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Best Children's European Biographies

Me . . . Jane
Winner of the Caldecott Medal Patrick McDonnell-beloved, bestselling author-artist and creator of the Mutts syndicated comic strip--shares the inspiring story of young Jane Goodall, the legendary and inspiring conservationist featured in the hit documentary film Jane . "This remarkable picture book is one of the few that speaks, in a meaningful way, to all ages. "Children will appreciate McDonnell's original format and take heart that interests logged in their own diaries might turn into lifelong passions. "McDonnell's skill as a cartoonist enables him to express Goodall's joy, wonder and satisfaction with a simple stroke of the pen. "[A] tender homage... engaging... an appealing and satisfying introduction to a well-known scientist and activist. "McDonnell's concentration on [Goodall's] childhood fantasies carries a strong message to readers that their own dreams--even the wildly improbable ones--may be realizable, too.
Reviews
"sweet and a real tear jerker for mom."
"Beautiful book for children!!!!"
"At the end of the book is a picture of Jane with a baby chimp and a more current portrait."
"Beautifuly written and illustrate."
"This is well written children's book about the inspirational Dr. Jane Goodall who as a young girl followed her passion for science and exploration."
"This is a great book, wonderful story about how Jane get in love with what she does."
"Love,love love this book!"
"It's one of my all time favorite children's books ...and we really love children's books around here."
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Yellow Star
Of those who survived, only twelve were children. This is the true story of Syvia Perlmutter—a story of courage, heartbreak, and finally survival despite the terrible circumstances in which she grew up. Grade 5-9–In thoughtful, vividly descriptive, almost poetic prose, Roy retells the true story of her Aunt Syvia's experiences in the Lodz Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland. The slightly fictionalized story, re-created from her aunt's taped narrative, is related by Syvia herself as a series of titled vignettes that cover the period from fall, 1939, when she is four years old, until January 1945–each one recounting a particular detail-filled memory in the child's life (a happy-colored yellow star sewn on her favorite orange coat; a hole in the cemetery where she hides overnight with her Papa). This gripping and very readable narrative, filled with the astute observations of a young child, brings to life the Jewish ghetto experience in a unique and memorable way. She was afraid of it; when she was growing up, there was no Holocaust curriculum, no discussion-just those images of atrocity, piles of bones, and skeletal survivors being liberated. Syvia remembers daily life: yellow stars, illness, starvation, freezing cold, and brutal abuse, with puddles of red blood everywhere, and the terrifying arbitrariness of events ("like the story of a boy / who went out for bread / and was shot by a guard / who didn't like the way the boy / looked at him"). In 1944 the ghetto is emptied, except for a few Jews kept back to clean up, including Syvia's father, who keeps his family with him through courage, cunning, and luck.
Reviews
"i feel the author made a good decision by telling the story in first person."
"This account of life in the Lodz Ghetto so poignantly brings into focus the fears, doubts, hunger and sheer boredom of these years in the vivid voice of a child."
"It's the story of a child who was enclosed in the Lodz ghetto at age four and survives to be one of twelve children to survive when relief finally comes."
"First person true story of one young girls memories, and life during WW2, as a Jewish child."
"It can be read by an 8 year old or an 80 year old and I think will produce in either an understanding of the power of "need" in an incomprehensible situation."
"A touching recount of Hitlers evil reign."
"To think that only 12 children from the Lodz Ghetto survived the war speaks volumes as to the cruelty of the Nazi's and the determination of the families and other survivors to keep them alive."
"Loved the way it is written, sent to another friend to read."
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Yellow Star
Of those who survived, only twelve were children. This is the true story of Syvia Perlmutter—a story of courage, heartbreak, and finally survival despite the terrible circumstances in which she grew up. *Starred Review* Only 12 children survived the Lodz ghetto, and Roy's aunt Syvia was one of them. But for more than 50 years, Syvia kept her experience to herself: "It was something nobody talked about." But a few years ago, Roy's aunt began to talk about Lodz, and based on taped phone interviews, Roy wrote her story, presenting it from the first-person viewpoint of a child, Syvia, in simple, urgent free verse in the present tense. At the end of the war, when Syvia is 10, only about 800 Jews remain-only 12 of them are children.
Reviews
"i feel the author made a good decision by telling the story in first person."
"This account of life in the Lodz Ghetto so poignantly brings into focus the fears, doubts, hunger and sheer boredom of these years in the vivid voice of a child."
"It's the story of a child who was enclosed in the Lodz ghetto at age four and survives to be one of twelve children to survive when relief finally comes."
"First person true story of one young girls memories, and life during WW2, as a Jewish child."
"It can be read by an 8 year old or an 80 year old and I think will produce in either an understanding of the power of "need" in an incomprehensible situation."
"A touching recount of Hitlers evil reign."
"To think that only 12 children from the Lodz Ghetto survived the war speaks volumes as to the cruelty of the Nazi's and the determination of the families and other survivors to keep them alive."
"Loved the way it is written, sent to another friend to read."
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Best Children's Judaism Books

