biography books for tweens

35 Biographies that will Inspire your Middle School Student

Your tweens and teens can learn a ton by reading middle school biographies . Don’t let your middle schooler skip over this genre! There are just too many great books to choose from.

Reading about inspiring lives from the past and present allows kids to learn about the world beyond their own experiences. 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. This list was gathered specificially for the readers who are “stuck in the middle.”

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Middle School Biographies

These middle school biographies will supplement many homeschool curriculums and make easy additions to any reading list for teens and tweens.

As with any booklist, you make the best choices when it comes to appropriate literature for your child to read. I have read many, though not all, of the books on this list. I highly recommend Common Sense Media when you want to know what sort of content might be included in any book.

A Simple Biography Report

Help your student thoughtfully remember facts from these middle school biographies with this free one-page biography report .

This simple report is perfect for your tween or teen to use to record what they learn as they read. It’s an easy (and fun!) way to report their reading. Ask them to share their findings over dinner if they are willing!

35 Biographies for Teens and Tweens

I am Malala

Malala Yousafai

Two of my kids dove into this one in middle school and couldn’t stop talking about it for quite some time. It opened their eyes to horrible situations in other countries and the courage it takes for one person to stand up to injustice.

Publisher’s Description: “Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren’t allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn’t go to school.

Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school.

No one expected her to survive.”

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Candace Fleming

Publisher’s Description: “On May 21, 1937, the most famous female pilot of all time, Amelia Earhart, set out to do the impossible: circumnavigate the globe at its widest point–27,000 miles in all. Just six weeks later, she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean.

Eighty years have passed since that fateful flight; and still, Amelia’s plane has never been found. Discover the thrilling life and tragic end of America’s most famous trailblazing flier with this impeccably researched and masterfully crafted book from acclaimed author Candace Fleming.”

Becoming Emily: The Life of Emily Dickinson

Krystyna Poray Goddu

Publisher’s Description: “In Becoming Emily, young readers will learn how as a child, an adolescent, and well into adulthood, Dickinson was a lively social being with a warm family life. Highly educated for a girl of her era, she actively engaged in both the academic and social aspects of the schools she attended until she was nearly eighteen.

Her family and friends were important to her, and she was a prolific, thoughtful, and witty correspondent who shared many poems with her closest friends and relatives.

This indispensable resource includes photos, full-length poems, letter excerpts, a time line, source notes, and a bibliography to present a vivid portrait of this singular American poet.”

Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

Jo Ann Allen Boyce

From Amazon: “In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen-year-old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee.

At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if the easier thing to do would be to go back to their old school.

Jo Ann–clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular among both black and white students—found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But what about just being a regular teen?”

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America

Teri Kanefield

Publisher’s Description: “The America that Alexander Hamilton knew was largely agricultural and built on slave labor. He envisioned something else: a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. He believed that such an America would be a land of opportunity for the poor and the newcomers.

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. Over time, because of the systems Hamilton set up and the ideas he left, his vision won out.

Here is the story that epitomizes the American dream—a poor immigrant who made good in America. In the end, Hamilton rose from poverty through his intelligence and ability, and did more to shape our country than any of his contemporaries.”

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

William Kamkwamba

From Amazon: “When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba’s tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season’s crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family’s life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William’s windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land.”

March: Book One

John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

Who can resist a graphic novel biography ? This has been a popular one in our house with all four kids and myself!

From Amazon: “ March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.

Book One spans John Lewis’ youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall.”

Thurgood Marshall: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “ Thurgood Marshall , the great-grandson of a slave, was born at a time when African Americans were denied equal rights in America. Segregation was legal. Lynching was common. In some places, African Americans were entirely excluded from public life; they were forbidden to enter public parks and museums or use public swimming pools and restrooms. After being denied admission to the University of Maryland Law School because of his race, Marshall enrolled at Howard University. He graduated first in his class and set out as a young lawyer determined to achieve equality for all Americans. Here is the story of how he did it—how he devised his legal strategy for expanding “we the people” to include all people.”

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March

by Lynda Blackmon Lowery

From the Publisher: “As the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Lynda Blackmon Lowery proved that young adults can be heroes. Jailed eleven times before her fifteenth birthday, Lowery fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. for the rights of African-Americans.

In this memoir, she shows today’s young readers what it means to fight nonviolently (even when the police are using violence, as in the Bloody Sunday protest) and how it felt to be part of changing American history.”

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero

by Patricia McCormick

From Amazon: “It was April 5, 1943, and the Gestapo would arrive any minute. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had been expecting this day for a long time. He had put his papers in order—and left a few notes specifically for Hitler’s men to see. Two SS agents climbed the stairs and told the boyish-looking Bonhoeffer to come with them. He calmly said good-bye to his parents, put his Bible under his arm, and left. Upstairs there was proof, in his own handwriting, that this quiet young minister was part of a conspiracy to kill Adolf Hitler.

This compelling, brilliantly researched account includes the remarkable discovery that Bonhoeffer was one of the first people to provide evidence to the Allies that Jews were being deported to death camps. It takes readers from his privileged early childhood to the studies and travel that would introduce him to peace activists around the world—eventually putting this gentle, scholarly pacifist on a deadly course to assassinate one of the most ruthless dictators in history.”

Gifted Hands, Revised Kids Edition: The Ben Carson Story

by Gregg Lewis

My son read this book as part of his summer reading in middle school and then we watched the movie . He enjoyed both versions of Ben Caron’s story.

Without a doubt, Ben Carson and all of the amazing medical breakthroughs he is able to achieve are very inspiring.

From the Publisher: “When Ben Carson was in school, his classmates called him the class dummy. Many—including Ben himself—doubted that he would ever amount to anything. But his mother never let him quit. She encouraged Ben to do better and reach higher for his dreams, and eventually, he discovered a deep love of learning.

Today this young boy from the inner-city is one of the world’s greatest pediatric neurosurgeons. Through determination and lot of hard work, Ben overcame his many obstacles and is now dedicated to saving the lives of critically ill children around the world.”

>>> Grab Our FREE Book to Movie Discussion Guide <<<

Abraham Lincoln: Making of America

From the Publisher: “Even though he grew up on the frontier without a formal education, Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) worked his way up in the government. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, then to the US House of Representatives, and then he became the 16th president of the United States.

During his presidency, he led the United States through the Civil War, brought about the emancipation of the enslaved, and strengthened the federal government.”

Child of the Dream (Memoir of 1963)

by Sharon Robinson

From the Publisher: “ In January 1963, Sharon Robinson turns 13 the night before George Wallace declares on national television “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever” in his inauguration speech as governor of Alabama. It is the beginning of a year that will change the course of American history.

As the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Sharon has opportunities that most people would never dream of experiencing. Her family hosts multiple fundraisers at their home in Connecticut for the work that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is doing. Sharon sees her first concert after going backstage at the Apollo Theater. And her whole family attends the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

But things don’t always feel easy for Sharon. She is one of the only Black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood. Her older brother, Jackie Robinson Jr., is having a hard time trying to live up to his father’s famous name, causing some rifts in the family. And Sharon feels isolated — struggling to find her role in the civil rights movement that is taking place across the country.

This is the story of how one girl finds her voice in the fight for justice and equality.”

A Long Way from Home

Saroo Brierley

From Amazon: “ At only five years old, Saroo Brierley got lost on a train in India. Unable to read or write or recall the name of his hometown or even his own last name, he survived alone for weeks on the rough streets of Calcutta before ultimately being transferred to an agency and adopted by a couple in Australia.

Despite his gratitude, Brierley always wondered about his origins. Eventually, with the advent of Google Earth, he had the opportunity to look for the needle in a haystack he once called home, and pore over satellite images for landmarks he might recognize or mathematical equations that might further narrow down the labyrinthine map of India. One day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for and set off to find his family.”

This one is also a major motion picture, so you can follow up with movie after you read the book!

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina (Young Reader)

by Misty Copeland

From Amazon: “Determination meets dance in this New York Times bestselling memoir by the history-making ballerina Misty Copeland, recounting the story of her journey to become the first African-American principal ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.

When she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America’s most groundbreaking dancers .

A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.”

Andrew Jackson: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “Born in the Carolina backwoods, Jackson joined the American Revolutionary War at the age of thirteen. After a reckless youth of gunfights, gambling, and general mischief, he rose to national fame as the general who defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans.

Jackson ran for president as a political outsider, championing the interest of common farmers and frontiersmen. Determined to take down the wealthy, well-educated East Coast “elites,” he pledged to destroy the national bank—which he believed was an engine of corruption serving the interest of bankers and industrialists.

A stanch nationalist, he sought to secure and expand the nation’s borders. Believing that “we the people” included white men only, he protected the practice of slavery and opened new lands for white settlers by pushing the Native people westward.

Jackson, a polarizing figure in his era, ignited a populist movement that remains a powerful force in our national politics.”

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

by Ashlee Vance

This book remains a favorite biography for middle schoolers in my house. My husband read it out loud to my boys and they absolutely loved it.

From Amazon: “The version for adults has been praised as “riveting” (The Financial Times), “spirited” (The Wall Street Journal), and “masterful” (Vice). Now younger readers can read about this innovative leader who is revolutionizing three industries at once: space, automotive, and energy.”

The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance

Don Mitchell

From Amazon: “When Hitler invaded Poland, Virginia Hall traveled in Europe. Which was dangerous enough, but as fighting erupted, instead of returning home, she headed to France. In a country divided by freedom and fascism, Virginia was determined to do her part for the Allies.

An ordinary woman from Baltimore, Maryland, she dove into the action, first joining a French ambulance unit and later becoming an undercover agent for both the British Office of Strategic Services and the US Office of Strategic Services. Working as a spy in the intelligence network, she made her way to Vichy, coordinating Resistance movements, assisting in Nazi sabotage, and rescuing downed Allies. She passed in plain sight of the enemy and soon found herself being hunted by the Gestapo.

But Virginia cleverly evaded discovery and death, often through bold feats and escapes. Her covert operations, efforts with the Resistance, and risky work as a wireless telegraph operator greatly contributed to the Allies’ eventual win.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “ When Franklin D. Roosevelt was first elected president in 1933, America was in the throes of the Great Depression—the worst economic crisis in U.S. history—and the world was experiencing a menacing rise in Nazism and other dangerous extremists.

Throughout his four presidential terms, Roosevelt was a steady and inspiring leader. He implemented progressive social reform through his New Deal agenda and helped lift America from economic crisis. He guided America to victory in World War II.

Born into wealth and privilege, Roosevelt entered politics at a young age. His career and world views were shaped by his marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt and his long struggle with polio.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our thirty-second president, forever left his mark on our nation and the world. By the time of his death, America had grown to a global economic and military superpower. His New Deal legislation changed the relationship of American citizens to their government. His policies came close to fully realizing Alexander Hamilton’s vision of a government that touches and improves the lives of all citizens.

Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass, a Monumental American Man

Tonya Bolden

From Amazon: “Teacher. Self-emancipator. Orator. Author. Man. Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) is one of the most important African-American figures in US history, best known, perhaps, for his own emancipation.

But there is much more to Douglass’s story than his time spent in slavery and his famous autobiography. Delving into his family life and travel abroad, this book captures the whole complicated, and at times perplexing, person that he was.

As a statesman, suffragist, writer, newspaperman, and lover of the arts, Douglass the man, rather than the historical icon, is the focus in Facing Frederick.”

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy

Seymour Reit

From Amazon: “In 1861, when war erupted between the States, President Lincoln made an impassioned plea for volunteers. Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men’s clothing, and enlisted in the Union Army.

Posing in turn as a slave, peddler, washerwoman, and fop, Emma became a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death at every turn behind Confederate lines.”

Susan B. Anthony: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “Susan B. Anthony was born into a world in which men ruled women. A man could beat his wife, take her earrings, have her committed to an asylum based on his word alone, and take her children away from her. While the young nation was ablaze with the radical notion that people could govern themselves, “people” were understood to be white and male. Women were expected to stay out of public life and debates. As Anthony saw the situation, “Women’s subsistence is in the hands of men, and most arbitrarily and unjustly does he exercise his consequent power.” She imagined a different world—one where women and people of color were treated with the same respect that white men were given. Susan B. Anthony explores her life, from childhood to her public career as a radical abolitionist to her rise to become an international leader in the women’s suffrage movement.”

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld

From the Publisher: “At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward.

But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away (Young Readers Edition)

Erica Armstrong Dunbar

From Amazon: “In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.”

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Dorothy Sterling

Publisher’s Description: “Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible – certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn’t forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.”

My Survival: A Girl on Schindler’s List

Joshua M. Greene

From the Publisher: “Rena Finder was only eleven when the Nazis forced her and her family — along with all the other Jewish families — into the ghetto in Krakow, Poland. Rena worked as a slave laborer with scarcely any food and watched as friends and family were sent away.

Then Rena and her mother ended up working for Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who employed Jewish prisoners in his factory and kept them fed and healthy. But Rena’s nightmares were not over. She and her mother were deported to the concentration camp Auschwitz. With great cunning, it was Schindler who set out to help them escape.”

Facing the Lion (Abridged Edition): Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe

Simone Arnold Liebster

From the Publisher: “Simone Arnold is an ordinary French schoolgirl—spirited and stubborn. Then the Nazis march in, demanding complete conformity. Friends become enemies. Teachers spout Nazi propaganda. School officials recruit for the Hitler Youth. Simone’s family refuses to heil Hitler as Germany’s savior. They are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and they reject Nazi racism and violence. The Nazi Lion makes them pay the price.”

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson

From the Publisher: “As a young girl, Katherine Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for math. In school she quickly skipped ahead several grades and was soon studying complex equations with the support of a professor who saw great promise in her.

But ability and opportunity did not always go hand in hand. As an African American and a girl growing up in an era of brutal racism and sexism, Katherine faced daily challenges.

Still, she lived her life with her father’s words in mind: “You are no better than anyone else, and nobody else is better than you.”

In the early 1950s, Katherine was thrilled to join the organization that would become NASA. She worked on many of NASA’s biggest projects including the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first men on the moon.”

Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback

Skai Jackson

From the Publisher: “Actress and activist Skai Jackson is a star! Her rise to fame started on the popular Disney Channel shows Bunk’d and Jessie. Her cool sense of style led her to create her own fashion line. And her success has made her a major influencer, with millions of followers on Instagram, who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in.”

The Secret Soldier: Story of Deborah Sampson: The Story of Deborah Sampson

Ann McGovern

From Amazon: “Deborah Sampson wanted to travel and have adventures, but since she had no money, the best way to do that was to join the army. This is the exciting true story of a woman who became a soldier during the American Revolutionary War, by dressing and acting like a man.”

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

Bethany Hamilton

This was a favorite book and story when my girls were in middle school. 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. We did watch the movie, but we had to fast-forward through the shark attack scene because it was too intense for them when they were younger.

From the Publisher: “Soul Surfer is a moving account of Bethany’s life as a young surfer, her recovery after the attack, the adjustments she’s made to her unique surfing style, her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships, and, most fundamentally, her belief in God.

It is a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows the body is no more essential to surfing—perhaps even less so—than the soul.”

The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia

Esther Hautzig

From the Publisher: “In June 1941, the Rudomin family is arrested by the Russians. They are accused of being capitalists, “enemies of the people.” Forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, they are herded into crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia.

For five years, Esther and her family lived in exile, weeding potato fields, working in the mines, and struggling to stay alive. But in the middle of hardship and oppression, the strength of their small family sustains them and gives them hope for the future.”

Chasing Space (Young Readers’ Edition)

Leland Melvin

From the Publisher: “When the former Detroit Lion’s football career was cut short by an injury, Leland didn’t waste time mourning his broken dream. Instead, he found a new one—something that was completely out of this world.

He joined NASA, braved an injury that nearly left him permanently deaf, and still managed to muster the courage and resolve to travel to space on the shuttle Atlantis to help build the International Space Station. Leland’s problem-solving methods and can-do attitude turned his impossible-seeming dream into reality.”

The Notorious Benedict Arnold

Steve Sheinkin

From the Publisher: “Most people know that Benedict Arnold was America’s first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one of its greatest Revolutionary War heroes. Steve Sheinkin’s accessible biography, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, introduces young readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with first-person accounts, astonishing American Revolution battle scenes, and surprising twists, this is a gripping and true adventure tale from history.”

Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of Nellie Bly

Deborah Noyes

From the Publisher: “Young Nellie Bly had ambitious goals, especially for a woman at the end of the nineteenth century, when the few female journalists were relegated to writing columns about cleaning or fashion.

But fresh off a train from Pittsburgh, Nellie knew she was destined for more and pulled a major journalistic stunt that skyrocketed her to fame: feigning insanity, being committed to the notorious asylum on Blackwell’s Island, and writing a shocking exposé of the clinic’s horrific treatment of its patients.   Nellie Bly became a household name and raised awareness of political corruption, poverty, and abuses of human rights. Leading an uncommonly full life, Nellie circled the globe in a record seventy-two days and brought home a pet monkey before marrying an aged millionaire and running his company after his death.”

More Books for Middle Schoolers:

If your student is interested in graphic novels (a very popular option) then these graphic novels for middle schoolers are great options.

Our middle school book club enjoyed these 8 titles this year . They were fantastic reads for great discussions!

While these winter themed books for middle school are great in the winter, they can easily be enjoyed at any time of year.

Don’t forget your FREE one-page biography report:

Additional Biography for Kids Books:

Biography picture books your kids will love.

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Books for Kids and Grown Ups

The Best Biography Books for Middle School

Ahh, middle school. Those awkward early teen years, brimming with angst and euphoria, are all about kids on the cusp of adolescence, trying to figure out their story and who they will be. Middle schoolers have developed a sense of their own history and are developing their passions that will shape who they are in the years to come. Middle grade biography books are a critical gateway into giving middle schoolers a chance to glimpse the coming-of-age stories of their own idols and heroes. Whether they are ballerinas, civil rights activists, inventors or foodies, there are middle school biography books for kids of all interests on this list. You’ll also find the recommended grade levels for each book on this list!

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20 Best Middle Grade Biography Books

Text Middle School Biography Books

The books in this section are the typical biographies, written in largely text format:

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team

Steve Sheinkin, a three-time National Book Award finalist, writes a compelling history of one of the most impressive athletes in American history, as well as one of its most disturbing instances: the creation of Indian boarding schools in the late 1800s to early 1900s. This book highlights one athlete’s story, from his humble beginnings to his athletic triumphs over adversity on the football field to the larger contributions of Native Americans to the field of football. This is an intriguing and important must-read for many sports fans. 

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina

There are multiple children’s biographies and picture books of Misty Copeland, the first African American principal dancer for the prestigious American Ballet Theater. This autobiography shares the details of her impressive rise from an itinerant childhood to the elevated niche in which she now finds herself. Hand this book to kids who devoured her picture books and are now ready to read the finer details of her life and the way she persevered through challenges like her stepfather’s alcoholism, frequent moves, and body image issues in a notoriously difficult environment for girls with curves. Her optimistic voice, giddy with youth yet wise with a sense of purpose, sends a strong message to teens about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a strong commitment to family, making her a positive, yet very cool, role model to look up to. 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind 

A nonfiction classic that weaves strands of agricultural innovation, strength in adversity, and a community coming together, this book, also the subject of multiple movies and documentaries, doesn’t get old. This book tells the fascinating story of a boy and a community. William Kamkwamba, who was born into a small village in Malawi, faces the terrible consequences of a drought that hits his village. Losing all their crops and struggling to farm their land with the rising cost of maize and faced with a government that could or would not help much, Kamkwamba ends up creating a windmill out of old, scavenged parts that helps their community pump water back into the village’s land. Told with strength, joy, humor, and energy, this nonfiction book is a great read-aloud or book to be shared between middle schoolers and adults alike.

Popular: How a Geek in Pearls Discovered the Secret to Confidence

The premise of this book is bound to appeal to middle schoolers. Written by a teen herself, Maya Van Wagenen is a shy, quiet bookworm who is having trouble making friends at her school in rural Texas and is, in her words, on one of the lowest rungs of the social ladder. Before her 8th grade year, she finds a vintage book in her parents’ collection, titled “How to Be Popular,” written in 1951 by former teen model Betty Cornell. Maya decides, as a social experiment, to follow these rules for popularity in her contemporary 2000s-era high school to a tee. What follows is expectedly hilarious, adorably awkward, sweetly poignant and unapologetically, unflinchingly beautiful and inspiring, as Maya learns the true secret of popularity – confidence in one’s own unique voice. Hand this book to every middle schooler navigating the treacherous shoals of finding their own identity during their teen years.

Amelia Lost

Candace Fleming is a nonfiction author who is such an expert at characterization and tight pacing,  that her biography of this famed aviator, which could have been very run-of-the-mill (and we know there are many of those out there!), into a suspenseful thriller that will keep readers turning the pages, even though we already know how it all ends. Starting not at Earhart’s childhood but at her disappearance, Fleming’s narrative flips back and forth between the excruciating hours of her disappearance and the frantic search to find her, to snippets from her childhood, growing up years, eventual fame, and marriage, before all finally meeting up at the end. You think you know the story of Amelia Earhart, but this book writes it in a way that feels fresh and fascinating.

Unbroken (Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive 

This book is a harrowing true account of Louis Zamperini, an exuberant Italian American immigrant who gets shot down during World War 2 and survives being stranded at sea as well as nightmarish torture in a Japanese POW camp. Adapted for teen readers, the author unflinchingly describes the hope and suffering that Louis Zamperini experiences during wartime. The evocative, spare language, accompanied by the expert pacing, will leave readers racing to read each next chapter to find out what happens. Unflinching descriptions of the harsh conditions that Zamperini experiences make this book one to read before giving to younger readers, but teens will be able to read this important and classic survival epic and have a renewed appreciation for war veterans and the heavy price our veterans have paid for America’s freedom.

Free Lunch 

This searing true account of the author’s personal experiences as a 6th grader experiencing hunger will have middle school readers poring over every page and when the book is done, seeing their world with new eyes. For privileged readers, this will help them better understand the unseen hardships of their fellow students. For those who are struggling, this book will help them feel seen and hopefully, understood. Ogle’s writing is direct, honest and sympathetic and will go straight to the heart of all readers, whether they are fantasy readers who often reject nonfiction in favor of new worlds to explore, or reluctant readers who get overwhelmed by too much descriptive text on the page. Ogle’s short, spare, evocative language will appeal to all readers.

Becoming Kid Quixote

A sweet, authentic nonfiction biography narrated by a ten year old girl, who finds inspiration and a way to share her story and her voice in the after school program she attends. Sarah Sierra, a daughter of Mexican American immigrant parents, studies the Spanish classic Don Quixote and together with a group of other young theater students, reimagine the play in modern day Brooklyn, New York. A slim, accessible volume, suitable for younger readers who will relish the opportunity to see and hear the words of one of their own and be inspired by her creativity themselves.

The Plot to Kill Hitler

A sobering, heroic biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a quiet, bookish pastor who saw the rise of Hitler and fought in a conspiracy to stop it. Although his actions ended in tragedy, his words continued to live on and inspire other activists, such as Martin Luther King Jr. This young reader’s adaptation is text-heavy but worth the time, especially for readers interested in this time period and the actions of those who resisted Nazi thinking and atrocities.

The Boys who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

A more hopeful story of another band of World War 2 resisters, this biography of a group of schoolboys in Denmark who end up fighting back against the Nazis in Occupied Denmark, will be sure to delight middle schoolers who are history buffs and enjoy reading about the part children can play in history as well. We often tell the story of battles from the general’s point of view, but it is invigorating and inspiring to read how even small actions can have a powerful impact, to shape and motivate an entire community to act for the greater good.

Middle School Graphic Memoirs

There’s been a growing trend in middle grade nonfiction publishing for graphic memoirs – or autobiographies in a graphic novel format. These books are highly appealing for middle school readers, especially those who are reluctant readers. These graphic memoirs can seem deceptively simple but offer layers of emotional resonance, encouraging middle school readers to read text as well as visual cues of these biographies of authors who often share anecdotes and insights about their own teen years. 

Dare to Disappoint: Growing up in Turkey 

This funny, heartrending graphic memoir tells the story of Ozge, a girl growing up in 1980s Turkey. Readers will laugh along with Ozge as she describes her childhood growing up in Turkey and be intrigued by the differences between her childhood in newly industrializing Turkey and our modern-day American experience. As the book progresses, more complicated forces come into play and we notice, like the author as she gets older, the contradictory tug between loyalty,  faith, Muslim traditions and Westernized values. Hand this book to older middle schoolers who love art and who are ready for the harder questions of politics, economy and history.

Diary of a Tokyo Teen

This short, sweet graphic memoir was written by the author when she was just seventeen years old. Interspersed with drawings and photographs, this book traces the author’s first solo trip as a sixteen-year-old to stay with her grandparents in Japan for one summer. Told with a vivacious, authentic energy, this rises up above the mere travelogue and explores the thoughts and feelings a teenaged girl would experience, from the touristy (visiting golden Buddhist temples and feeding the Nara deer) to the mundane (like riding the bullet train by herself). This book will appeal to armchair travelers, artists and foodie teens alike.

Dreamer 

For the sports fan especially during hockey season, this memoir tells the story of Akim Aliu, a Nigerian-Ukrainian-Canadian professional hockey player who charts his fascinating personal story of his childhood and how he discovers ice hockey. Aliu shares his personal experiences with racism on and off the ice, his engrossing candor and compelling stories will make this a surefire hit with middle school readers. There are some visually depicted scenes of violence and swearing, just as a warning to parents who want to explore this before handing this book to their younger readers.

Almost American Girl: A Memoir

Middle schoolers who loved Raina Telgemeier’s Smile will be immersed in Robin Ha’s memoir. She came to Kansas on what she thought was a vacation with her single mother. However, once she landed in the United States, a teenage Robin was astounded to learn that they were no longer returning to Seoul, Korea, but living in the Southern US with a Korean-American man whom her mother had just met and planned to marry. Empathetic tween readers will shudder with sympathy as they follow Robin’s years through an American education, not speaking the language or being able to read her beloved comics. Artistic readers will relish the solace she ends up finding in drawing.

A First Time for Everything

Awardwinning graphic novelist Dan Santat pulls off a hat trick of a book – a personal story of his own awkward middle school years seen through the prism of one trip to Europe. This book hits all the right notes – the travelogue aspect, a chance to see Santat’s incredible illustrations of Europe in the 1980s, and his realistic, humorous depiction of his own experiences with friendship, first love and…Fanta, the European soda. Middle school readers will come for the drawings and stay for the thoughtful, poignant and thoroughly engaging musings of the brilliant Dan Santat.

Picture this: a Winnebago full of your EIGHT siblings, as you travel into Mexico, where you have barely been, even though you are a Mexican-American family, to find your abuelita and bring her back with you to the United States. This reads like the best premise of a novel, but is the true story of Pedro Martin, describing his own journey! Told in a poignant yet hilarious fashion, Martin’s graphic memoir (which won a Newbery Honor), shares family misadventures and anecdotal insights into Mexican-American culture that everyone will appreciate.

Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation 

The trend of graphic novel adaptations of classic middle grade books continues to grow. This book, one of the early adaptations, is a haunting, powerful and compelling version that stays true to the original text and portrays Anne Frank’s words and experience in elegant yet ominous detail.  The subdued color palette sets the atmosphere but the finely rendered ink drawings bring sophistication and dignity to this important story. Recommended for older middle grade readers, who will not be able to gloss over the realities of Anne Frank’s tragedy since it is rendered in visual detail, rather than in nuanced text.

Relish: My Life in the Kitchen 

The first of author/illustrator Lucy Knisley’s graphic memoirs, this book traces Lucy’s origins as a child of culinary parents, chefs and gourmets, in New York. From fine dining restaurants to farmers’ markets, this book has complex but beautifully illustrated recipes, detailed explanations and comic drawings, all of which will appeal to any young readers who love cooking shows. Whether you love creme brulee or cupcakes, this book has something for each palate.

Dragon Hoops

One of the best graphic biographies out there – since it combines the biography of Gene Luen Yang himself, as he struggles to write another book after his bestselling graphic novel, American Born Chinese. As he shares his writerly struggles, we learn more about his role as a teacher and his unexpected interest in his school’s varsity basketball team, which is making waves as they move towards the unprecedented goal of making the California State Championships. As Yang finds himself drawn to tracing their journey and their biographies, as individuals and as a team, he begins to see how this impacts his own history and view of himself. A must-read for middle schoolers who love comics, history, basketball, who didn’t think they liked comics, history or basketball. This book has it all.

March: Book One

A powerful graphic memoir about the beginnings of the civil rights movement, told through the eyes of Congressman John Lewis, one of its key figures. The first in a trilogy, the first book tells the story of Lewis’s childhood in Alabama, the life-changing moment he met Martin Luther King Jr, and his growing involvement in the sit-ins and other non-violent protests against segregation and discrimination. Readers will want to continue observing his journey in the following books in the series, that will take us up to the powerful March on Washington.

There they are: 20 fantastic middle school biographies! Which one of these have you read and enjoyed? What did I miss?

More Middle Grade Nonfiction

• 40 best middle grade nonfiction books
• Great nonfiction books for 6th graders
• 5th grade nonfiction books

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About Evelyn Schwartz

Evelyn is a school librarian/fifth grade teacher who loves board games, bird watching and most of all, being buried in a good book! Preferably while sipping hot cocoa on a slouchy couch with her family.

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20 Biography Books For Kids To Help Them Dream Big

Brandie DeRusha

With her MA in English from Rutgers University-Camden, Brandie spends her days chasing around her toddlers and writing. She loves to pair wine with her reading; preferably a Brontë, or an Elliot, or a Woolf novel. Depending on the mood. She currently lives in Florida with her husband, two kids and furry beast.

View All posts by Brandie DeRusha

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, I forgot how to dream for my life. It was in between those “you can do anything you put your mind to” platitudes from my mother, to “you’ll never make any money if you get a degree in art” realities — also from my mother. As a good child, I believed everything people would say about my potential. If I expressed interest in writing or journalism, they would scoff at me that it was “too hard” for me; if it was acting or dancing, it was “too competitive.” Clearly it was confusing and sent me into an adolescent identity crisis. Who could I be if I couldn’t be who I was?

Now, as a grown up and a mother, I realize that in order to live our truth…we must follow our curiosity. We must embrace our curiosity. We must be allowed to explore. To get things wrong. To find out how we individually interpret the world around us. That will help us make the world a better place.

Thankfully, the way has been paved before us by millions of amazing people who refused to internalize the negative messages about their dreams. People who were so into what they were doing that nothing else mattered except that one thing. Who knew that what their heart was saying was the way without someone’s expectations of them.

Here are stories of 20 people who made their own way and changed not only their lives but ours. 20 stories of people who followed their curiously, followed their love, and led the way for us to be a better society. These 20 biography books for kids can help your kids dream big.

20 of the Best Biography Books for Kids

The Story of Harriet Tubman by Christine Platt

Before she became known for her fight to free people from enslavement, she was a little girl who was sad to see her family be separated. Tubman is going to be a key person in most kids’ history classes — so this book also gives a timeline of her life, with age appropriate discussion questions. And if you love this, the series also has Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Benjamin Franklin biographies, and more.

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Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant and Boris Kulikov

This picture book biography tells the story of how Louis Braille lost his sight and invented an alphabet. Young Braille wanted nothing more than to be able to read after an accident causes him to lose his eyesight. His invention gave blind kids all over the world a new way to navigate a world that wasn’t made for them. This book is not only inspiring, it shows children that everyone is capable of doing good things.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne and Éric Puybaret

Once there was a boy named Jacques. He loved to explore the oceans. This whimsical and poetic biography of Jacques Cousteau will inspire kids to follow their explorer natures, as well as help them realize that every person who has made history started as a kid with curiosity.

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote by Tanya Lee Stone and Rebecca Gibbon

From a young age, Elizabeth understood that things weren’t equal in her life. How could only a few people have the right to vote? Voting is the foundation of our democracy. So she went to college, gathered like-minded friends, and made their statements, not stopping until women in the United States won the Right to Vote. She was a girl who saw a problem, and grew up to find the solution.

Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonya Sotomayor and Lulu Delacre

The first Latina on the Supreme Court, Sonya Sotomayor recollects her life and the steps that brought her there. For her, it was books. Books helped her cope with difficulties in her life, connect with her roots, and helped her see that her future was full of possibilities. In her autobiography, Sotomayor encourages kids everywhere to read, dream, and puzzle for themselves.

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kera Ascoet

As a girl, Malala wished for a magic pencil. A tool she could use to make everyone happy. To make the world around her a little brighter. As she got older she realized that even if she didn’t have a magic pencil, she could still work hard to make the world a better place. Told in a way that’s appropriate to children, we learn about the struggles that Malala faced to follow her dreams and how even then she held onto a hope for a better future for herself and her friends.

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People by Monica Brown and Julie Paschkis

Sometimes people create with paint, but for a little boy in a city in Chile, words were better. Pablo wrote poems about all the things he loved. Things he found in nature, things his friends made, and the things he found at the marketplace. He wrote about the people of Chile, their struggles and passions. It all started with a little boy who loved to paint with words.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle and Rafael López

Millo Castro Zaldarriaga dreamed of drumming. However, girls weren’t allowed to drum on her little island. She dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. One day, she decided to follow her dream — what happened next when her bright music was heard was magic: people dancing and singing and deciding that boys and girls can make music. Showing that both boys and girls can be free to drum and dream, Millo’s story is an inspiration for children everywhere.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and George Ford

Ruby was just a normal 6-year-old until she was chosen to be the first Black person to be enrolled in an all white elementary school. A lot of people didn’t like that idea and said some mean and threatening things. Ruby did what she was told to do, and went to school anyway. How does a little girl change the world? By being brave in the face of racism and injustice.

A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russel-Brown and Laura Freeman

How did a quiet and shy girl from Detroit become the Queen of Soul and the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? She stayed true to herself and her ideals by refusing to play for segregated audiences and never forgetting her roots. She stood up for what was right. Aretha Franklin proved that with passion, perseverance, and R-E-S-P-E-C-T, you can do anything.

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician by Lesa Cline-Ransome and Raúl Colón

When NASA used mathematicians called “human computers,” one woman stood out among them all. Katherine Johnson was integral in getting John Glen around the world, helping men walk on the moon, and getting Apollo 13 home safely. This book is for girls who love numbers — who don’t let problems stand in the way from the work.

Vincent Can’t Sleep by Barb Rosenstock and Mary Grandpre

Vincent Can’t Sleep is the story of how one of the most beloved and creative artists found his inspiration. When Vincent Van Gogh couldn’t sleep, he’d walk during the night, giving him the inspiration for his famous painting Starry Night . With lovely poetic writing, it tells kids to follow their passion, even if they don’t see the return in their lifetime. (Maybe wait to walk outside at night alone until after they’ve grown up, though.)

Magic Ramen by Andrea Wang and Kana Urbanowicz

“Peace follows a full stomach,” thought Momofuko Ando while working in his lab to find a quick, easy, and tasty way of making ramen soup. He wanted to help those in the long daily lines for soup after WWII. This is the story of one man, his commitment to his cause, and the world’s most popular “easy soup.”

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson and Christian Robinson

Florence was a little girl who loved to sing. She also loved her parents, who were formerly enslaved. So when her beautiful singing and dancing inspired patrons and playwrights alike, she knew that she wouldn’t be happy without standing up to the injustice that she saw daily.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley

“Disagreeing does not make you disagreeable” was something that young Ruth Bader Ginsberg had to learn. This book is the first picture book of Ginsberg’s life. Kids get to see how one girl who stood up for what she believed and became the most beloved Supreme Court justice.

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos by Stephanie Roth Sisson

“The Earth and every living thing are made of star stuff.” —Carl Sagan. As a boy, Carl Sagan loved learning about the stars. His trip to the 1939 World’s Fair opened up the universe to Carl. A boy who was captured by the wonder of the cosmos became a man who would launch satellites and teach the world about the stars.

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls

Sometimes being told you can’t do a thing gives you all the incentive to do it more, especially if EVERYONE thinks you can’t. Emmanuel Ofosu Yepoah only had one leg — and this is the true story of how he biked across the entire country of Ghana (almost 400 miles!) and went on change the way many people in his country thought about people with disabilities.

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Vernick and Don Tate

Effa Manley loved baseball. She loved to go Yankee Stadium and see Babe Ruth swing for the fences. Soon she became her own hero by becoming the manager and owner of the Newark Eagles. Effa was the first (and only) woman inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame, because of her work with the Eagles. From a girl growing up in Philly to a Hall of Famer, Manley shows us how to swing for the fences.

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix by Gary Golio and Javaka Steptoe

Can someone paint pictures with sound? Jimi was a normal kid who loved to paint and listen to music. This is the story of a kid who interpreted the world in his own unique way, and over time learned how to weave music and imagery to become one of the most influential people in the world.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora

Mary Walker was born into slavery. She had her first child at the age of 20, lived through a Civil War and two World Wars, and worked many many jobs. Finally, at the young age of 116, Mary Walker learned how to read, proving that it is never too late to follow your dreams and also recognize how incredible life can be.

Want even more after reading this list? Check out historical fiction classics for kids and these picture book biographies of Black leaders and creatives.

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Middle School Biography Books That Will Inspire Tweens

Tweens can learn a lot by reading middle school biography books . When you think about the best books for middle grade students, this genre should definitely be on every homeschooler’s reading list.

Biographies give kids the chance to learn about the lives of extraordinary people. Their stories are interesting and informative and without a doubt will inspire and challenge your tweens and teens. 

That is to say, this book style lets readers see life from another person’s perspective. It helps them appreciate different cultures, beliefs, and values.

Reading middle grade biographies will certainly broaden your child’s horizons!

If your kids are hesitant to read biographies, it’s important to realize that the people in these books have important stories to tell. Particularly, about their daily life, something amazing they’ve accomplished, or challenges they’ve overcome. 

Table of Contents

What is a biography?

In short, a biography is a type of book that tells the true story of an individual’s life that’s written by someone else.

It’s slightly different from an autobiography or a memoir. An autobiography is a person’s story written by themselves and a memoir is a collection of stories (or memories) told in their own words.

One of the best things about the biography genre is that it gives readers a glimpse into the lives of prominent contemporary and historical people.

It typically focuses on someone’s achievements and experiences, and in addition, often includes personal things like family relationships, health issues, and character traits.

Why Should Middle Schoolers Read Biographies?

Biographies are an important part of any reading plan, but especially so for tweens. Middle school is the stage when kids are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit into the world. That is to say, they need role models.

This genre gives tweens the chance to study the achievements of well-known people, their various attributes, and the obstacles they overcame to reach their goals.

Biography books are motivating and can be a source of inspiration for middle schoolers who are in the process of finding themselves. As they read these impactful stories, they’ll discover each person has something special within them and that it’s possible to use those qualities to affect the world around them.

What are the Benefits of Reading Biographies?

There are many benefits to kids reading biography books, including:

• opening up different worlds to kids by sharing the lives of influential men and women
• conveying the context within which history happened
• encouraging young readers to think critically about current events and inspiring them to become more engaged citizens
• teaching tweens empathy
• increasing vocabulary and comprehension skills

Choosing a Biography

One thing I love about biographies is that there are so many to choose from. On the other hand, this can also make it difficult to pick titles for your kids to read.

It might help to sit down with your tween and make a list of individuals they would like to learn more about. 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. The stories are motivating, engaging, and entertaining and may even help middle schoolers discover their own unique strengths.

Also, they’re some of the best nonfiction books for homeschoolers and should be essential reading in subject areas like language arts, science, and history.

Here are some of our favorite stories that are perfect for kids in 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. Some of them even highlight young people. Those who are stepping up to make a difference, taking action right now to improve the lives of themselves and those around them.

All of these stories are important, inspirational, and fascinating and should be read by all middle grade students.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. 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. See my disclosure statement .

Biographies for Middle Schoolers

These middle school biography books are all stories of people who have done important things and made a difference. They're a great way to learn about what their lives were like and how they broke through barriers and persevered.

Encourage your tween to apply the lessons they learn in their own life.

Who Is Greta Thunberg?

Learn about this impressive Swedish teen that's challenging the world to think differently about climate change and our role in saving the environment.

Asian American Women in Science

Introduce your tweens to 15 Asian American women who are pioneers in science.

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery

Sure, we all know he was a traitor, but do you know the full story of Benedict Arnold?

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes

Kids will love these short stories of 17 famous Asian Pacific American women who changed the game and excelled in their sport.

Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune

Introduce your tweens to one of the most important samurai in the history of Japan.

Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of the Original "Girl" Reporter, Nellie Bly

Journalist Nellie Bly had herself institutionalized in order to expose the poor treatment of the patients housed inside the well-known asylum on Blackwell's Island. Readers will learn about her life and writing career.

Home of the Brave: 15 Immigrants Who Shaped U.S. History

Read about the lives of 15 extraordinary people who came to America and used their gifts, talents, and intellect to shape their world and history.

John Muir: Young Naturalist

If your family enjoys exploring nature, this book is a must-read.

Discover why even as a young boy John Muir was so passionate about the natural world and how his early childhood led him to fight for the preservation of acres of beautiful wilderness and create the Sierra Club.

Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad

This book will introduce teens to the life John Horse, a Black Seminole leader, diplomat, and heroic warrior.

He spent his life fighting for the freedom and survival of his people against the government, rival tribes, and slave hunters.

Who Was Frida Kahlo?

Learn about the life story of this famous painter whose artwork is instantly recognizable thanks to the artist herself.

Leaders and Thinkers in American History: 15 Influential People You Should Know

This book will introduce tweens to 15 influential people throughout American history.

Trailblazers: Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers in Baseball

Learn about how Jackie Robinson changed the game of baseball.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers

This book will introduce you to 100 stories of young women who are working hard to create a better future and world.

Serena Williams

Learn about the obstacles Serena Williams overcame from a young age to become the world's best tennis player.

Who Was Annie Oakley?

Annie Oakley was a trailblazer who pushed aside all the cultural norms of her day. As a famous sharpshooter, she traveled all over the world with the renowned Buffalo Bill show during the wild west time period.

Lincoln's Spymaster: Allan Pinkerton, America's First Private Eye

Allan Pinkerton was America's first private eye who worked with his undercover team to catch all kinds of outlaws. President Lincoln funded his network, which ushered in the Secret Service.

Dian Fossey: Animal Rights Activist and Protector of Mountain Gorillas

If your tweens love animals, they need to know the story of Dian Fossey. She spent years studying, protecting, and fighting for the mountain gorillas in Africa.

Trailblazers: Martin Luther King, Jr.: Fighting for Civil Rights

No biography reading list would be complete without the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role fighting for social justice and the civil rights movement.

16th Century Superstar: Da Vinci

This book will show tweens how much Da Vinci's projects, artwork, and inventions changed the world.

Native Americans in History

In this book, older kids will read about 15 influential Native Americans and their important accomplishments.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Revolutionary Playwright, Composer, and Actor

If your family is a fan of the musical Hamilton, you'll want to read this story about Lin-Manuel Miranda and how he has influenced the arts.

Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Before and after taking her seat on the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for gender equality and women's rights. She was the first woman of Jewish faith to sit on the court.

Rising Above: How 11 Athletes Overcame Challenges in Their Youth to Become Stars

Sports-loving tweens will enjoy reading about the trials and achievements of these 11 famous athletes.

Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

Older kids will enjoy reading about the life and work of Isaac Newton, one of the most important scientists throughout history. His theories led to big changes in various fields.

DK Life Stories: Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician who was instrumental in putting a man on the moon. A true trailblazer, she overcame many obstacles before being a part of the Apollo space program.

As I have shown, there are a ton of different types of middle school biographies out there, however, it’s easy to choose an excellent one to read. If your tween is struggling with one, pick a different style. They vary widely and you want to find something that grabs and keeps your child’s attention.

Don’t forget to grab your biography book report form !

More Books for Middle Schoolers

Looking for more book lists for your tweens and teens? Check these out.

• Classic Books
• Personal Growth Books
• Newbery Award Winning Books
• Amazing Animal Books
• Adventure Books for Middle School

If your kids struggle with reading, consider switching over to audiobooks . They’re a lifesaver for some families, including those who love read aloud time.

Kids can listen on their devices, like a Kindle Fire . Of course, you can also play books in the car as you travel.

Which one of these middle school biography books is your tween most excited to read?

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20 Best Biographies for Teens Teachers Recommend

April 20, 2022 //  by  Jaclyn Hamod

Biographies can provide powerful reading material for teens. For reluctant readers, biographies are a great way to immerse themselves in a true story. Reading inspiring books allows young adults to learn valuable life lessons that go beyond their own experiences.  Learning about the successes and failures of others is important for what lies in the future for teenagers.  Here is a list of 20 middle school biographies that teenagers would benefit from reading.

1. The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

A perfect book for middle schoolers.  No matter the size of your group, big or small, and whatever your goal is, Daniel Coyle takes you through the culture chemistry principles that can turn individuals into teams with the capabilities to create and accomplish great things.

2. Educated: A Memoir

A heartfelt story exploring the role of education in 17-year-old protagonist Tara Westover's coming of age. Westover's journey to literacy opens up a whole new world for her - but will she find her way home?

3. Into the Wild

How McCandless came to die is the unforgettable story of life, reflection, and struggle in the wilderness.

4. Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery

Scott Kelly is a four-time space veteran and holds the American record for the longest consecutive days spent in outer space.  In his life story, we gain a deeper understanding of the human imagination and persevering strength.

5. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption

An Army Air Forces bomber crashes into the Pacific Ocean and is captured by the Japanese. Zamperini faces desperation with ingenuity; suffering, hope, resolve, and humor.

6. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

A story of a childhood survivor of the Cambodian genocide, this is a war crime narrative that reveals the unnerving strength of a small girl and her family.

7. Twelve Years a Slave

A reliable and accurate eyewitness account of the daily lives of slaves; in particular, an authentic narrative of a man starved of his freedom.

8. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Perfect for casual readers, this bestselling memoir by the creator of Nike shares the company's early stages as a start-up and how it evolved into one of most iconic household names and profitable brands in the world.

9. The Story of My Life by Hellen Keller

The remarkable story of Helen Keller's blindness and deafness.  A truly inspirational biography that shows the struggles and joys of her life.

10. The Bell Jar

A look into the life of Esther and her deep, dark descent into insanity which feels all too real and rational.

11. The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom

In the Dutch Underground, Corrie Ten Boom and her family become leaders in hiding Jewish people from the Nazis.

A brave and inspiring story of Will Smith - his learning curve that leads to an alignment of success, inner happiness, and human connection.

13. Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster

A trek in 1996 to Mount Everest that leads to a disastrous expedition that claims the lives of eight climbers.

14. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Drawing on experiences as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Julie Smith shares the skills needed to navigate typical life challenges while also taking control of your mental health and emotions.

15. Becoming

A deep reflection on Michelle Obama and her experiences that have shaped her to be one of the most iconic women in our era.

16. Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler

A story of an American childhood during the Civil Rights Movement that shaped Octavia Butler into the science-fiction storyteller that she became.

17. Up From Slavery: An Autobiography

An African-American history story where freedom, self respect, educational programs and industrial training are worth fighting for black Americans.

18. Up Close: Jane Goodall

The story of a young woman from London who travels to Africa to revolutionize views on chimpanzees, forest conservation, and women in scientific fields.

19. Autobiography of a Face

A heart-wrenching story about the author's disfiguring cancer and how she dealt with the pain and healing. In a world that obsesses over physical attributes, she looks for acceptance, inner peace and love.

20. We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist and author of many biographies for teens. A story that paints a vivid picture of what it's like to live in a refugee camp during war and border conflicts.  A fascinating story that reminds us that every displaced person has hopes and dreams.

10 Contemporary Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs for Teens

Real-life personal stories to inspire today's teens

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For some teens, reading the life stories of others—whether they're famous authors or victims of a civil war—can be an inspiring experience. This list of highly recommended contemporary biographies , autobiographies , and memoirs written for young adults includes life lessons about making choices, overcoming monumental challenges, and having the courage to be a voice for positive change.

Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos

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In his autobiographical memoir, "Hole in My Life" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2004), award-winning children’s and young adult author Jack Gantos shares his compelling story about making a single choice that altered his destiny. As a young man of 20 struggling to find direction, Gantos seized an opportunity for quick cash and adventure, signing on to help sail a 60-foot yacht with a cargo of hashish from the Virgin Islands to New York City. What he hadn’t anticipated was getting caught. Winner of the Printz Honor Award, Gantos holds nothing back about his experiences with prison life, drugs, and the consequences of making one very bad decision. (Due to mature themes, this book is recommended for ages 14 and up.)

While Gantos clearly made a huge mistake, as evidenced by his critically acclaimed body of work, he was able to turn his life back around. In 2012, Gantos won the John Newbery Medal for his middle-grade novel "Dead End in Norvelt" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2011).

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

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"Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board" (MTV Books, 2006) is Bethany Hamilton's story. At 14, competitive surfer Bethany Hamilton thought her life was over when she lost her arm in a shark attack. Yet, despite this obstacle, Hamilton found the determination to continue surfing in her own creative style and proved to herself that the World Surfing Championships were still within reach.

In this true account, Hamilton chronicles the story of her life before and after the accident, inspiring readers to overcome obstacles by finding and focusing on an inner passion and determination. It's a wonderful story of faith, family, and courage. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

A movie version of ​​"Soul Surfer" was released in 2011. Hamilton has since written a number of inspirational books spun off from her original memoir.

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara

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Brutally attacked by rebel soldiers who cut off both her hands, 12-year-old Mariatu Kamara from Sierra Leone miraculously survived and found her way to a refugee camp. When journalists arrived in her country to document the atrocities of war, Kamara was rescued. Her tale of survival as a victim of civil war to becoming a UNICEF Special Representative, "Bite of the Mango" (Annick Press, 2008) is an inspiring story of courage and triumph. (Due to mature themes and violence, this book is recommended for ages 14 and up.)

No Choirboy: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row by Susan Kuklin

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In their own words, four young men sent to death row as teenagers speak candidly with author Susan Kuklin in the unflinching nonfiction book, "No Choirboy: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row" (Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2008). The youthful offenders talk openly about the choices and mistakes they made, as well as about their lives in prison.

Written in the form of personal narratives, Kuklin includes commentary from lawyers, insights into legal issues, and the backstories leading up to each young man’s crime. It's a disturbing read, but it offers teens a perspective on crime, punishment, and the prison system from people their own age. (Due to mature subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 14 and up.)

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure

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“He said goodbye with YouTube links.” What happens when you ask teens ranging from high-profile to just your average kid to summarize their hopes, dreams, and troubles in just six words? That's just what the editors of Smith Magazine challenged teenagers across the nation to do. The resulting collection, "I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure" (HarperTeen, 2009), contains 800 six-word memoirs ranging in emotion from comical to profound. These fast-paced, intuitive takes on adolescent life, written for teens by teens, read like poetry and just might inspire others to think up their own six-word memoirs. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

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Reminiscent of heart-tugging characters like Gilly Hopkins ("The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson) and Dicey Tillerman ("The Tillerman Series" by Cynthia Voigt), the life of Ashley Rhodes-Courter is a series of real-life unfortunate events that are the everyday reality for too many children in America. In her memoir, "Three Little Words" (Atheneum, 2008), Rhodes-Courter recounts the 10 harrowing years she spent in the foster care system, poignantly giving voice to children trapped in circumstances beyond their control. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

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In the early 1990s, 12-year-old Ishmael Beah was swept up in Sierra Leone’s civil war and turned into a boy soldier. Although gentle and kind at heart, Beah discovered he was capable of horrific acts of brutality. The first part of Beah’s memoir, "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2008), depicts the frighteningly easy transformation of a typical child into an angry teen with the ability to hate, kill, and wield an AK-47. The final chapters of Beah’s story are about redemption, rehabilitation, and ultimately, coming to the United States, where he attended and graduated college. (Recommended for ages 14 and up.)

I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda

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"I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives" (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2015) is a true-life tale that begins in 1997 when “typical 12-year-old American girl” Caitlin Alifirenka is tasked with a pen pal assignment at school. Her correspondence with a 14-year-old boy named Martin Ganda from Zimbabwe will eventually change both of their lives.

In the letters that go back and forth, readers learn that Alifirenka leads a life of middle-class privilege, while Ganda’s family lives in crushing poverty. Even something as simple as sending a letter is often beyond his means, and yet, Ganda makes “the only promise that I knew I could keep: that I would always write back, no matter what.”

The narrative takes the form of a dual pen-pal autobiography told in alternating voices and woven together with the help of writer Liz Welch. It covers the six-year period from Alifirenka's first letter to Ganda’s eventual arrival in America where he'll be attending college, thanks to a full scholarship arranged by Alifirenka's mom. Their inspiring long-distance friendship is a testament to just how much two determined teens can accomplish when they put their hearts and minds to it. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

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"I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliba" written by Malala Yousafza and Christina Lamb (Little, Brown and Company, 2012) is the autobiography of a girl who more than anything, wanted to learn—and was nearly put to death for her efforts.

In October 2012, 15-year-old Yousafzai was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school in her native Pakistan. This memoir traces not only her remarkable recovery but the path that led her to become the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize . It’s an account of a family touched first-hand by the brutality of terrorism, and the indomitable will of a girl who will not relinquish her education at any cost.

In a society dominated by males, it is also the heartening story of unconventional and courageous parents who bucked convention by encouraging their daughter to be all that she could be. Yousafzai's revelations are a bittersweet homage to all the remarkable accomplishments she’s achieved—and the price both she and her family have had to pay for her to achieve them. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition by Katie Rain-Hill and Ariel Schrag

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"Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition" by Katie Rain-Hill and Ariel Schrag (Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2014) is the story of a 19-year-old transgender teen who grew up as a boy, but always knew she was a girl. Bullied and suicidal, Rain-Hill finds the courage to follow her truth, and with her mom’s help, is able to transform both her body and her life.

This first-person memoir not only explores what it means to identify as transgender and what it takes undergo gender reassignment surgery but also gives a non-sugarcoated account of the challenges Rain-Hill faced once the body she was living in finally aligned with her gender identity.

It’s all told with self-deprecating humor and disarming candor that draws readers in, while at the same time, reinventing the standard teen coming-of-age tale and the meaning of what it is to be “normal.” (Recommended for ages 14 and up.)

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• Award-Winning Historical Fiction for Middle Grade Readers
• The Crimes of Nate Kibby
• "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman, Newbery Medal Winner
• An Interview With Ellen Hopkins
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16 Must-Read Nonfiction Books Tweens Will Love

Keep them reading!

Stocking your classroom or home library with nonfiction titles is a great way to keep tweens reading. High-quality nonfiction books for tweens can inform, entertain, or provide fresh perspectives to readers—often all at once! I frequently recommend nonfiction titles to both voracious and reluctant readers due to their blend of complex ideas and vocabulary with engaging visuals and creative presentations.

Nonfiction encompasses a wide spectrum of sub-genres. For this list of book recommendations, I considered the “ 5 Kinds of Nonfiction ,” a classification system developed by Melissa Stewart , an award-winning nonfiction author. Her five categories are Traditional, Browseable, Active, Narrative, and Expository. While not every book fits neatly into one of these categories, I find the general concepts serve as a useful guide when I help young readers select nonfiction books they want to read.

Each of the 16 books in this list has been highly recommended by teachers or young readers on Bookopolis , a free ed-tech platform that is like “Goodreads for tweens.”

Traditional Nonfiction Books for Tweens

These are the books that you might give a student when they are doing a research project on a specific topic. They provide an engaging overview and basic facts and may spark their interest to dig even deeper through other books or research.

Volcanoes (Smithsonian Science series) by Seymour Simon

This picture book series by an award-winning science writer provides a fascinating look at how volcanoes are formed and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Each book in this series explores a fascinating aspect of the natural world. The shorter length of these books makes them accessible to younger readers, but they are still engaging and informative to older tweens.

Buy it: Volcanoes (Smithsonian Science series) on Amazon

Who Was?, What Was? & Where Was? by various authors

This classic series is beloved by kids of all ages for good reason. These chapter books provide interesting information about some of the most famous people, things, and places in the world. From Who Is Zendaya? and Who Is Dolly Parton? to What Is the World Series? and Where Is the Great Barrier Reef? , there is a subject matter that interests nearly every kid. They continue to add new books every year that are increasingly more diverse.

Buy it: Who Was?, What Was? & Where Was? on Amazon

History Smashers by Kate Messner and various illustrators

This series of highly illustrated books takes on well-known times and topics in U.S. history, from the Underground Railroad to the American Revolution to the Mayflower, and smashes popular myths and misconceptions. These engaging books bring history to life in a fresh way and can spark good debates between kids and adults.

Buy it: History Smashers on Amazon

Browseable Nonfiction Books for Tweens

These are books that kids can randomly pick up and turn to any page to learn something interesting, funny, or new. Having these around your home or classroom is a great way to make reading fun and approachable for all kids.

Wow in the World: Wow in the Wild by Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas

Based on the podcast Wow in the World , every page in this book contains wild information about various animals that makes you go “Wow!” Kids won’t even realize how much they are learning as they enjoy the jokes, quizzes, illustrations, and facts.

Buy it: Wow in the World: Wow in the Wild on Amazon

Guinness World Records by Guinness World Records

All types of young readers love these books that are chock-full of random records that run the gamut from gross to silly to awe-inspiring. Want to know who is the strongest, hairiest, or fastest on the planet? Or who ate the most hot dogs? Or how far away the Webb telescope can look? These books can tell you those answers and more!

Buy it: Guinness World Records on Amazon

Who Would Win? by Jerry Pallotta and Rob Bolster

For kids who have ever wondered who would win in a battle between a killer whale and a great white shark or a Tyrannosaurus rex and a velociraptor, this is the series for them. In addition to fostering funny conversations, young readers learn tons about each animal.

Buy it: Who Would Win? on Amazon

Active Nonfiction Books for Tweens

These books are great for tweens with specific interests (or potential interests) who like hands-on learning. This type of nonfiction lets them experiment with something new or practice a skill.

Coding Games in Scratch by Jon Woodcock

An excellent introduction to coding that encourages kids to practice problem-solving, creativity, and communication. The Minecraft-style graphics in this book are particularly appealing to young gamers.

Buy it: Coding Games in Scratch on Amazon

Chop Chop: The Kids’ Guide to Cooking Real Food With Your Family by Sally Sampson

For budding chefs and food lovers, this is an excellent resource with essential cooking tips, beautiful photographs, and over 100 recipes that are healthy and ethnically diverse. Kids rave about everything in here, from the burgers to the fajitas to breakfast items and the molasses cookies.

Buy it: Chop Chop: The Kids’ Guide to Cooking Real Food With Your Family on Amazon

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson

Written by a high school science teacher, this book details dozens of experiments that kids can do with everyday household items to develop curiosity and expand their understanding of chemistry, physics, and how things work.

Buy it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book on Amazon

Narrative Nonfiction Books for Tweens

Books in this category use a narrative storytelling arc to provide an in-depth look at the lives and experiences of fascinating people, places, or events. It can include longer-form text or shorter picture books.

A Sporting Chance: How Ludwig Guttmann Created the Paralympic Games by Lori Alexander

The inspiring story of young doctor Ludwig Guttmann, who believed movement was the key to healing for paraplegics to live a full life. This insight led him to create the Paralympic Games. The combination of emotional stories of para-athletes and illustrations and photos makes it a very engaging read.

Buy it: A Sporting Chance: How Ludwig Guttmann Created the Paralympic Games on Amazon

Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica by Rebecca E.F. Barone

A fast-paced, nail-biting account of two perilous competitions—one in 1910 and the other in 2018—as four intrepid explorers race to reach the South Pole and Antarctica. Perfect for fans of gripping stories who are interested in science, survival skills, and unfamiliar lands.

Buy it: Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica on Amazon

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat

Even if readers know the ending of the harrowing and miraculous rescue of the 13 boys stuck in a cave in Thailand for 18 days, this is an enthralling read. This Newbery Honor-winning book is masterfully told through pictures and text and captures the incredible courage and bravery of the boys, their coaches, and everyone involved in this memorable event.

Buy it: All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team on Amazon

Free Lunch by Rex Ogle

This award-winning autobiography provides a very personal view of poverty in America through the eyes of a sixth grader. Living in government-subsidized housing, the author is one of a few kids in the free lunch program in a wealthy school district. It’s an emotional journey with moments of heartbreak and hope that could serve as a “window” or a “mirror” book for tweens and teens.

Buy it: Free Lunch on Amazon

Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum by Meghan McCarthy

Who knew that the history of something so ordinary could be this engaging? This picture book biography about Walter Diemer, the inventor of Dubble Bubble, shares the early origins of gum and how he came to create the modern phenomenon of bubble gum. (Warning: Reading this will make you want to chew bubble gum!)

Buy it: Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum on Amazon

Expository Nonfiction Books for Tweens

In contrast to “traditional” nonfiction that provides an overview of a big topic, this group of books typically goes deeper into an explanation of a more specific topic or idea in a creative way.

Unstoppable Us: How Humans Took Over the World by Yuval Noah Harari

From the bestselling author of Sapiens , this book provides an overview of early human history and how we evolved to become the dominant species on Earth. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking read told through text, maps, timelines, and illustrations.

Buy it: Unstoppable Us: How Humans Took Over the World on Amazon

Rotten! Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature’s Other Decomposers by Anita Sanchez

This book breaks down (pun intended) the topic of decomposition. It uses facts, pictures, and a healthy dose of humor to teach kids how this natural process is happening everywhere all the time, from forests to oceans to our stomachs.

Buy it: Rotten! Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature’s Other Decomposers on Amazon

Love this list of nonfiction books for tweens? Check out our list of  realistic fiction books  that kids will love!

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25 Best Books for Tweens to Nurture Young Minds

Explore the 25 best books for tweens through our comprehensive book list. Meet engaging characters, enter fascinating worlds, and explore fresh perspectives.

With their many digital distractions at their fingertips, many tweens need encouragement to pick up a book and dive into a great story. Reading offers some serious advantages to young minds, so it’s an avenue worth exploring. Reading can enhance reading comprehension, sharpen concentration, and bolster vocabulary.

Tweens are those who are in their pre-teen stage of life. You’re a tween if you’re in between being a child and an adolescent. Generally, they are those between the ages of 9 and 12. If you’re interested in this topic, check out our round-up of the  best books for twelve-year-olds !

1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

2. percy jackson and the olympians by rick riordan, 3. the hobbit by j.r.r. tolkien, 4. the girl who drank the moon by kelly barnhill, 5. nancy drew mystery stories by carolyn keene, 6. starfish by lisa flipps, 7. amulet: the stonekeeper by kazu kibuishi, 8. one and only ivan by katherine applegate, 9. charlotte’s web by e.b. white, 10. diary of a wimpy kid by jeff kinney, 11. wonder by r.j. palacio, 12. a wrinkle in time by madeleine l’engle, 13. awful auntie by david walliams, 14. the last kids on earth by max brailler, 15. all-of-a-kind family by sydney taylor, 16. misfits, 17. the blackbird girls, 18. the war that saved my life, 19. awkward, 20. wolf hollow by lauren wolk, 21. dear martin by nic stone, 22. alex rider adventures by anthony horowitz, 23. the laura line by crystal allen, 24. my side of the mountain by jean craighead, 25. bud, not buddy by christopher paul curtis.

J.K. Rowling’s  Harry Potter  is one of the most famous series, with over 500 million copies sold worldwide. In this story spanning seven novels, Harry is a young boy who discovers he’s a wizard.

Harry is then enrolled in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn all about magic. Tweens will enjoy attending the school alongside Harry and his friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” J.K. Rowling , Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Percy Jackson and the Olym pians is a string of novels by Rick Riordan. It’s an exciting series that blends modern times and ancient mythology. Any tween will enjoy the humorous but action-packed story of Percy as he discovers being Poseidon’s son.

