History biography ideas for children

100+ Best Biographies For Kids – Read to Inspire

While fiction books for kids are great entertainers and offer a generous dose of imagination and creativity to your child’s mind, non-fiction books and biographies for kids inspire them to believe in the power of their dreams.

Biography is one genre that encompasses elements of thrill, adventure and above all, a larger than life true story. Biographies for kids make gratifying reads for children as well as the entire family.

Biographies for Kids

Explore these amazing biographies for kids as per the genre that fascinates your kids the most. These astounding biographies and autobiographies for kids about inventors, mathematicians, scientists, artists, leaders and sportspeople will inspire them beyond bounds and motivate them to achieve their personal goals.

Biographies for Kids – Scientists & Mathematicians

1. On a Beam Of Light

Embark on the life journey of the greatest scientist ever – Albert Einstein, with this exciting biography for kids.

Stunning illustrations, easy to understand language make it an edifying read for kids. A perfect introduction to the life of ever-curious Albert Einstein, this book will encourage your kids to believe in the power of imagination and curiosity. 

It is suitable for kids 5 years and above.

2. The Girl Who Thought In Pictures

This highly recommended biography of Dr. Temple Grandin is a great inspiration to achieve against all odds. An uplifting read for all kids, particularly for specially abled children. 

Judged for being autistic, Temple Grandin was believed to be far less than ordinary, which she wasn’t She beat all odds to make a name for herself and inspire millions of others with her beautiful mind. 

3. Blockhead: Life of Fibonacci

A well-written biography for kids, this book explores the life adventures of Leonardo Fibo

One of the most common projects in elementary school, especially around 4-6 grades is a biography project or book report.

It can be tricky to find biography books for kids that hit that sweet spot between a picture book and an absolutely overwhelming non-fiction tome (lots of biographies lean too far into the young adult realm and they’re just too hefty for an elementary school reader!).

Here are some great options that are interesting, readable and perfect for school or personal reading!

(P.S. If you’re looking for biography series like the extremely popular “Who Was. . .?” series, I have a whole list of favorites here! The books on that list tend to steer a little younger and shorter).

10+ Great Kids Biography Books

The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P. T. Barnum by Candace Fleming
If your child was obsessed with The Greatest Showman, this book is for them. It is almost unreal how fascinating the real P.T. Barnum was and what a life he lead. I included this one on the family reads section in the 2020 Summer Reading Guide. (Full review here)

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton
After Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer, lost her arm in a shark attack off the coast of Hawaii, she does what ever it takes to return to surfing. This incredible biography shares the details of her recovery and what she has done to make her way back to the top of the surfing world.

 

 

Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift’s “Chocolate Pilot” by Michael O. Tunnell
This is the incredible story about post WWII pilot, Gail S. Halvorsen, who begins dropping candy for the children in post-war occupied Berlin. This middle grade biography does a great job explaining the post-war occupation of Berlin more clearly than I’d understood it before. (Full review here)

 

 

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe

  • Biography for kids
  • What Is a Biography Project Idea for My Class?

    What is a biography?

    An autobiography is the author’s retelling of his or her own life. However, what is a biography? A biography is the story of someone’s life told by someone else. Biographies are so important to read because learning about the accomplishments of others can inspire our students. Furthermore, students will be able to see how others have overcome obstacles or struggles in order to accomplish a goal. Biographies allow students to see the amazing accomplishments of others, which will hopefully open their minds to making a positive change in the world. Additionally, students will see how greatness begins one step at a time. The easiest way to help students fall in love with biographies is to have them complete a biography project. 

    Why use biography projects?

    Reading allows us to be transported to another world. Between the pages of a book, we can become immersed in someone else’s life. Additionally, we can learn about a culture very different from our own. Furthermore, we can learn new words, phrases, and experience different emotions. Reading stories to children can not only teach them empathy but can also improve a child’s development. As students learn about the challenges that others have overcome, they can make connections to their own lives. Learning about historical figures through biographies in the classroom has a powerful way of influencing and inspiring children! By exploring creative ways to teach biographies in the classroom, students will be ready to become future leaders! 

    What is a biography project?

    When using biographies in the classroom, there are so many fun, hands-on projects for students to complete! By using creative activities, students are not just reading a book and putting it away. They are engaged with the material and truly understanding the accomplishments of other people. Therefore, as students are working, they are gaining confidence in them

    Biography projects are a great way for children to learn about historical or remarkable people of any time period. Such classroom activities promote learning through hands-on creativity. There are many types of biography project ideas that are suitable and appropriate for children of all ages.

    Biography Project Ideas

    Biography projects are not one-size-fits-all. The child's age, creativity, and skill level should be considered when selecting a project.

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    Lifetime Photo Collage

    Bring a historical figure back to life by creating a collage of his or her lifetime. Children should collect pictures of key moments at different points in a historical figures life. The collage could also include photos of important places in the person's life, such as a birthplace or the location of a notable event. For an added touch, include photos of related monuments or buildings. This project is simple enough for children ages 5-12. To create this project:

    • Instruct the children to organize the photos in chronological order.
    • Grab a piece of poster board.
    • Glue or paste the photos to a poster board in a creative collage.
    • For smaller-scale projects, have the children attach the photos to card stock.

    Lifetime Line

    Children can learn about timelines and an influential person through a lifetime line. Given the intensive research of this project, it is recommended for children 8-13. Here's how to create the lifetime line.

    • Start by having the children each build a list of notable moments in the person's life. The list should include dates and be organized in chronological order.
    • Have the children draw the basic line across the width of a poster board.
    • Transfer the event list from their notes to the timeline. (Younger children may need some help with spacing, but overall this project should be pretty simple for the children to do mostly on their own.)
    • Decorate the timeline. Adding photos is a great way to give the lifetime line a more int
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    1. History biography ideas for children