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List
“Much like The Boy In the Striped Pajamas or The Book Thief ,” this remarkable memoir from Leon Leyson, one of the youngest children to survive the Holocaust on Oskar Schindler’s list, “brings to readers a story of bravery and the fight for a chance to live” ( VOYA ). Amazon Best Books of the Month, August 2013: For readers ages 11 and up, Leon Leyson’s remarkable memoir, The Boy on the Wooden Box , is the moving account of a happy childhood shattered by the Holocaust. As the youngest member of Schindler’s list, Leyson offers a unique perspective on the man who became his lifelong hero and his first-hand account of day-to-day existence in the factory--which did not alleviate the fear or deprivation--and his personal interaction with Schindler is powerful and special.
Reviews
"She's not old enough to watch Schindler's List yet, but I love that this book is based on a true story of a boy who was on his list."
"This book taught me more about the mindset of Jews during WWII than just about any other."
"My daughter just started to read it."
"I read this book quickly on my Kindle and enjoyed it thoroughly."
"His story ."
"Great book with personal insights to Oscar Schindler."
"I would recommend this book to anyone especially to those who think they have life so tough."
"Amazing story that should never be forgotten."
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Best Children's Women Biographies

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted . In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted. “We cannot wait for the launch of Smart Girl Chelsea Clinton’s new book to help remind kids everywhere that the fearlessness that characterizes the thirteen women in the book is what has emboldened us to constantly strive for progress and justice.” —Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls. “[ She Persisted ] will remind little girls that they can achieve their goals if they don’t let obstacles get in the way.” — Family Circle. “We cannot wait for the launch of Smart Girl Chelsea Clinton’s new book to help remind kids everywhere that the fearlessness that characterizes the thirteen women in the book is what has emboldened us to constantly strive for progress and justice.” —Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls.
Reviews
"However Asian American women are missing from the diversity of the book."
"Jump started the use of the word persisted with our child and ways to work through difficulties."
"Gift for my 6 year old niece... her mom was really happy and thought it was a great book to have."
"My 7 year old daughter loves reading nonfiction and this is the perfect book for her to read about strong women."
"My son is already saying “she persisted” as I read it to him."
"Wonderful book for kids."
"Daughter likes it."
"A great book for girls."
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Best Children's Art Biographies

Iggy Peck, Architect
With Andrea Beaty’s irresistible rhyming text and David Roberts’s puckish illustrations, this book will charm creative kids everywhere, and amuse their sometimes bewildered parents. David Roberts has illustrated many children’s books, including bestsellers Ada Twist, Scientist; Rosie Revere, Engineer; and Iggy Peck, Architect.
Reviews
"And it was worth the wait- she loves this book and the others by Andrea Beaty."
"It’s a great book!"
"Great children book, my son started doing sketches of buildings he wants to build :)."
"The meter of the rhymes in these books make them fun to read to my girls."
"Highly recommend!"
"My grandchildren enjoy this series and STEM awareness can't hurt."
"Every one of this series adored by my 5 year old."
"Love this book for kids."
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Best Children's Sports Biographies