Although its main protagonist is a demigod, readers can easily relate to him and the other characters. Aside from the exhilarating adventures, Riordan keeps the audience’s attention via witty dialogue and seamlessly interlaced Greek mythology. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“ If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself.” Rick Riordan , Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

A great introduction to fantasy literature is  The Hobbit.  Penned by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien in 1937, he originally made it for his children. For generations, many praise it for its vivid descriptions of fantastical elements. In particular, the world-building details he demonstrated in creating Middle-earth.

It’s a must-read and timeless classic with the main themes of camaraderie and bravery. Readers can explore how an unexpected hero inspires significant change in The Hobbit. The novel is also available as a picture book and audiobook. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“It is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keep the darkness at bay.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Kelly Barnhill’s  The Girl Who Drank the Moon   earned the 2017 Newbery Medal for its spellbinding writing. The novel starts with an annual sacrifice where babies are offered to a witch. Unbeknownst to the others in the land, this witch is different. Instead of assumed evildoing, she imbues the babies with magic by feeding them stars and rehoming them.

Until one day, she accidentally lets one baby drink the moon. With this much magic comes the many uncertainties Luna should face as a 13-year-old.  The Girl Who Drank the Moon  is a heartwarming read. It teaches readers the importance of family and finding a place where one belongs. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“Knowledge is power, but it is a terrible power when it is hoarded and hidden.” Kelly Barnhill , The Girl Who Drank the Moon

The  Nancy Drew  stories are perfect for young readers to play detective. As a collection of various writers under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, this series maximizes different perspectives and creativity. Tweens are encouraged to solve mysteries via critical thinking and problem-solving.

Though the series highlights Nancy as an independent youth with unwavering bravery, it also promotes teamwork. Nancy may be tenacious, but so are her friends, Bess Marvin and George Fayne, who assist her in figuring out the mysteries. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“Do act mysterious. It always keeps them coming back for more.” Carolyn Keene, Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: Nancy’s Mysterious Letter

Lisa Flipps’ first book,  Starfish , centers around the challenges of being fat and how the main character evolved to accept herself. Meet Ellie, the protagonist who has a complicated relationship with her body. She follows the “Fat Girls’ Rules” but still gets fat-shamed by strangers and her mother. She only feels free when underwater, floating, and swimming.

Flipps wrote the book based on her real-life experience as a big girl when she was younger. That’s what makes the book relatable, poignant, but also inspiring. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“The fat on my body never felt as heavy as your words on my heart.” Lisa Fipps, Starfish

Although  Amulet: The Stonekeeper  might seem heavy, it’s appropriate for 7- to 11-year-olds. This book by Kazu Kibuishi is about Emily Hayers and her brother Navin’s adventure as they try to save their kidnapped mom.

This graphic novel’s stunning artwork engages readers as the two kids fight for survival against unfamiliar territories.  Amulet: The Stonekeeper  is a highly recommended novel for fans of fantasy and ingenious character designs. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“You creatures are not as complex as you make yourselves out to be.” Kazu Kibuishi, Amulet: The Stonekeeper

Katherine Applegate is a known American children’s book writer.  One and Only Ivan  is a Newbery Award recipient and tells the tale of a real gorilla named Ivan. Though he used to live in the jungle, he is now used to being ogled at by humans. After all, he’s been locked up in the same cage for 27 years.

He’s busy thinking of other things outside of his past life. Instead, he wonders about his friends, TV shows, and art. That’s until a baby elephant joins him.

One and Only Ivan  is a nuanced story of hope, friendship, and kindness. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” Katherine Applegate , One and Only Ivan

Charlotte’s Web  by E.B. White and Garth Williams is about a barn spider named Charlotte and her friend pig, Wilbur. Inspired by the sick pig he failed to save and his observations of a spider, White came up with a tale he didn’t expect would live on decades after it was first published. The story revolves around the “miracles” Charlotte spun using her web to save Wilbur from being slaughtered. Read it on Amazon; click here .

Many label this classic children’s tale as a critical success for its charm and the essential lessons it stills on children. The main themes include friendship, coping, and sacrifice.

“With the right words, you can change the world.” E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web

Jeff Kinney’s  Diary of a Wimpy Kid  might be satire, but it’s a realistic portrayal of middle school. The book contains Greg Heefley’s recordings and drawings of his daily life. Readers get into various shenanigans that make it relatable to those in the same age bracket.

Tweens will appreciate reading the 17 installments of the  Diary of a Wimpy Kid  series. Every book is filled with lifelike situations told hilariously. Despite its innocent and funny attributes, this literature is still full of wisdom. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“I guess you can’t expect everyone to have the same kind of dedication as you.” Jeff Kinney , Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Wonder  by R.J. Palacio is a book that teaches tweens critical life lessons. It tells the story of a boy, August Pullman, with a facial deformity who attends a traditional school for the first time.

Readers follow his life as he deals with challenges for merely existing. The perspectives stretch over to the other characters to help the readers have a complete view of Auggie’s world. This novel underscores compassion and dissects bullying that scourges everyone it affects. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” R.J. Palacio, Wonder

A Wrinkle in Time  by Madeline L’Engle is a science fiction book. It chronicles Meg Murry and her family’s life after her scientist father traveled to a newly discovered planet and never returned. Soon, they are thrown into a journey of needing to travel through time to save the world.

At its core, the book is about the clashing ideas of good and evil. It’s a coming-of-age tale that focuses on the importance of family and courage. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“To love is to be vulnerable; and it is only in vulnerability and risk — not safety and security — that we overcome darkness.” Madeleine L’Engle , A Wrinkle in Time

Awful Auntie  has a simple plot: An aunt who wants to take her niece’s inheritance. It’s a fun book brimming with evil schemes but equally crafty maneuvers from the main character, 12-year-old Stella.

Like David Walliams’ other works,  Awful Auntie  is an excellent gift to any bookworm. Despite its simple storyline, it’s funny, witty, and, most of all, thought-provoking. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“However awful your auntie might be, she will never be in the same league of awfulness as – Aunt Alberta.” David Walliams , Awful Auntie

Max Brallier’s  The Last Kids on Earth,  illustrated by Douglas Holgate, is a fiction novel in the action and adventure genre. Set in an apocalyptic world, this novel spans at least a dozen books. It narrates Jack Sullivan’s survival as a 13-year-old living in a tree house.

Jack is accompanied by his best friend and schoolmates, and he does his best to stay alive in a chaotic world. The novel focuses on school kids turned heroes who fight against an unknown entity that wants to control the earth. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“I was totally not a hero, totally not a tough guy, totally not fighting giant monsters. But look at me now. Battling a gargantuan beast on the roof of the local CVS. Life is crazy like that.” Max Brallier, The Last Kids on Earth

Follow a Jewish immigrant family’s life in an All-of-a-Kind Family.  Here, Sydney Taylor enchants the readers to enjoy life’s simple pleasures as the Jewish girls in the story do. Living in New York City’s Lower East Side in 1912 wasn’t easy. Still, Henny, Ella, Charlotte, Gertie, and Sarah find ways to turn the mundane into something extraordinary.

This novel is under the children’s middle-grade books and is an excellent depiction of childhood innocence. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“Few of us will ever be famous, I can tell you none of us will be rich. But we will have more important riches — the joy of making the beautiful music.” Sydney Taylor, All-of-a-Kind Family

Jen Calonita’s  Royal Academy Rebels  or  Misfits is  set in Enchantasia. Through its Royal Academy, future fairy tale leaders are honed. The narrative focuses on a princess who can talk to animals called Devin. Although she wants to stay with her animal friends in her castle, her royal duties say otherwise.

In the academy, she meets the headmistress fairy godmother Olivina. She’s not just a stickler for rules. She’s also paranoid about something. Readers follow Devin as she breaks the rules and meets new friends while trying to uncover Olivina’s secret. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“I did it because I was so scared!” Jen Calonita , Misfits

The Blackbird Girls  is an award-winning novel flushed with life lessons told from three alternating perspectives. With the Chernobyl reactor painting the sky red, two girls — Valentina and Oksana, flee to save themselves. Although they were initially not fond of each other, the need to survive led them to work together. In time, they became best friends.

Anne Blankman’s historical fiction novel touches not only on the growth of its protagonists. It also lets the reader in on what life is like for the survivors of the Chernobyl disaster. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“Distance between true friends doesn’t matter when their friendship lives in their hearts.” Anne Blankman , The Blackbird Girls

The War That Saved My Life  is a highly engaging look at the early days of World War II. Set in the England countryside, it’s an honest and moving tale that bagged many awards. Aside from the adjustments the time period demanded its participants to get accustomed to, the main protagonist suffers from clubfoot and gets abused by her mother.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley delivers a compelling narrative of the 10-year-old Ada in this book. Her victory in a world where war, the Nazis, and constant chaos ensues is a heartening tale of resiliency. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“It had been awful, but I hadn’t quit. I had persisted. In battle, I had won.” Kimberly Brubaker Bradley , The War That Saved My Life

Follow Peppi Torres as she tries to survive middle school. She has the rules down and plans to follow them. But she accidentally trips and gets labeled as Jaime Thompson — the nerd’s — girlfriend. The novel’s title,  Awkward,  perfectly describes the tension between the lead characters.

This sweet and cute book is only the first part of Svetlana Chmakova’s  Berrybrook Middle School Series . The book series continues with  Brave ,  Crush ,  Enemies , and  Time Capsule  — all with their own merits and adorable drawings. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“Penelope? Thank you. For not leaving me alone to deal with this . . . when things got hard. other people would have. You’re a true friend.” Svetlana Chmakova, Awkward

Lauren Wolk’s talent shines in  Wolf Hollow . At the very start, the narrator tells the readers that the story is about losing one’s childhood naivety. It’s set in World War II, where 11-year-old Annabelle enjoys a relatively peaceful rural life, with all things considered.

That’s until Betty arrived. She’s cruel, and her meanness only escalates. One day, she vanishes. The prime suspect? A World War I Veteran and Annabelle’s friend — Tobias.

This stimulating tale dives into more serious topics, such as bullying and justice based on social status. It’s a bold criticism against bias and calls for the start of dissecting crucial issues that happened then and are still happening now. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“If my life was to be just a single note in an endless symphony, how could I not sound it out for as long and as loudly as I could?” Lauren Wolk , Wolf Hollow

Nic Stone held nothing back in her debut novel,  Dear Martin . Rightfully heralded as one of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time by Time Magazine, this literature pounces on the troubling issues of racism and injustice.

It tells the story of justice and the police and the media’s biased treatment of his case. Through his devastation, Justyce held on to one hope: Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“You can’t change how other people think and act, but you’re in full control of you. When it comes down to it, the only question that matters is this: If nothing in the world ever changes, what type of man are you gonna be?” Nic Stone , Dear Martin

Tweens who are after the adrenaline of spy novels would love  Alex Rider Adventures . With 14 great books keeping the series alive, fans would enjoy a thorough and extended reading. Apart from the main books, the Alex Rider franchise has graphic novels, supplementary books for kids, and short stories.

The writers of the novel, Anthony Horowitz and Amie Kaufman, keep a fast-paced, exciting plot line for the series. It centers around the missions MI6 gives an experienced spy despite not being a full grown-up. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“He had followed the trail left by a dead man. It was only now that he realized it might lead only to a grave.” Anthony Horowitz , Alex Rider Adventures

The Laura Line  is a chucklesome depiction of a young girl torn between keeping up appearances and protecting an important family treasure. As a child, Laura Eboni Dyson thinks nothing is more important than being accepted at school and recognized by her crush. An unexpected field trip to her grandmother’s property will jeopardize her reputation, though. So, she comes up with a plan.

This realistic fiction masterfully weaves a 13-year-old’s thoughts, language, and decisions. It’s a great novel where readers can reflect on themselves and their heritage via Laura’s character. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“I am Laura Eboni Dyson, the youngest member of the Laura Line, and I can do anything.” Crystal Allen , The Laura Line

My Side of the Mountain  is the epitome of survival in the literal sense. It’s the account of a 12-year-old boy who fled home and decided to live in the mountains. His determination to learn skills and make it through each day is a heartening tale of independence, fearlessness, and maturity.

It’s a slow-paced novel that lets readers feel the drag of the boy’s days in the mountains. It also demonstrates how nature can help children cope with stress. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“Fortunately, the sun has a wonderfully glorious habit of rising every morning.” Jean Craighead – George ,  My Side of the Mountain

Bud Caldwell’s search for his father after his mother’s death is well-represented in  Bud, Not Buddy.  As a 10-year-old orphan during the Great Depression, Bud is not just challenged by the few leads he has of his origin. He also lives in a time of poverty with no means to support himself.

Despite being in and out of foster homes, Bud remains optimistic and intelligent. This novel is a testament to a child’s resolve and strength. Read it on Amazon; click here .

“Family isn’t always about blood. It’s about who’s there for you when you need them.” Christopher Paul Curtis, Bud, Not Buddy

Eager to check out other books for young adults? Check out the  best authors like Sarah J. Maas  for your next fantasy romance story.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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125 Best Books for Tweens (2023 Book Guide for Preteens)

This list of the best books for tweens includes everything from books like Harry Potter to books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Explore the genres you know your tween enjoys, and then check out some others to introduce something new. We made a note on books recommended for ages 12+, so avoid those for now if you’re looking for books for 4th graders and books for 5th graders. 

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Finding great books for tweens (ages 8 to 12) gets tricky.

Kids change SO much during these years. As parents, we’re constantly trying to figure out what they would like and what’s age appropriate. And the measuring stick on what’s appropriate keeps moving as they get older.

Second and sixth graders likely aren’t – and shouldn’t be – reading the same things. Tweens can explore more complex plots and topics as they get older. Some of these are things parents might want to introduce on purpose. Or at a certain age so we can have a conversation about it.

“Sometimes parents shy away from discussing difficult topics with their children (e.g. racism, sex ed, LGBT issues, etc.). The beauty of the best children’s literature is that it allows children and adults to approach these difficult topics with honesty. By portraying diverse characters, books allow readers to relate to the unique experience of the protagonist in an authentic way.  Moreover, books speak to our humanity, celebrate the beauty of life, and inspire us to do better and be better.”    – Anastasia Mayberry, school librarian and mother of three boys

Choosing good books also gets harder as kids who struggle with reading or just don’t love it hit the tween years. Some of the super popular books are 300-600 pages. Intimidating!

This list of the best books for tweens below includes everything from books like Harry Potter to books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Explore the genres you know your tween enjoys for their next read, and then check out some others to introduce something new.

We made a note on books recommended for ages 12+, so avoid those for now if you’re looking for books for 4th graders and books for 5th graders.

We curated book lists specifically for 4th through 7th graders with recommendations by age, so check those out if you want ideas by grade level.

• 4th grade reading books
• 5th grade reading books
• 6th grade reading books
• 7th grade reading books

Bookmark this page and stop back whenever you need new ideas–like a summer reading list. Comment below if there are books you think we should add to the list!

• Books Like Harry Potter (Fantasy Books for Tweens)
• Mystery & Adventure Books for Tweens
• Books for Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Humor Books for Tweens)
• Inspired by History Books for Tweens
• Nonfiction Books for Tweens
• Realistic Fiction Books for Tweens
• Sports Books for Tweens
• Diverse Books for Tweens
• Best Book Series for Tweens & Teens

19 Books Like Harry Potter : Fantasy Books for Tweens

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland, 10 books This fantasy series is a New York Times best seller and a Teachers’ Pick on Amazon. Get the first 5 books or books 6-10 as boxed sets.

The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel A boy on the fastest train ever built facing monstrous tree people and other adventures on a race to find his dad.

Sweep by Johnathan Auxlier The story of a hard-working orphan saved by a monster and how these new friends carve out a life together.

The Graveyard Book This story about a boy who lives in a graveyard being raised by ghosts snagged the Newbery Medal.

Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan, 12 books Excellent books for older tweens, the series focuses on rangers who are trained to protect kings and villagers and who value honor, community and courage. There is some violence and mild cursing, and romance enters the picture as the characters get older.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rawling, 7 books I read the first book in the Harry Potter series on a road trip with my family as a teen because it was the only book in the car, and I was bored. I wasn’t into fantasy or magical powers and didn’t really want to read it because of all the hype. But it hooked me. I’ve read the entire series with both of my sons and will start it again with my daughter soon (watching the movies as we finish each book) . It’s magical, it’s well-written, and as a professional writer I’m truly in awe of what J.K. Rawling did – the plotlines she fits together, the characters she builds and the lessons she teaches. 

