Contemporary biographies for middle schoolers
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In addition, reading biographies teaches kids about history, science, sports, and so many other topics that may interest them.
Of course finding books that are challenging enough for a middle school reader without being overly challenging in reading level and content can be tough. Bethany was a source of inspiration to them for a long time.
There is also a movie you can watch after you read the book.
I appreciate how these biographies balance detail with readability, making history accessible and fun. During this period of her life, we see the importance of church, counting her blessings, the activist housewives group she belonged to, and how family is what you make it. He graduated first in his class and set out as a young lawyer determined to achieve equality for all Americans.
But Hamilton’s vision put him at odds with his archrivals who envisioned a pastoral America of small towns, where governments were local, states would control their own destiny, and the federal government would remain small and weak.
The disputes that arose during America’s first decades continued through American history to our present day.
I love how it shares Einstein’s early speech delay and his journey to becoming a famous scientist, making his story relatable. Segregation was legal. The short chapters make it easy to read and discuss, often sparking conversations about social issues and growth. They are perfect biographies for middle school boys and girls.
I am Malala
by Malala Yousafai
Two of my kids dove into this one in middle school and couldn’t stop talking about it for quite some time.
Reading this account made me want to know more about the rest of her life — it’s excellent.
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The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity written by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Brett Helquist
You will love the incredible writing, the fun illustrations, the biographical information about the curious, brilliant, and distractable Leonardo Da Vinci, the other art heists from the poorly guarded Louvre (one involving Pablo Picasso), the burgeoning science of fingerprints to replace France’s ear-measuring methodology and the surprising, eventual discovery of the Mona Lisa.
There are thousands of stories to choose from, so there’s no way to include them all here.
Any links in this post may be affiliate links. But Rena’s nightmares were not over. Introducing children to these real-life heroes captivates kids and teaches them that one person can do big things.
These books are narrative nonfiction and informational fiction, written as captivating stories that draw kids in with factual information and captivating anecdotes and stories.
My background in education, coupled with over 15 years of reviewing books (and being a parent to two children), has helped me create this list.
In this case, having a list of specific people they want to get to know better will help you narrow down your search.
Biography Report Form
To help direct their learning, encourage your tween to use this biography report template.
It’s a wonderful tool that will help them dive deeper into the life of an extraordinary person and learn how to organize research material.
Middle School Biography Books
A biography is the perfect type of book for inquisitive kids.
It highlights women from diverse backgrounds—young, senior, married, single—encouraging curiosity and research. Well-designed visuals reinforce key facts, making them easier to remember, especially for visual learners. The book also introduces important historical topics like Jim Crow laws, the Negro Leagues, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Elements like sidebars, captioned images, and graphic organizers break up long texts and highlight important details, enhancing the reading experience. Including stories of underrepresented groups helps young readers identify with inspiring role models and feel seen in history.
The book would work very well as a literature addition to a physical science class studying electricity.
NOTE: Parents should know that the description of the famine and its impact on the village is very difficult to read. I’ve seen struggling readers become curious explorers when they connect with a compelling story about someone they admire.
I find his resilience and strength inspiring, especially as he overcomes unimaginable hardships.