Stephen Curry: The Children's Book: The Boy Who Never Gave Up
This Fully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young boy who many said was too short to play in high school, too weak to play in college and not good enough to play in the NBA. Author/Illustrator, Anthony Curcio has a B.A.
Reviews
"This is a delightful book by Steph Curry, a remarkable man and an outstanding basketball player !"
"My 7 and 8 year old grandson say it was Great!"
"Motivational for young readers."
"My students LOVE this book."
"Raising an athlete so this book was fun."
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Best Children's Musical Biographies

Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?
Leonardo da Vinci was a gifted painter, talented musician, and dedicated scientist and inventor, designing flying machines, submarines, and even helicopters. Roberta Edwards lives in New York, New York.
Reviews
"My second grade son LOVES these books."
"How great is it to just go to your phone and download a good kids book when you little one forgets to bring home their nightly reading from school?"
"These series are wonderful for my 9year old son."
"We were going to take our granddaughter to the Leonardo Museum in Salt Lake City, but wanted her to know a little about da Vinci before we went."
"Good book."
"They would read their own and then read other that they had heard of."
"I felt the story motivates and also encourages children to know that failure often means a way to success and to explore and do what you love, is a life worth living."
"While I w as on Amazon's website hunting for books for my 9 and 15 year old grandchildren to read before visiting Florence, Italy this summer, Amazon "linked" me to this book."
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Best Children's Science Biographies

Ordinary People Change the World Gift Set (Ordinary People Change World)
Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos answer that question, one great role model at a time. And now you can buy the first four—Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and Albert Einstein—together in a wonderfully designed slipcase that includes an exclusive, autographed print, suitable for framing. Christopher Eliopoulos began his illustration career as a letterer for Marvel, and has worked on thousands of comics, including Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, Pet Avengers, and Cow Boy, all of which he wrote and illustrated.
Reviews
"These books also have important character building lessons and are overall great books for kids."
"She likes how they are fun to read and talk about when they were kids too."
"I love history myself and will purchased this series for my grandchildren."
"A must for any child in your family, even my 13 year old loves them."
"Came in excellent condition."
"Love these books, my 5 year old listens intently and they prompt her to ask lots of good questions."
"These are my favorite books for children."
"Love these books!"
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Best Children's Literary Biographies

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear
Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie. * "A perfect melding of beautiful art with soulful, imaginative writing, this lovely story, penned by Colebourn's great-great granddaughter, is ideal for sharing aloud or poring over individually. * "The book strikes a lovely, understated tone of wonder and family pride...[Sophie Blackall] proves that she's equally imaginative at chronicling straight-on reality too." "[An] inspiring text...Blackall's breathtaking watercolor illustrations demand to be examined up close, and Winnie's face is as expressive as the humans'.
Reviews
"He loved the watercolored illustrations and it was really well done throughout the book, ending in photos from the original storylines."
"Based on the true story of Winnie the Pooh, this is the appealing background tale of the original Winnie, named for Winnipeg, Canada."
"I bought to read to my students, but I do not think I will read to kindergarteners."
"Wow BY FAR MY FAVORITE BOOK!"
"A. Milne, this is the first I've heard of this story of the connection between the writer and his son and this army mascot!"
"5 year old grandaughter loved this story especially as a preview to the Pooh's Library series that we also gave her."
"Amazing true story told in a very charming manner by an actual descendant of one of the main characters!!"
"I am a retired first grade teacher and it totally fascinated me that I never knew Pooh was a real bear."
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Best Children's Political Biographies