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)  by Christopher Paolini, 4 books This book series is one of my teen’s absolute favorites, and tons of moms in our gift ideas for tween & teen boys Facebook group mentioned it when we asked about great books for boys. Just a warning that the books are long and use harder vocabulary as they go – so they’re better for stronger readers. There is an older movie centered on the first book Eragon.

City of Ember series by Jeanne DuPrau, 4 books This was an assigned reading for fourth graders at my kids’ school, and I heard kids say it was now one of their favorite books. It’s about the city of Ember, built as a last refuge for the human race, and solving the mystery of how to save it.

Brotherband Chronicles  by John Flanagan, 7 books A new adventure by the best-selling author of Ranger’s Apprentice.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan, 5 books Rick Riordan is another favorite author among tweens, and the Percy Jackson series is my boys’ favorite. The books follow the quests of children born to Greek gods – specifically Percy Jackson, son of the sea god Poseidon. They’re full of Greek mythology, adventure and friendship. There are movies for the first two books. Percy’s story continues in the five books of The Heroes of Olympus series .

Magnus Chase by Rick Riordan, 3 books These books have a similar feel to the Percy Jackson series, following demigod Magnus Chase.

Cape (The League of Secret Heroes)  by Kate Hannigan, 3 books Inspired by remarkable real-life women from World War II, the book follows three girls chosen by a government agency to help solve puzzles for the government. The girls then find themselves transformed into superheroes who need to solve an important mystery. Check out book one Cape to get started.

Gregor the Overlander (The Underland Chronicles)  by Suzanne Collins, 5 books Gregor and his sister fall through the vent in his apartment building laundry room and discover a world below with royalty, giant beasts and prophecies. Written by the author of Hunger Games, these books are an interesting ride.

Matilda, BFG & Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Dahl’s books can be a little dark and twisty, but they’re full of lessons and interesting characters. This set has 16 books, including Matilda, the BFG, James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There are movies for many of these famous reads.

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings , by J.R.R. Tolkien, 4 books, (Hobbit is 9+ but LOTR 12+) My son read and enjoyed The Hobbit, but hasn’t tackled the Lord of the Rings series yet. It’s a pretty big commitment. I enjoyed the movies much more than I ever thought, so I’m planning to read these when my boys are ready as well.

Ender’s Game (The Ender Saga) by Orson Scott Card, 5 books The first two books of this science fiction series won Hugo awards and there is a major motion picture, comics and short stories based on the series.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, 4 books (Recommended for 12+) This series – especially book one, are iconic to me, but my aunt still can’t bring herself to read them because she knows the premise involves kids hurting other kids. Read about them before you recommend them to your tween, but they’ll likely ask to read them at some point. I didn’t enjoy the final books as much as the first, but I certainly wanted to see the series through. The movies are great and star Jennifer Lawrence.

Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans, 7 books. (Recommended for 12+) A 14-year-old with Tourette’s syndrome…and electric powers who must work with his team to prevent a sinister organization from achieving world domination.

19 Mystery & Adventure Books for Tweens

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry, 5 books This series is a new take on Peter Pan written by nationally-syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry. The set includes the first three books and is a wild and fun adventure.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, 3 books This Newbery Medal winner tells the story of an Eskimo girl lost on the Alaskan tundra. The story continues in Book 2: Julie and Book 3: Julie’s Wolf Pack .

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, 5 books A teen survives a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness and works to survive until he can be rescued. There are four follow-up books to the Newbery Medal-winning first book.

York by Laura Ruby, 3 books This alternate history series follows three kids trying to solve a puzzle and treasure hunt laid into the very streets and buildings of New York City.

Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, 12 book This spy kid series is action-packed and full of adventure. It’s like James Bond for tweens. There’s also at least one season of an Alex Rider TV show.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Buttle Mason Buttle is the biggest, sweatiest kid in his grade, and everyone knows he can barely read or write. Mason’s learning disabilities are compounded by grief because a year ago, his best friend turned up dead in Mason’s family’s orchard. Mason can’t understand why police won’t believe his story about that day. He and his new friend create an underground haven to escape bullies, but then his new friend goes missing and Mason finds himself in trouble again.

Charlie and Frog by Karen Kane Charlie’s parents head off to South Africa to help giant golden moles, leaving him with his TV-obsessed grandparents. Charlie wanders into a village where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message-in sign language. She suddenly disappears and Charlie is determined to find answers. He teams up with a deaf friend who is determined to be the world’s greatest detective to tackle the case.

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse A best-selling mystery set during World War II.  A young woman delivering black market goods gets pulled into a more dangerous role when one of her customers begs her to help find a Jewish teen that disappeared from her secret room.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier A ghost story that’s also a moral fable about human greed and the power of storytelling. Two abandoned Irish siblings travel to work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house. But the house and its family are not quite what they seem.

Echo by Pam Munez Ryan Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica.

Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene, 10 books An older cousin shipped about a hundred Nancy Drew books to me as a kid, and I read every single one. These books are perfect for 8-12-year-old readers who want to follow girl detective Nancy Drew as she solves mysteries.

The Boxcar Children Mysteries by Gertrude Chandler Warner These books have been around for years, and my kids really enjoy them. This set includes the first 12 of the 19 by the original author. Others picked up the story after the author’s death in the 1970s and now more than 100 have been published. They’re the story of orphan siblings trying to make it on their own.

Treasure Hunters by James Patterson, 7 books A New York Times best-selling author builds a fun adventure following the kids of professional treasure hunters after their parents go missing. The set includes the first six books, but a seventh book is now available as well.

Theodore Boone Series – John Grisham, 7 books I grew up reading John Grisham’s books, and now he has a series for tweens about a kid lawyer. The set includes the first six books, but a seventh book is now available as well.

Spy School Series by Stuart Gibbs, 8 books This series has been a favorite for my sons as they follow tween Ben Ripley getting recruited for the CIA’s Academy of Espionage. There are a few stray swear words, but most of the books are listed as a Teachers’ Pick on Amazon and moms in our gift ideas for tween & teen boys Facebook group listed him Stuart Gibbs as a favorite author. The set includes the first seven books, but an eighth book is now available as well.

Swindle by Gordon Kormon, 8 books I couldn’t find the complete series for sale, but you can collect the individual books. Moms in our gift ideas for tween & teen boys Facebook group listed Kormon as a favorite author, and these books are a fun adventure. A unlikely group of kids and a giant Great Dane solve mysteries in their town. Many of the books hold a Teacher’s Pick distinction on Amazon. Kormon also writes one of the 39 Clues series and has other great books for tweens.

• #2 Zoobreak
• #6 Ja c kpot
• #7 Unleashed

39 Clues by Rick Riordan and various other authors, 11 books This clever series follows kids following in their parents’ footsteps around the world to collect the clues needed to solve a mystery left by their aunt when she dies. Scholastic now offers an interactive 39 Clues experience with hundreds of cards readers can collect and enter online for a new experience using the Home Base app. This set comes with digital cards.

The Giver by Lois Lowry, 4 books (Recommended for 12+) This Newbery Medal was on my son’s Christmas list. It follows 12-year-old Jonas who lives in a seemingly ideal world of conformity and contentment until his life assignment opens up the complex secrets behind his fragile community.

Mightier Than the Sword by Drew Callandar An interactive experience where you write and draw in the books to help create the adventure.

8 Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid : Humor Books for Tweens

Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce, 26 books These hilarious books follow a middle schooler in comic-strip style writing and illustrations.

Wayside School by Louis Sachar, 4 books My son loved these quirky and funny books and judging by the Newbery Medal, many others have, too.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, 15 books This beloved realistic fiction series can help kids navigate the weird tween years, and hopefully laugh about it along the way. Start with Diary of a Wimpy Kid 1 . Kinney tours for book signings and does some cool things on Facebook and YouTube, so explore his website if your tween likes this series.

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier, 6 books Also in the “funny thriller” category, these books are full of monsters and zombies and get a perfect 5-star rating on Amazon.

Plants vs Zombies by Paul Tobin, 17 volumes A confusing-yet-brilliant inventor known as Crazy Dave helps his niece and a young adventurer fend off a “fun-dead” neighborhood invasion in this Teachers’ Pick graphic novel.

Jake the Fake Keeps is Real by Craig Robinson, 3 books Written by comedian Craig Robinson (Daryl from The Office), Jake the Fake is a funny story with award-winning illustrations. The story starts when Jake fakes his way into a Music and Arts academy for the gifted and talented.

Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka Written and illustrated like a comic book, this is the true story of the author growing up as one of six brothers.

Diary of a Sixth Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson, 12 books Described as a “funny thriller,” these books are the diary of a sixth grader recruited to be a ninja on the dangers of taking this path. You can’t purchase a boxed set, but many of the individual books are designated Teachers’ Picks on Amazon.

12 Inspired by History Books for Tweens

Books by Alan Gratz Gratz was mentioned more than any other by the moms in our gift ideas for tween & teen boys Facebook group . Kids LOVE the books and want to read everything Gratz has written after reading one. 

Other books by Alan Gratz:

• Ground Zero
• Prisoner B-3087
• Projekt 1065
• Code of Honor

“Excellent author — many of my 6th and 7th grade students (especially boys and some who didn’t like to read) read one book by him…and then everything they could get their hands on that he wrote.” – Teacher Mom

I Survived by Lauren Tarshis, 10 book set Tweens love these fictional stories based on real historic events. This historical fiction set includes Sinking of the Titanic, Shark Attacks of 1916, Nazi Invasion, Bombing of Pearl Harbor, Attacks of September 11, Battle of Gettysburg, Destruction of Pompeii, Hurricane Katrina, Japanese Tsunami and San Francisco Earthquake.

The Little House by Laura Ingalls Wilder, 9 books Please tell me I’m not the only one who sees Michael Landon when I think about the Little House stories! These books will throw teens back into the time of American pioneers and the TV series is available for streaming on Amazon.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

My son read this at school and it made a big impact on him. It’s the story of a 12-year-old boy mistakenly shot by police who think his toy gun is real. As a ghost, he observes devastating aftermath in his community. This author blends real events and fictional characters to tell moving stories.

See all books by Jewell Parker Rhodes , including Towers Falling and Ninth Ward about Hurricane Katrina.

The War The Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley My son read this as an assigned fourth grade book and wanted me to make sure to include it on this list. The Newbery Medal winner is a story of a young girl triumphing against all odds set during World War II.

An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo Inspired by historical truths and a real-life photo from World War II, this book shares the story of two children and their mother, a zookeeper. When the city is bombed, the family flees and takes the zoo’s baby elephant with them.

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk This is an award-winning 2020 book recommended by a fifth grade teacher friend. In Echo Mountain, Ellie’s family is forced to leave their home in town and start over in the untamed wilderness of nearby Echo Mountain after losing almost everything in the Great Depression.

Who Was? and What Was? books These series explore famous people and events and are written specifically for tween readers. Pick from hundreds of options written by different authors.

14 Nonfiction Books for Tweens

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba (young readers edition) My son received this as a gift and we read it together. It helped us talk about life in other parts of the world and made real struggles many others my son’s age are facing worldwide – like hunger and poverty. William’s tiny village is struck by drought, costing his family their food supply and income. He starts looking for a solution in science books at the village library and builds a windmill from scrap metal and old bicycle parts to bring electricity and water to his village.

This Book is Anti-Racist : 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work by Tiffany Jewell Each chapter builds on the previous one as readers learn more about themselves and racial oppression. It includes 20 activities to get readers thinking and help them grow with the knowledge.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson This is the story of the author’s childhood from birth to around age 10. Jacqueline was born in Ohio, the youngest child of three, in 1963, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

The Case for Loving by Selina Alko This is the story of a couple married in Washington, D.C., and arrested in their hometown of Virginia for violating the state’s laws against interracial marriage. It’s the story of the couple and how they refused to teach their three children that their love was wrong and how they fought the law all the way to the Supreme Court – where they won.

Children Just Like Me by Catherine Saunders This book highlights the lives of children from over thirty countries around the world, explaining how their experiences are different, and yet the same, all over the globe. 

I Dissent : Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy This is the life story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg from her early life growing up in Brooklyn to becoming the first Jewish woman appointed to a spot on the Supreme Court and beyond.

Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage who spoke and wrote perfect English, Mendez was denied enrollment to a “Whites only” school. Her parents took action by organizing the Hispanic community and filing a lawsuit in federal district court. Their success eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California.

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges In November 1960, all of America watched as a tiny six-year-old black girl, surrounded by federal marshals, walked through a mob of screaming segregationists and into her school. An icon of the civil rights movement, Ruby Bridges chronicles each dramatic step of this pivotal event in history through her own words.

Trevor Noah Born a Crime : Stories from South African Childhood (adapted for young readers) by Trevor Noah Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, shares his story of growing up in South Africa with a black South African mother and a white European father at a time when it was against the law for a mixed-race child to exist. But he did exist–and from the beginning, the often-misbehaved Trevor used his keen smarts and humor to navigate a harsh life under a racist government.

Who Was Anne Frank ? by Ann Abramson This book looks closely at Anne’s life before the secret annex, what life was like in hiding, and the legacy of her diary. Black-and-white illustrations including maps and diagrams provide historical and visual reference in an easy-to-read biography written in a way that is appropriate and accessible for younger or reluctant readers. This is part of the Who Was? and What Was?  book series.

Coming Back Stronger by Drew Brees This is the comeback story of NFL quarterback Drew Brees coming back from a potentially career-ending shoulder injury at the same time New Orleans and the Saints were trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina. Brees sends a message of hope and encouragement that faith, determination, and heart are the keys to overcoming life’s obstacles and coming back stronger.

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai(young readers edition) This is the young readers edition of the bestselling memoir by Malala Yousafzai. Malala was raised in Pakistan and taught to stand up for what she believed. She saw the Taliban take control of her region and survived being shot at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school. She is now an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant This book is more of a coffee table book than an autobiography. It’s the stunning photos and personal accounts about how Kobe approached the game and particular opponents. The photos are from the NBA photographer who captured Kobe’s first NBA photo in 1996 and his last in 2016.

Stamped: Racism, Anti-racism and You by Jason Reynolds (Recommended for 12+) A remix of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, Stamped looks at the history of racist ideas in America and inspires hope for an antiracist future.

29 Realistic Fiction Books for Tweens

Crossover Series by Kwame Alexander, 3 books This series follows twin 12-year-old basketball stars and their conflict and hardship both on and off the court.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, 8 books A favorite for nearly 100 years, the story about fiery redhead Anne changing the hearts of everyone she meets still connects with tweens. It’s also the premise for the Netflix series Anne with an E.

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, 5 books A brother is frustrated by his younger sister’s over-achievement and challenges her to see who can create a more successful lemonade stand. A good story about dealing with emotions and learning life lessons.

One for the Murphys   by Lynda Muhally Hunt Many moms and tweens recommend this New York Times best-selling author, who also wrote Fish in a Tree and Shouting at the Rain. You can get all three in the  The Linda Muhally Hunt Collection .

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park A New York Times bestseller that begins as two separate stories about two 11-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The two stories of hardship ultimately intersect in a moving way.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio This book inspired the Choose Kindness movement and a major motion picture starring Julia Roberts. It’s a must-read for all tweens and their parents.

Rules by Cynthia Lord Twelve-year-old Cynthia wants a normal life, and feels like she can’t find it in a home with her autistic brother. Her own actions finally cause her to ask herself what really is “normal.”

Frindle by Andrew Clements An ornery kid creates a new word to liven things up at school and soon the school and town are in an uproar. A funny book that will make tweens question what words really mean and where they even come from.

Restart by Gordon Korman The story of a boy who loses his memory and wakes up not liking what he sees about who it seems like he was. Gordon Korman, author of the Swindle series, doesn’t disappoint.

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, 4 books This Newbery Honor winner is the first of a four-part series about a new kids, a bully and a pancake restaurant trying to open next to a colony of endangered owls.

