Books About (Auto)biography · 2,432 titles considered

The Best (Auto)biography Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about (auto)biography? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Brown Girl Dreaming
Graphic Nov.
George Washington and the General's Dog
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About (Auto)biography

Sale price
$1994
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The One and Only Ivan

By Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The One and Only series

A captive gorilla's world shifts when a baby elephant arrives, challenging his view of home and art.

Newbery Medal (2013)
304 pages· 25,905 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 216,215 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,538 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2012

Catherine's War

By Julia Billet, Claire Fauvel (Illustrator), Ivanka Hahnenberger (Translator)

A young girl hides from the Nazis, capturing her journey through the lens of a camera.

176 pages· 9,214 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,324 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15

The Boy on the Wooden Box

A young boy's journey from a carefree childhood in rural Poland to surviving the Holocaust through resilience, family, and the unlikely protection of Oskar Schindler.

256 pages· 36,884 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 30,577 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 5–8

George Washington and the General's Dog

A biography of George Washington's life, highlighting his love for animals and his role in the American Revolution.

48 pages· 756 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 398 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1969

My Book about Me

Create your own story with Dr. Seuss in this interactive activity book about you!

60 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,994 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

When Stars Are Scattered

By Victoria Jamieson (Author/Illustrator), Omar Mohamed, Iman Geddy (Illustrator)

A refugee boy faces a choice: education or staying with his brother.

264 pages· 27,175 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.6/5 Goodreads · 33,868 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

Smile

By Raina Telgemeier · Book #1 in the Smile series

A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.

224 pages· 8,270 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 316,859 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

Everything Sad Is Untrue

A refugee boy spins tales to claim his truth in a skeptical classroom.

356 pages· 85,022 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 45,689 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Almost American Girl

A teen's world shifts with immigration, family changes, and a life-saving art class.

230 pages· 18,247 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,064 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
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(Auto)biography Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about (auto)biography for the youngest readers and listeners.

This Little Trailblazer

Ages 3–5 · 2017

Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.

This Little Explorer
Sale price
$799

This Little Explorer

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the world's greatest explorers in a vibrant journey for young adventurers.

Audrey Hepburn

Ages 2–4 · 2015

Discover how a dream led Audrey Hepburn from war-torn Europe to Hollywood stardom.

This Little Artist
Sale price
$899

This Little Artist

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Discover artists who changed history in this vibrant board book for young creators.

Marie Curie

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Discover Marie Curie's journey from childhood dreams to groundbreaking scientific achievements.

Inventors Who Changed the World

Ages 3–8 · 2018

Discover the inventors who shaped our world with their groundbreaking ideas.

This Little Scientist
Sale price
$799

This Little Scientist

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Discover the groundbreaking scientists who changed history in this vibrant board book.

This Little President
Sale price
$899

This Little President

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the big jobs of little presidents in this colorful history primer.

This Little Dreamer

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Discover dreamers who shaped history in this inspiring board book.

Dream Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover 18 women who defied odds and changed history.

David Bowie

Ages 1–3 · 2019

Discover the journey of a musical icon who transformed rock and roll with his unique sound.

I Look Up To... Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Sale price
$799

I Look Up To... Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Introduce kids to inspiring role models with engaging board books.

View all (auto)biography board books
Browse by age

(Auto)biography Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about (auto)biography for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Harriet Tubman

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.

Take a Hike, Teddy Roosevelt!

Ages 4–7 · 2015

Discover how a determined leader defied odds to protect nature.

Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed

Ages 5–7 · 2002

A young girl discovers unexpected bravery when faced with danger.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover how peaceful protest changed history.

Pocket Full of Colors

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A visionary artist defies norms, painting a vibrant world in a monochrome industry.

Abe's Honest Words

Ages 6–8 · 2008

A self-taught leader battles to end slavery and unite a divided nation.

Elizabeth Leads the Way

Ages 6–10 · 2008

A woman defies societal norms to fight for voting rights, changing history forever.

Emmeline Pankhurst

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young dreamer fights for women's voting rights, changing history.

She Persisted Around the World

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover thirteen women who defied the odds and changed the world.

Diana's White House Garden

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A young girl living in the White House during World War II wants to do her part to help with the war effort

The Crayon Man

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A man invents a new kind of colored crayon that brings joy to children all around the world.

Sakamoto's Swim Club

Ages 6–10 · 2021

A teacher transforms plantation kids into Olympic swimmers using innovative techniques.

Browse by age

(Auto)biography Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about (auto)biography for developing and independent readers.

Shout

Ages 13–18 · 2019

A poetic memoir challenges societal silence on sexual assault.

They Called Us Enemy

Ages 12–18 · 2019

A boy's childhood unfolds in WWII American camps, questioning identity and resilience.

El Deafo
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1599

El Deafo

Ages 7–12 · 2014

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Becoming Muhammad Ali

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Discover how a stolen bike led a young Cassius Clay to become Muhammad Ali.

I Am Malala

Ages 12–18 · 2012

A girl defies the Taliban for education, surviving a deadly attack.

Hey, Kiddo

Ages 12–18 · 2018

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

Becoming Billie Holiday

Ages 9–12 · 2008

A young singer's voice rises above poverty and hardship to become legendary.

All in a Drop
Sale price
$1799

All in a Drop

Ages 7–11 · 2019

A self-taught scientist unveils a hidden world, challenging beliefs with a homemade microscope.

The Lightning Dreamer

Ages 12–18 · 2013

A young poet defies societal norms and fights against slavery in 19th-century Cuba.

26 Fairmount Avenue

Ages 7–10 · 1999

A young boy recounts his childhood experiences, including a hurricane, building a new home, and starting school.

Lincoln

Ages 10–12 · 1987

Explore Lincoln's journey from humble beginnings to leading a nation through war.

Dead End in Norvelt

Ages 11–15 · 2011

Grounded for life, a boy uncovers secrets in his town's obituaries, leading to unexpected adventures.

Keep exploring
Books about refugeesBooks about activismBooks about animal welfareBooks about braces (orthodontic appliances)Books about Colonial and Revolutionary periodsBooks about coming of ageBooks about drawingBooks about empathy

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