There are actually lots of reasons to read picture book biographies. If you have children in your life, you can show them how people around the world live incredibly interesting lives by reading with a child. You can read a book about someone who has similar characteristics to the child, whether it be ethnic background, disability, or simply interest. These books can give the child a glimpse of a possible future. They can also increase curiosity. Books about people who have left some kind of mark on the world through sustained interest and effort model what follow-through looks like.
These books are perfect for adults who want to enjoy Books with young readers, and not just tolerate them. Although these are quick introductions, many of these will include bibliographies or other previous material. If you find someone particularly attractive, you may be able to find a biography for adults. We can all use inspiration, and these books provide that.
I’ve collected some picture book biographies that focus on more extraordinary activities than you often see in biographies. You probably don’t need my help finding picture book biographies of famous activists, athletes, and artists. I bet you’ve heard of very few of these people, but I guarantee you’ll be amazed by their rich lives.
Mary’s Magic Eggs: How Mary Prokay Kept the Ukrainian Art of Pysanky Alive By Sandra Neal Wallace, illustrated by Evan Turk
When Russia invaded Ukraine during World War II, they outlawed the Ukrainian language and traditions, including pysanky, the intricately dyed Easter eggs for which Ukraine is known. At the time, Mary Prokay was a Ukrainian immigrant to the United States. Her homesickness inspired her to practice pysankyū. As more Ukrainian refugees were coming to the United States, Mary worked to protect their shared culture through her gift shop in Minneapolis. While eggs are often a symbol of birth, we can also see pysanky as a symbol of continuity.
Spark: Jim West’s electrifying adventure in creating microphones By Anissa Ramirez, illustrated by Setter Fiadzigbe
This picture book begins a series about Black innovators. If you have a kid in your life who loves gadgets, this book is for them, because Jim West was once one of those kids. He made a career out of his tinkering, developing many pieces of technology integral to today’s connected lives. In particular, he patented the foil-electre microphone, which is in cell phones, hearing aids, and more. This is the book that will inspire you to take things apart and figure out how they work.
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Prince of the Stars: Ulugh Beg’s Quest to Mapping the Stars and the Seasons By MO Yuksel, illustrated by Zelma Ferdowzia
You probably know that Muslim scholars have contributed greatly to the world’s knowledge of mathematics, physics, and astronomy. But do you know who among them are scholars? In this book you can meet Ulugh Beg, ruler of the 15th-century Timurid Empire in Central Asia, whose curiosity about the stars inspired him greatly. With the resources at his disposal, he built the world’s largest observatory and invited scholars from all over the Muslim world to work in his madrasa. The book also shows how it is possible for faith and science to enhance each other rather than conflict.
Ablaze: The Story of America’s First Female Smokejumper By Jessica Lawson, illustrated by Sarah Gonzales
We should always be grateful to those brave people who run towards danger. Jessica Lawson is one such person. Jessica, an outdoor enthusiast, wanted to fight forest fires. In that field, she broke new ground by becoming the first female smoke jumper. These are the people who parachute into hearts to fight fire. Her story reflects her bravery in fighting the fire and the discrimination that was preventing her from working in her chosen field.
crossing the finish line By Tushanti Ponweera, illustrated by Maithili Joshi
I don’t remember who told me these wise words, but I think about them a lot: Someone has to finish last. It instantly relieved me of any embarrassment I may have had if I didn’t perform well in a competition. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Ranatunge Karunananda was the first man to represent Sri Lanka in the 10,000 meters race. And he was the one who came last. Her story of winning over the crowd as other runners caught up to her shows what success looks like.
Willie Ninja: Vogue Legend By Joy Michael Ellison, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali
seeing Cats: Jellicle Ball Performing on Broadway was my all-time dramatic experience. After watching the show I immediately re-watched Paris Is Burning, the classic documentary about ballroom culture. It made me fall in love with Willy Ninja’s dance all over again. Wiley is known as the “Grandfather of Voguing” and his biography traces his inspirations and his path to finding belonging in the Harlem ballroom scene.
Wanda Listens to the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe Amy S. Hansen and Wanda Diaz Merced, illustrated by Rocío Arreola Mendoza
Wanda Diaz Merced always loved studying the stars, but her eyesight began to fail in college. Thankfully, she continued to believe in herself. When data typically presented in visual format is converted to audio format, Wanda can work with it. Not only could she work with it, but she also found innovative ways to interpret data using sound. His story is great for any science-minded reader.
Again, I’m barely scratching the surface of picture book biographies! If you want more, here are some pictorial biographies of inspiring women and talented writers. Tell the children you are reading with that if they follow their dreams, there may be a picture book about them someday!
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