Scar Island by Dan Gameinhart In this Teachers’ Pick book, the boys in a reformatory school for troubled boys in an ancient fortress on an island suddenly find themselves without supervision on the island. The books explores the prisons we create inside our own minds.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactu s by Dusti Bowling Our tweens said this is a really interesting story about two kids overcoming challenges in their lives. The main character is born without arms and she becomes best friends with a boy with Tourette syndrome. There is also a sequel: Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus . *Parents with adopted kids–the main character is adopted and some reviews indicate that the treatment of adoption is too simplistic.

One Last Shot by John David Anderson A humorous and heartwarming story of family, friendship, and miniature golf.

Football Genius by Tim Green, 6 books Twelve-year-old Troy White can predict football plays before they even happen. His single mom gets a job with the Atlanta Falcons and Troy has to figure out he can and should use his gift. There is no boxed set available. Moms in our gift ideas for tween & teen boys Facebook group listed Green as a favorite author.

Heat by Mike Lupica Newly-orphaned Michael Arroyo has a pitching arm that throws serious heat along with aspirations of leading his team all the way to the Little League World Series. He’s living with his 17-year-old brother trying to avoid the foster system and provide his age with no birth certificate or parents to fight for his cause. There’s also a sequel: Strike Zone .

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan A 12-year-old genius struggles to connect with anyone but her adoptive parents and then loses those parents in a tragic accident. She finds a way to push through her grief find a surrogate family.

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis, 4 books An award-winning novel about loyalty, survival, families, and friendship under extraordinary circumstances during the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis A Newbery Honor winning book about the Watson family traveling to visit grandma in Birmingham, Alabama, during the civil rights movement. This was recommended by a mom in our gift ideas for tween & teen boys Facebook group , and others weighed in that it’s a wonderful book that will also have readers laughing.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate A touching novel about a gorilla raised by humans that becomes the main attraction in a mall circus. It’s a Newbery Award winner with a major motion picture and a sequel: The One and Only Bob )

Holes by Louis Sachar A great book and movie about boys in a detention center digging holes in the desert, to build character and also because the warden may be looking for something.

Raising Lumie  and Soar by Joan Bauer We heard strong recommendations for everything written by Joan Bauer. Raising Lumie tells the story of newly-orphaned Olive training a guide dog and wrestling with whether and how to let him go. Soar is another great option by Bauer.

The Liberation of Gabriel King by K.L. Going Two tweens spend a summer facing down a list of fears and considering what their biggest fears actually are.

A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck A story of two siblings spending nine summers with the worst influence…their grandmother. Richard Peck always writes a great one in A Year Down Yonder .

Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan Naomi struggles to fit in and understand who she is with clothes sewn by Gram and her difficulty speaking up.  But life with Gram and her little brother is happy and peaceful until their abusive mother reappears for the first time in seven years, stirring up all sorts of questions and challenging Naomi to discover who she really is.

Inside Out and Back Again (poetry) My mom bought this book of poetry for my tween son and I didn’t think he would have interest. He read the whole thing and couldn’t say enough good things about it.

6 Sports Books for Tweens

Ghost by Jason Reynolds, 3 books A group of kids from wildly different backgrounds compete on an elite track team. Ghost makes it on many top book lists, and moms in our gift ideas for tween & teen boys Facebook group listed Reynolds as a favorite author.

Crossover by Kwame Alexander, 3 books These books follow twin 12-year-old basketball stars and their conflict and hardship both on and off the court.

14 Diverse Books for Tweens

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed This book is about a young Pakistani girl forced into indentured servitude and the power of hope in difficult circumstances.

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes This story of a biracial boy who masters fencing to challenge the school bully to a competition is partially inspired by the experiences of the author’s son. See all books by Jewell Parker Rhodes , including Towers Falling , Ghost Boys and Ninth Ward .

Blended by Sharon Draper Eleven-year-old Isabella is growing up biracial and a child of divorce. The tween’s story explores family dynamics, being an ally and policy brutality.

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone An 11-year-old with a cancelled spring break trip finds himself on a road trip with his G’ma, learning lessons about the history of segregation in the American South.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan A sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and her Mama to flee their privileged life on her family’s ranch in Mexico and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp in California. Esperanza suddenly faces hard work and financial struggles brought on by the Great Depression, and needs to find a way through when her Mama gets sick and circumstances threaten their new life. 

First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez Malú wants to be totally punk at her new middle school, but her Mexican-American mother would prefer she learn to be a proper señorita.

From the Front Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks A 12-year-old African American girl receives a letter from her imprisoned biological father and secretly begins corresponding with him. Her father tells her he’s innocent, so she sets out to find the alibi witness his attorney failed to track down. 

4 Graphic Novels for Tweens

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi After their father dies, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. A creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement and the kids follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Mary teaches communication at the university level and wrangles two sons and a spitfire of a daughter at home. She's outside or traveling every chance she gets, unapologetically fueled by coffee and Diet Coke.

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These are great suggestions. My daughter loves to read.

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Best Book Series for Tweens

One of the easiest ways to get kids hooked on reading is to get them into a great book series. All it takes is a captivating Book 1, and they're off and running. Fantasy, mystery, science fiction, school stories -- whatever! Some are trilogies, others are multi-volume sagas that will keep tween readers hungry to find out what happens after the last cliffhanger. Here's a selection of our all-time favorite kids' book series, with reviews of either the first installment or the whole series. For even more ideas, check out our lists Best Book Series for Early Readers and 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12 .

The Bad Guys Series

Snappy dialogue and irreverent humor in fun graphic novels.

The Boxcar Children Series

Engaging classic mystery series great for beginning readers.

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Series

Younger Nancy Drew solves cases in beginning mystery series.

Precious Ramotswe Series

Kind, brave 9-year-old solves fun mysteries in Botswana.

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot Series

A mouse and robot fight evildoers in fun graphic novels.

The Zack Files Series

Silly stories of 10-year-old Zack's improbable adventures.

The 13-Story Treehouse: The Treehouse Books, Book 1

Madcap mayhem perfect for Big Nate fans.

Amina's Voice, Book 1

Beautiful tale of Pakistani American middle-schooler.

AstroNuts Mission One: The Plant Planet

Animal superheroes battle creepy plants in zany sci-fi tale.

The Baby-Sitters Club Series

Fun, updated graphic novel version has deep layers.

Beetle Boy, Book 1

Fun, engaging mystery about a boy and his helpful beetles.

The Best of Iggy: Iggy, Book 1

Funny look at boy whose impulsive ideas get the best of him.

Cape: The League of Secret Heroes, Book 1

Tween superheroes battle Nazis, prejudice in exciting story.

Dragonbreath Series

Great banter and adventures for a young dragon and friends.

Dragons in a Bag, Book 1

Exciting tale of New York kid's journey to magical world.

Emily Windsnap Series

Mermaid-human girl finds friends, family in fun adventures.

Endling #1: The Last

Fast-paced animal fantasy tackles theme of extinction.

Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess: The Enola Holmes Mysteries, Book 1

Teen girl detective is a fun twist on famous family name.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library: Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Book 1

Fun mystery about kids locked in library by wacky genius.

Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom: Frazzled, Book 1

Girl conquers middle school worries in fun graphic novel.

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• Funny Books for Kids
• Books with Characters of Color
• Mystery Books
• Adventure Books
• How to Raise a Reader
• How Comics Helped My Kid Love Reading
• Help Your Kids Find Books with Diverse Characters

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26 Excellent Nonfiction Books for Teens

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These nonfiction books for teens are excellent.  Real-life stories, biographies, memoirs, and informational texts are inspiring and educational. I suspect you’ll read them and then want to share them with all your friends and family.

In these books, you may be reading about people who did amazing things, usually despite great odds. There’s hope-giving power in these nonfiction true-life stories. For teens, and for us not-teens, too. Other books will educate you about a topic — fashion or historical inventions.

Excellent Nonfiction Books for Teens

Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition)  by Margot Lee Shetterly I loved this book about female African Americans who made an impact in the space program.  It’s a blend of the historical realities and inspiring life stories of four mathematically talented women who worked to build this country’s aviation and aeronautical programs starting from the Civil Rights era to the Space Race and the Cold War to the fight for gender equality.  The text includes black-and-white photographs documenting the women’s lives and the historical events which add to the reader’s understanding.   Hidden Figures  educates and inspires readers. I’m looking forward to seeing how the movie translated what I read here.

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)   by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick This is a powerful,  well-told personal memoir from the wise, self-reflective perspective of Malala Yousafzai . Malala draws readers in with her accounts of daily life in Pakistan — the sounds, smells, sights, habits. We are hooked from the first page. As the stage is set, we learn how her country used to be and the fearful place it became with the Taliban’s influence. After she is shot for her blog writing in support of educating females, she’s taken to England for recovery and safety. The confusion and contrast between the countries and cultures really stand out during this time. But what is even more striking is Malala’s hope, positivity, and belief in what she stands for. You can’t read this nonfiction book for teens and not be changed.

Never Caught, The Story of Ona Judge: Young Readers Edition  by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve This is not just an important story based on the true life of an escaped slave of George Washington’s, it’s also a cautionary tale about idealizing historical icons. Because people, as it turns out, are deeply flawed… George Washington included.  At age 10, Ona becomes Martha Washington’s personal slave.  After 13 years of this thankless work with no pay, no days off, no freedom to have a feeling,…many of those years in Philadelphia, Ona learns that Martha plans to send Ona as a wedding gift to Martha’s cruel granddaughter. With the help of freed slaves, Ona escapes north which results in an angry George Washington who tries to capture her back without a trial. Luckily that doesn’t happen and Ona lives free until her death.

An Invisible Thread: A Young Readers Edition  by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski A true story with  messages of kindness, trust, and friendship that will renew your faith in humanity . Laura first meets Maurice when he’s 11-years-old and begging on the street corner, eventually spending a meal a week with him at McDonald’s. For YEARS. Laura treats Marice with respect and friendship — never, ever pity and she makes their time together educational, too — cooking from a recipe, sharing a Christmas experience for the first time, and things like that. The end of the book shows Marice as an adult with his own family who is still close friends with Laura.

Bomb: The Race to Build –and Steal–the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon  by Steve Sheinkin Another knock-out nonfiction book for teens from the talented Steve Sheinkin! I’m so impressed by how Sheinkin makes this story come ALIVE like it’s an adventure/mystery/thriller and not real life. Well, they do say truth is stranger than fiction. But usually, it’s written like it’s duller than dirt. This book is a great exception — mesmerizing. I wasn’t even interested in the topic until I started reading.

The Making of America: Susan B. Anthony  by Teri Kanefield (ages 12+) You’ll admire the perseverance and dedication of  Susan B. Anthony who worked tirelessly to advocate for women’s rights and the rights of African Americans . Women now days can own property, vote, divorce abusers, have custody of their children, and are citizens because of the efforts of Susan B. Anthony and others. I hope this book becomes required reading for middle schoolers — both boys and girls. It’s also beneficial for kids to know how much one person can do to make a difference in the world.

Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America  by Susan Campbell Bartlett I love how the author writes this using the facts and clearly stating when there are gaps in the accounts, making conjectures very clear. It’s a great book — and frankly , fascinating to understand the details of solving and then proving that Mary was the common thread of illnesses.  It also asks the questions of Mary’s rights weighted with the rights of the public. This would be a great book club selection!

Path   to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist  by Sylvia Acevedo Sylvia Acevedo’s story shows her incredible intelligence, drive, and determination.  She grows up poor in New Mexico greatly impacted by her Mexican-American heritage, Head Start, and the Girl Scouts. Sylvia credits the Girl Scouts with not just teaching her life skills but showing her that she could do hard things and that her life could be more than being a housewife. She is an amazing woman who becomes a rocket scientist and influential leader. I highly recommend this well-written nonfiction book for teens.

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina  by Michaela DePrince and Elaine DePrince An orphan who was thought never to be adopted due to her skin condition, Michaela was adopted from an orphanage in West Africa.  Even at the orphanage, she wanted to be a ballerina — and her determination and hard work paid off.  Now she’s the youngest principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

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Whoppers: History’s Most Outrageous Lies and Liars  by Christine Seifert I read this nonfiction book aloud to my kids — it was SO fun because it prompted great discussion and interaction. They couldn’t believe that people would make up such outrageous lies.  Learn about historical people who told incredible wild whoppers  — from people you’ve heard of like Charles Ponzi to people you’ve never heard of like George Psalmanazar.

The Faithful Spy: A True Story! Deitrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hilter   by John Hendrix Bonhoeffer was a Christian minister who believed, unlike most of his peers, that he should not go along with Hitler who put himself above God in the church.  I am endlessly fascinated by why people do what they do in their lives which is why I loved reading about Bonhoeffer, seeing his journey as not just an outspoken critic of Hitler but someone who decided that he must also act to try to stop Hitler. This biography is illustrated with several colors in an appealing visual layout.

Rad American Women A – Z   by Kate Schatz, illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl I learned a ton from this book because many of these inspiring women aren’t well known.  Each woman gets a full-page bio with information about what makes her a role model and “rad.”  Read about ladies like Wilma Mankiller, Nellie Bly, Lucy Parsons, and Hazel Scott.

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club  by Phillip Hoose If you’re teaching leadership or becoming change-makers, use this book!  Knut and his friends couldn’t endorse their country of Denmark’s position on allying with the Nazi’s so they decided to do what they could to fight back.  Even though they were just teenagers, they managed small acts of sabotage. But more than that, they inspired a full Danish resistance movement!

Untamed The Wild Life of Jane Goodall  by Anita Silvey, forward by Jane Goodall This book series contains some of the best nonfiction books you can read! Untamed  is an excellent depiction of Jane Goodall’s life with kid-friendly language and appealing layouts of colorful photos. Interesting insets throughout describe tips for kids and information such as sign language. I love the Gombe Family Scrapbook at the end with some of the significant chimps in Jane’s life. I also found it really interesting to learn how this English girl read about Africa as a child and fell in love with it.

Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science by Jeannine Atkins Three girls’ lives, Maria Merian, Mary Anning, and Maria Mitchell, are showcased in this beautiful verse. Each girl’s interest is explained and elaborated. We see how these interests grew into something more, into the passions and discoveries that become their life’s work. I love the flow of the poems and the celebration of these ground-breaking women.

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future (Young Readers Edition)   by Ashlee Vance Elon’s story is fascinating.  His unique history, intelligence, and vision are unique and worth knowing. The ins and outs of his businesses give readers insight into the mind of Musk, a mind that is quite extraordinary. Anyone, teen or adult, interested in being an entrepreneur should read this book. Musk shows that it’s not a straight line to success; that vision, hard work, failures, and perseverance are the basic ingredients. As far as the writing goes, the book is dense with many details you may or not find as interesting as me. But for those of you who are interested in Tesla and the SpaceX project, you’ll devour these details.

If you enjoy reading nonfiction books like these, you might also like:

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind  by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer Code Talker: a Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War II  by Joseph Bruchac In the Heart of the Sea (Young Readers Edition)  by Nathaniel Philbrick The Finest Hours (Young Readers Edition) The True Story of a Heroic Sea Rescue  by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman Irena’s Children: Young Readers Edition a True Story of Courage  by Mary Cronk Farrell and Tilar J. Mazzeo

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Audiobooks for Teens

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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I would add Obsessed to this list for sure. The Borden Mysteries/Lizzie Borden and also Ten Days a Madwoman. MS/HS kids love them!

Can’t wait to read these — thanks for the suggestions!

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Your current subscription allows you to be actively logged in on up to three (3) devices simultaneously. click on continue below to log out of other sessions and log in on this device., 19 top books for tween and teen climate activists.

Climate justice is at the forefront of youth activism. The following 19 titles illustrate what is happening on the individual and collective scale—highlighting not only the youths’ struggles but also what they are fighting for.

CLIMATE JUSTICE is at the forefront of youth activism, from the school strikes led by Greta Thunberg to the water protectors fighting against the Keystone XL pipeline. Teens and tweens are going beyond reading about historical environmentalists and becoming eco-heroes themselves, battling for their own futures.