I am Abraham Lincoln (Ordinary People Change the World)
That’s the inspiring message of this lively, collectible picture book biography series from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer. K-Gr 2—Imagine, if you will, two famous Americans whose childhood selves were strong and portentous of their future adult lives but whose bodies stayed small and childlike as they achieved their incredible feats. Adults who read these books with children will have plenty to discuss regarding the hard work, persistence, and determination each person showed, as long as it's clear that the books themselves are fictionalized.—Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID.
Reviews
"There are no other books that I've found that give our children those necessary "heroes" to inspire them, and to teach them, as Brad Meltzer says, "Ordinary People Change the World"."
"The history follows the lines of traditional text book storylines, but if you read something you don't agree with, it's easy enough to explain how you see it to your child."
"I buy books for my nephew, who turned 1 on Christmas Day. This is a beautiful book and a wonderful series overall."
"Good for kids and adults."
"My 5 year old loves this book and frequently picks it at bedtime."
"Love this series of kids books."
"Brad Meltzer is a great writer and I love his reason for starting this series of books!"
"And my husband & I love that he is learning about both history and important life lessons in the process."
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Best Children's Historical Biographies

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List
“Much like The Boy In the Striped Pajamas or The Book Thief ,” this remarkable memoir from Leon Leyson, one of the youngest children to survive the Holocaust on Oskar Schindler’s list, “brings to readers a story of bravery and the fight for a chance to live” ( VOYA ). The storytelling can at times meander, and the various reflections of his life in Poland during the war can result in a certain patchiness, but Leyson’s experiences and memories still make for compelling reading about what it was like to suffer through the Holocaust.
Reviews
"I would recommend this book to anyone especially to those who think they have life so tough."
"Amazing story that should never be forgotten."
"A great book, everyone should read."
"This is a sad story of how so many people have no value of a life."
"Great read."
"So sad what happened and although we have read about it before, from so many stories and movies, this book had a different view."
"The Boy in The Wooden Box was a great book, it was hard to put down."
"I have read many books about the Holocaust as well as seen many movies on the subject."
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Best Children's Religious Biographies

The Hiding Place
In her quiet watchmaking shop, she and her family risk their lives to hide Jews, and others hunted by the Nazis, in a secret room, a "hiding place" that they built in the old building.
Reviews
"This is the remarkable story of a remarkable family that literally laid their lives out to save Jews in Holland during WWII. I only wish that I could do something good for any person that would give respect for the wonderful people in this story."
"Inspiring to say the least."
"I read this book many, many years ago."
"What a story."
"I started this book with curiosity about how they hid people during this time and became quickly humbled by their faith and lives."
"This is a book that everyone should read."
"Spellbinding, heartbreaking, spiritual, heartwarming."
"I have known about this book for many years, but put off reading it - mistakenly thinking it would be too depressing."
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Best Children's Multicultural Biographies

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List
“Much like The Boy In the Striped Pajamas or The Book Thief ,” this remarkable memoir from Leon Leyson, one of the youngest children to survive the Holocaust on Oskar Schindler’s list, “brings to readers a story of bravery and the fight for a chance to live” ( VOYA ). The storytelling can at times meander, and the various reflections of his life in Poland during the war can result in a certain patchiness, but Leyson’s experiences and memories still make for compelling reading about what it was like to suffer through the Holocaust.
Reviews
"Narrated by Leon Leyson, a young boy who endures the Holocaust from the age of nine to sixteen, we come to understand the sadism of the Nazis as well as the heroism of one Nazi: Oskar Schindler. This book continues this engrossing story after the war and we learn about what happens to Schindler and to the Leyson family as they begin new lives in Israel and in Los Angeles. For those readers who are particularly interested Polish Holocaust history, here is a rare opportunity to read a firsthand account of life in the Poland before and during WW2. Leon describes his experiences living in the following places: • Narewka, Poland: his hometown. • Kraków: Podgórze ghetto. • Plaszów camp where the arbitrary sadism of the Nazi commander Amon Goeth is described. • Gross-Rosen concentration camp, 175 miles northwest of Kraków. • Brünnlitz, • Displaced Person Camp in Wetzlar Germany. Lessons are learned about resiliency, courage and heroism, and the discussion guide helps to explore the book more fully."
"This book taught me more about the mindset of Jews during WWII than just about any other."
"My daughter just started to read it."
"I read this book quickly on my Kindle and enjoyed it thoroughly."
"His story ."
"Great book with personal insights to Oscar Schindler."
"I would recommend this book to anyone especially to those who think they have life so tough."
"Amazing story that should never be forgotten."
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Best Children's United States Biographies

