah

Rumford, James. The Man Who Gave His People Writing. 2004.

While walking through a forest of sequoias, a father tells his family the story of the tree's namesake.

Anna Howard Shaw

Brown, Don. A Voice From the Wildernesss: The Story of Anna Howard Shaw. 2001.

With his magical storytelling and radiant artwork, Brown welcomes readers into the pioneer life of Anna Howard Shaw, an extraordinary woman who braved the North American wilderness to become a suffragette.

Socrates

Usher, Mark David. Wise Guy: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates. 2005.

A biography of Socrates, a philosopher and teacher in ancient Greece who held that wisdom comes from questioning ideas and values rather than simply accepting what is passed on by parents and teachers. .

Alexis Soyer

Arnold, Ann. The Adventurous Chef: Alexis Soyer. 2003.

A biography of a flamboyant, successful French chef and inventor of kitchen tools who opened soup kitchens during the Irish potato famine and taught the army how to feed itself during the Crimean War.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Stone, Tanya Lee. Elizabeth leads the way : Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the right to vote . 2008.

This inspiring story is about an extraordinary woman who changed America forever because she wouldn't take no for an answer.

Major Taylor

Cline-Ransome, Lesa. Major Taylor, Champion Cyclist. 2004.

Introduces the life of the African American bicycle racer who won the 1899 World Championship title.

Mother Teresa

Demi. Mother Teresa. 2005.

A biography of Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, known as Mother Teresa, who spent most of her life serving "the poorest of the poor" in Calcutta, India.

Jim Thorpe

Bruchac, Joseph. Jim Thorpe's Bright Path. 2004.

A biography of Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, focusing on how his boyhood education set the stage for his athletic achievements which gained him international fame and Olympic gold medals. Author's note details Thorpe's life after college.

Sojourner Truth

Rockwell, Anne F. Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth. 2000.

Rockwell creates this simple, affecting portrait of an American icon: Sojourner Truth, one of the abolitionist movement's most compelling voices.

Mark Twain

Anderson, William. River Boy: The Story of Mark Twain. 2003.

Offers the biography of Samuel Clemens, the author known as Mark Twain, through tales of his early days growing up in Missouri through his later years as an adventurer traveling to the western frontier.

Saint Valentine

Tompert, Ann. Saint Valentine. 2004.

Ann Tompert beautifully weaves together the most enduring stories of Valentine to create a tapestry of the saint's life.

Various Inventors

Williams, Marcia. Hooray for Inventors. 2005.

Gives the facts and inside stories on how some of the world's greatest inventions came to be.

George Washington

Chandra, Deborah. George Washington's Teeth. 2003.

A rollicking rhyme portrays George Washington's lifelong struggle with bad teeth. A timeline taken from diary entries and other nonfiction sources follows.

Harness, Cheryl. George Washington. 2000.

Presents the life of George Washington, focusing on the Revolutionary War years and his presidency.

Phillis Wheatley

Lasky, Kathryn. A Voice of Her Own: The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet. 2003.

A biography of an African girl brought to New England as a slave in 1761 who became famous on both sides of the Atlantic as the first black poet in America.

Walt Whitman

Kerley, Barbara. Walt Whitman: Words for America. 2004.

A biography of the American poet whose compassion led him to nurse soldiers during the Civil War, to give voice to the nation's grief at Lincoln's assassination, and to capture the true American spirit in verse.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Anderson, William. Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder. 1998.

Recounts the life story of the author of the "Little House" books, from her childhood in Wisconsin to her old age at Rocky Ridge Farm.

Victoria Woodhull

Krull, Kathleen. A Woman for President: The Story of Victoria Woodhull. 2004.

Do you know the first woman to run for president? The first woman to have a seat on the Stock Exchange? The first woman to own a newspaper? To speak before Congress? They were all Victoria Woodhull; this is her story.

Orville & Wilbur Wright

Glass, Andrew. The Wondrous Whirligig. 2003.

Inspired by a model helicopter and encouraged by their parents and sister, young Orville and Wilbur Wright attempt to build a life-size helicopter from scrap.

Malcolm X

Myers, Walter Dean. Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly. 2000.

This compelling narrative for picture-book readers explores Malcolm's journey from his tragic childhood to his life as a street hustler, a Black Muslim, a prison inmate, and a fearless leader in the struggle for blacks to achieve equality.

www.webrary.org/kids/jbibpictbkbiog.html
First published on the Web: 7/23/2004
Last updated: 12/8/2008