The following titles illustrate what is happening on the individual and collective scale—highlighting not only the youths’ struggles but also what they are fighting for. These books don’t represent every group doing work on the ground, but they do provide a good jumping-off point to find other voices that will inspire young people to action.

DE LA BÉDOYÈRE, Camilla. Living Planet: The Story of Survival on Planet Earth from Natural Disasters to Climate Change. Welbeck. 2020. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781783125296. Gr 3-6 –A tour of the planet from its core to the organisms that coat its surface. Taking a geological rather than a biological approach, this volume explores the history of the planet and, through the frame of Earth’s slice of the cosmic calendar, makes clear that humans have been here only a relatively short time. Readers will enjoy this romp across time that looks at the bigger picture of life on Earth.

SIMON, Seymour. Climate Action: What Happened and What We Can Do . HarperCollins. 2021. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780062943316. Gr 3-6 –Inspiring tales of climate action and stories of those affected by its resulting natural disasters are the meat on the very good bones of this title. There are well-known voices like Greta Thunberg but also stories from everyday people in BIPOC communities all around the world. They are directly quoted, offering readers an authentic window into people’s experiences.

TUDOR, Aslan & Kelly Tudor. Young Water Protectors: A Story About Standing Rock. CreateSpace Independent. 2018. pap. $27.99. ISBN 9781723305689. Gr 2-5 –A firsthand account of a young water protector at Standing Rock during the major protests at the Dakota Access Pipeline. It is an Indigenous story from a Lipan Apache Tribal member that aims to inspire and encourage other young people to protect their own communities. This work is brief in text but features real photographs of the water protectors in the movement.

WOHLLEBEN, Peter. Can You Hear the Trees Talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest . tr. from German by Shelley Tanaka. Greystone. 2019. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781771644341. Gr 3-5 –In a question-and-answer format, this illustrated text invites readers to inquire about the way trees exist in our world. In this young reader’s adaptation of the author’s adult title, The Hidden Life of Trees , the original topics surrounding forests and tree communication are scaled down to a manageable yet still captivating level for readers.

Middle School

CHURCH, Dana. The Beekeepers: How Humans Changed the World of Bumble Bees . Scholastic. 2021. Tr $10.99. ISBN 9781338565546. Gr 6-10 –Weaving together stories, history, and science around bee culture, this book depicts these insects as charming, helpful creatures that spread across the globe rather than as animals desperately in need of saving. There are some conservation issues discussed, but the emphasis is on the value of the bees within their global ecosystems.

DAVENPORT, Leslie. All the Feelings Under the Sun: How to Deal with Climate Change . illus. by Jessica Smith. Magination Pr. 2021. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781433833915. Gr 6-9 –Eco-grief is an important topic that has not yet fully made its way onto the main stage of climate crisis conversations. Moving past definitions, Davenport introduces readers to techniques for dealing with the changing world around them. The heavy tone—unavoidable, given the gravity of the situation—is tempered with breaks and check-ins as tweens work through the text.

GREENFIELD, Rob. Be the Change: Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids Making a Difference in a Messed-Up World. Greystone. 2022. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781771645911. Gr 4-7 –What can one person do to change the world? In this case, they can do a good bit by encouraging others to lean into zero-waste lifestyles. Readers are treated to healthy conversations about consumerism, and Earth-friendly diets are modeled as an option; Greenfield focuses less on diets as trends and more on issues such as factory farming and subsidies. The text does lean into buzzword territory, but its content really gets at practical ways kids can mitigate climate change at home.

MCPHERSON, Stephanie. Hothouse Earth: The Climate Crisis and the Importance of Carbon Neutrality . Twenty-First Century Bks. 2021. Tr $37.32. ISBN 9781541579170. Gr 8-10 –The global perspectives applied here highlight the shared struggle in store for everyone. This is less hopeful and more factual than other titles, but it is valuable in its respect for readers’ intelligence around the issues. Global warming and climate change are covered in detail in each chapter. This is what emerging climate activists need on their TBR shelves.

MARTINEZ, Xiuhtezcatl. Imaginary Borders . illus. by Ashley Lukashevsky. Penguin Workshop. 2020. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9780593094136. Gr 7-9 –Written by a youth for youths, this brief pocket introduction to Indigenous environmental movements focused on the works in one family is groundbreaking. This empowering title speaks to the power of young people to deconstruct colonial barriers built up over time and establishing a better, greener future for the global community by being responsible today.

NEWMAN, Patricia. Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocea n. illus. by Annie Crawley. Millbrook Pr. 2021. Tr $34.65. ISBN 9781541581210. Gr 5-8 –Dive into the massive underwater worlds of the ocean with this vibrant dip into the ecosystems under the water’s surface. Going beyond the exploration of familiar topics, such as plastic barges and coral reefs, Newman introduces cultural discussions of, for instance, fishing rights in the Salish Sea. A beautiful, deep cut that takes time to look beyond Anglo-European issues around aquatic life.

SARAH, Rachel. Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth . Chicago Review Pr. 2021. pap. $16.99. ISBN 9781641603713. Gr 7-9 –Women leaders of the current contemporary and young adult green movements are highlighted here. Each warrior has their work shown on the local and larger scale to convey that everyone can truly make a difference, no matter how seemingly small their actions. The profiles each include the activists’ pronouns, but the trans and nonbinary femme inclusivity is minimal.

WILLIS, Birdie. Seen: Rachel Carson . illus. by Rii Abrego. BOOM! Box. 2021. pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781684156481. Gr 6-8 –Considered by many to be the founder of the modern environmentalist movement, Rachel Carson is reintroduced to the world as the vivid, interesting person she was in life. Using muted colors, this comic focuses on content and narrative development around her works.

ZISSU, Alexandra. Earth Squad: 50 People Who Are Saving the Planet . illus. by Nhung Lê. Running Pr. 2021. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780762499212. Gr 4-7 –A collection featuring eco-heroes from all walks of life in the international community. There are some expected inclusions, such as Mama Miti and Winona LaDuke, but there are many more unexpected faces, like actor Mark Ruffalo, who are also involved in environmentalist advocacy. The thematic approach of looking at different areas of activism allows for more room at the table and more inclusion of BIPOC voices.

High School

JAHREN, Hope. The Story of More (Adapted for Young Adults): How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here . Delacorte. 2021. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780593381120. Gr 8 Up –Connecting deeper issues in climate change to our society, this young readers’ adaptation takes teens on a journey from agrarian to urban culture and the ramifications of the shifting population needs on Earth. This excellent resource looks at the impacts of climate change on the planet as well as its people by addressing serious issues like generational and climate amnesia. Fans of Jahren’s Lab Girl will rejoice over the continued environmentalist ideas.

KLEIN, Naomi. How to Change Everything: The Young Human’s Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other . adapt. by Rebecca Stefoff. S. & S./Atheneum. 2021. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781534474529. Gr 8 Up –For those who want to know how global warming and climate change impact the present. Young adults will learn about the student strike movement and other youth-led initiatives that look at not only the climate of the future but also the natural disaster–ridden climate of today. A powerful punch is delivered in this young reader’s adaptation of This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate and On Fire: The Case for a Green New Deal .

Liz Bosarge is a science educator and children’s librarian at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore.

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Related , a reading community: a love letter to local independent bookstores, a guest post by heather del piano, post-it note reviews: quick looks at 15 new books, 14 genre-blending graphic novels for middle graders, 5 middle grade books to celebrate planet earth, a guest post by kristin l. gray, take five: lgbtqia+ middle grade novels, environmental mystery for middle grade readers, a guest post by rae chalmers, "what is this" design thinking from an lis student.

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The Best New Biographies and Memoirs to Read in 2024

This year sees some riveting and remarkable lives—from artist ai weiwei to singer-songwriter joni mitchell—captured on the page..

A life story can be read for escapist pleasure. But at other times, reading a memoir or biography can be an expansive exercise, opening us up to broader truths about our world. Often, it’s an edifying experience that reminds us of our universal human vulnerability and the common quest for purpose in life.

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Biographies and memoirs charting remarkable lives—whether because of fame, fortune or simply fascination—have the power to inspire us for their depth, curiosity or challenges. This year sees a bumper calendar of personal histories enter bookshops, grappling with enigmatic public figures like singer Joni Mitchell and writer Ian Fleming , to nuanced analysis of how motherhood or sociopathy shape our lives—for better and for worse.

Here we compile some of the most rewarding biographies and memoirs out in 2024. There are stories of trauma and recovery, art as politics and politics as art, and sentences as single life lessons spread across books that will make you rethink much about personal life stories. After all, understanding the triumphs and trials of others can help us see how we can change our own lives to create something different or even better.

Zodiac: A Graphic Memoir by Ai Weiwei and illustrated by Gianluca Costantini

Ai Weiwei , the iconoclastic artist and fierce critic of his homeland China, mixes fairy tales with moral lessons to evocatively retrace the story of his life in graphic form. Illustrations are by Italian artist Gianluca Costantini . “Any artist who isn’t an activist is a dead artist,” Weiwei writes in Zodiac , as he embraces everything from animals found in the Chinese zodiac to mystical folklore tales with anamorphic animals to argue the necessity of art as politics incarnate. The meditative exercise uses pithy anecdotes alongside striking visuals to sketch out a remarkable life story marked by struggle. It’s one weaving political manifesto, philosophy and personal memoir to engage readers on the necessity of art and agitation against authority in a world where we sometimes must resist and fight back.

Alphabetical Diaries by Sheila Heti

Already well-known for her experimental writings, Sheila Heti takes a decade of diary entries and maps sentences against the alphabet, from A to Z. The project is a subversive rethink of our relationship to introspection—which often asks for order and clarity, like in diary writing—that maps new patterns and themes in its disjointed form. Heti plays with both her confessionals and her sometimes formulaic writing style (like knowingly using “Of course” in entries) to retrace the changes made (and unmade) across ten years of her life. Alphabetical Diaries is a sometimes demanding book given the incoherence of its entries, but remains an illuminating project in thinking about efforts at self-documentation.

Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story by Leslie Jamison

Unlike her previous work The Empathy Exams , which examined how we relate to one another and on human suffering, writer Leslie Jamison wrestles today with her own failed marriage and the grief of surviving single parenting. After the birth of her daughter, Jamison divorces her partner “C,” traverses the trials and tribulations of rebound relationships (including with “an ex-philosopher”) and confronts unresolved emotional pains born of her own life living under the divorce of her parents. In her intimate retelling—paired with her superb prose—Jamison charts a personal history that acknowledges the unending divide mothers (and others) face dividing themselves between partners, children and their own lives.

Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring by Brad Gooch

Whether dancing figures or a “radiant baby,” the recognizable cartoonish symbols in Keith Haring ’s art endure today as shorthand signs representing both his playfulness and politicking. Haring (1958-1990) is the subject of writer Brad Gooch ’s deft biography, Radiant , a book that mines new material from the archive along with interviews with contemporaries to reappraise the influential quasi-celebrity artist. From rough beginnings tagging graffiti on New York City walls to cavorting with Andy Warhol and Madonna on art pieces, Haring battled everything from claims of selling out to over-simplicity. But he persisted with work that leveraged catchy quotes and colorful imagery to advance unsavory political messages—from AIDS to crack cocaine. A life tragically cut short at 31 is one powerfully celebrated in this new noble portrait.

The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul Charles

In The House of Hidden Meaning , celebrated drag queen, RuPaul , reckons with a murky inner world that has shaped—and hindered—a lifetime of gender-bending theatricality. The figurative house at the center of the story is his “ego,” a plaguing barrier that apparently long inhibited the performer from realizing dreams of greatness. Now as the world’s most recognizable drag queen—having popularized the art form for mainstream audiences with the TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race —RuPaul reflects on the power that drag and self-love have long offered across his difficult, and sometimes tortured, life. Readers expecting dishy stories may be disappointed, but the psychological self-assessment in the pages of this memoir is far more edifying than Hollywood gossip could ever be.

Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne

Patric Gagne is an unlikely subject for a memoir on sociopaths. Especially since she is a former therapist with a doctorate in clinical psychology. Still, Gagne makes the case that after a troubled childhood of antisocial behavior (like stealing trinkets and cursing teachers) and a difficult adulthood (now stealing credit cards and fighting authority figures), she receives a diagnosis of sociopathy. Her memoir recounts many episodes of bad behavior—deeds often marked by a lack of empathy, guilt or even common decency—where her great antipathy mars any ability for her to connect with others. Sociopath is a rewarding personal exposé that demystifies one vilified psychological condition so often seen as entirely untreatable or irreparable. Only now there’s a familiar face and a real story linked to the prognosis.

Ian Fleming: The Complete Man by Nicholas Shakespeare

Nicholas Shakespeare is an acclaimed novelist and an astute biographer, delivering tales that wield a discerning eye to subjects and embrace a robust attention to detail. Ian Fleming (1908-1964), the legendary creator of James Bond, is the latest to receive Shakespeare’s treatment. With access to new family materials from the Fleming estate, the seemingly contradictory Fleming is seen anew as a totally “different person” from his popular image. Taking cues from Fleming’s life story—from a refined upbringing spent in expensive private schools to working for Reuters as a journalist in the Soviet Union—Shakespeare reveals how these experiences shaped the elusive world of espionage and intrigue created in Fleming’s novels. Other insights include how Bond was likely informed by Fleming’s cavalier father, a major who fought in WWI. A martini (shaken, not stirred) is best enjoyed with this bio.

Knife: Meditations after an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie , while giving a rare public lecture in New York in August 2022, was violently stabbed by an assailant brandishing a knife . The attack saw Rushdie lose his left hand and his sight in one eye. Speaking to The New Yorker a year later , he confirmed a memoir was in the works that would confront this harrowing existential experience: “When somebody sticks a knife into you, that’s a first-person story. That’s an ‘I’ story.” Knife: Meditations after an Attempted Murder is promised to be his raw, revelatory and deeply psychological confrontation with the violent incident. Like the sword of Damocles, brutality has long stalked Rushdie ever since the 1989 fatwa issued against the author, following the publication of his controversial novel, The Satanic Verses . The answer to such barbarity, Rushdie is poised to argue, is by finding the strength to stand up again.

The Art of Dying: Writings, 2019–2022 by Peter Schjeldahl (Release: May 14)

Peter Schjeldahl (1942-2022), longstanding art critic of The New Yorker , confronted his mortality when he was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in 2019. The resulting essay collection he then penned, The Art of Dying , is a masterful meditation on one life preoccupied entirely with aesthetics and criticism. It’s a discursive tactic for a memoir that avoids discussing Schjeldahl’s coming demise while equally confirming its impending visit by avoiding it. Acknowledging that he finds himself “thinking about death less than I used to,” Schjeldahl spends most of the pages revisiting familiar art subjects—from Edward Hopper ’s output to Peter Saul ’s Pop Art—as vehicles to re-examine his own remarkable life. With a life that began in the humble Midwest, Schjeldahl says his birthplace was one that ultimately availed him to write so plainly and cogently on art throughout his career. Such posthumous musings prove illuminating lessons on the potency of American art, with whispered asides on the tragedy of death that will come for all of us.

Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell by Ann Powers (Release: June 11)

Joni Mitchell has enjoyed a remarkable revival recently, even already being one of the most acclaimed and enduring singer/songwriters. After retiring from public appearances for health reasons in the 2010s, Mitchell, 80, has returned to the spotlight with a 2021 Kennedy Centers honor , an appearance accepting the 2023 Gershwin Prize and even a live performance at this year’s Grammy Awards . It’s against this backdrop of public celebration of Mitchell that NPR music critic Ann Powers retraces the life story and musical (re)evolution of the singer, from folk to jazz genres and rock to soul music, across five decades for the American songbook. “What you are about to read is not a standard account of the life and work of Joni Mitchell,” she writes in the introduction. Instead, Powers’ project is one showing how Mitchell’s many journeys—from literal road trips inspiring tracks like “All I Want” to inner probings of Mitchell’s psyche, such as the song “Both Sides Now”—have always inspired Mitchell’s enduring, emotive and palpable output. These travels hold the key, Powers says, to understanding an enigmatic artist.

• SEE ALSO : ‘Under the Bridge’ Review: A Miniseries That Interrogates the True Crime Genre

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