The Incredible Adventures of Rush Revere: Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims; Rush Revere and the First Patriots; Rush Revere and the American ... Banner; Rush Revere and the Presidency
From the nationally syndicated radio host and #1 New York Times bestselling author Rush Limbaugh comes this special boxed set of four exciting Rush Revere titles, perfect for those who want to discover more about some of the most remarkable Americans in history! Rush Limbaugh is host of The Rush Limbaugh Show —the nation’s highest-rated talk radio program, with an audience of more than twenty-five million—and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims, Rush Revere and the First Patriots, Rush Revere and the American Revolution, Rush Revere and the Star-Spangled Banner, and Rush Revere and the Presidency .
Reviews
"Bought for my niece for Christmas yes I said CHRISTMAS deal with it she loves it."
"Purchased this "series" for Granddaughters -- Read them 1st (My degree BA/History) -- passed them along to Granddaughters now aged 7 & 6 -- 7 yr old read, and now re-reads them -- While riding with mother breaks out in chuckles re."
"Excellent stories to read as a family and discuss how history should teach us a lesson from the past!"
"Purchased this for my 7 yo grandson, an avid reader who has a keen interest in American history."
"These are great books for kids."
"Fabulous!!!"
"Awesome !"
"kids and grand kids are learning a lot."
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Best Children's Performing Arts Biographies

The Amazing Book Is Not on Fire: The World of Dan and Phil
THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From YouTube sensations Dan Howell (danisnotonfire) and Phil Lester (AmazingPhil) comes a laugh-out-loud look into the world created by two awkward guys who share their lives on the Internet. Now they invite you on a behind-the-scenes journey, filled with absolutely essential advice, tons of humor, lots of awkwardness, and TMI honesty that they will probably regret. Here's just a small sample of the fun surprises readers can look forward to: • The inside story of that time they met One Direction. Their quirky comedy videos about their lives and observations on the world have earned them a following of over 11 million subscribers across their channels and a show on BBC Radio 1.
Reviews
"Dan and Phil put so much effort into this, and it really shows."
"kms that was gold my mEME QUEENS ARE GROWING UP SO FAST."
"It was really nice to read and see that it was everything Dan and Phil had described and more."
"Very nice think book with lots of neat facts and stuff."
"I really love the fact that it is written in the form of a back and forth dialogue between Dan and Phil, since their silly banter is one of the best things about watching their videos together."
"This book is in the style of a yearbook, chronicling his and his best friend, Dan Howell (DanIsNotOnFire) through their youth, YouTube, and a bit of present day."
"Imagine if you will having a piece of Dan and Phil's life in the palm of your hands..."
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Best Children's Social Activists Biographies

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—in the first picture book about her life—as she proves that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable! This picture book biography of Justice Ginsburg traces her achievements in the field of law back to her girlhood years, emphasizing for readers the importance of dissent in the face of an unequal society.
Reviews
"Fantastic book for young kids and adults."
"Inspired my granddaughter!"
"Beautifully illustrated and summarized ."
"I purchased this as a gift and it was a tremendous success."
"Great book for all children."
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Best Children's US Presidents & First Ladies Biographies

Who Was Abraham Lincoln?
As sixteenth President of the United States, he guided the nation through the Civil War and saw the abolition of slavery.
Reviews
"My 8 year old nephew has an obsession with Abraham Lincoln."
"It's a great book for my 8 year old who picked Lincoln for a short book report."
"I have read several of the "Who was" books to my kids."
"Perfect for my eight year olds book report."
"I am happy with my purchase."
"My son started this series last year when he was in third grade, he still loves it."
"My kids love these books."
"My kids love these books."
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