Books About Memoirs

The Best Memoirs Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about memoirs? 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.

Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Memoirs

Sale price

$1235

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2012

I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior

By Howard E Wasdin, Stephen Templin

A boy from a tough home becomes a sniper in the Navy's most elite unit.

192 pages

4.3 Goodreads · 1,823 ratings

$13.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Howard Wasdin tells how he overcame a hard childhood to become a U.S. Navy SEAL, survive the brutal BUD/S training, fight in Operation Desert Storm and join SEAL Team Six, the Navy's most secret elite unit. A young readers' edition of his bestselling memoir SEAL Team Six.

Never Quit

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Never Quit

By Jimmy Settle, Don Rearden

A shoe store clerk becomes a pararescue jumper and faces deadly missions in Afghanistan.

293 pages· 76,970 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 1,986 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Jimmy Settle went from working in an Alaskan shoe store to serving as a pararescue jumper with Alaska's 212th pararescue unit. This young adult adaptation of his memoir follows his training and missions in Afghanistan, including returning to battle after being shot in the head, and the hard choices of a rescue specialist.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2024

My Antarctica

By G. Neri, Corban Wilkin (Illustrator)

An author fulfills his childhood dream of exploring the coldest place on Earth.

96 pages

4.5 Goodreads · 256 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Author G. Neri journeys to Antarctica, the coldest, windiest, highest and driest place on the planet, fulfilling the dream of the kid who once wanted to be an explorer. He describes the week of safety training, life among the scientists, and the strange sights he meets, from mummified seals to space robots, mixing history and research with his own adventure.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

The Boy Who Carried Bricks

By Alton Carter

Abandoned and shuttled between foster homes, a boy refuses to accept the fate expected of him.

196 pages

4.4 Goodreads · 549 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Abandoned by his father and neglected by his mother, Alton Carter spent most of his childhood moving between foster homes and a boys' ranch. Determined to have a normal life, he stood up to abusive relatives and endured teasing from his siblings and cousins, all while watching for the people who might help lighten his load. A true story of survival and hope.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2025

One Day

By Michael Rosen, Benjamin Phillips (Illustrator)

A father and son face perilous escape attempts from a Nazi convoy. Will hope prevail?

40 pages· 1,317 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 231 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a gripping tale of survival, a Hungarian-French Jew and his father are captured by Nazis. Facing the horrors of a prison camp, they attempt a daring escape. Their journey is fraught with danger and failure, but hope drives them to try again. Will they succeed against all odds? This poignant story, inspired by true events, captures the resilience of the human spirit during the Holocaust. Vivid illustrations and historical context enrich this moving narrative of courage and determination.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2015

Who Is Derek Jeter?

By Gail Herman, Who HQ, Andrew Thomson (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A biography of Derek Jeter's life and baseball career

112 pages· 8,135 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 617 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: From a bold childhood dream to a storied career, Derek Jeter's journey to the New York Yankees is legendary. Drafted in 1992, he quickly rose to fame, earning Rookie of the Year and leading the team to five World Series victories. As captain, his charisma and humor made him a fan favorite. Retiring in 2014, Jeter's legacy endures, inspiring future generations. Discover the story of a baseball icon who turned ambition into reality.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2015

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom

By Lynda Blackmon Lowery, Elspeth Leacock, Susan Buckley, PJ Loughran (Illustrator)

A young activist defies fear and fights for equality in a historic march.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2016)

128 pages· 6,815 words· Est. 46 min read

4.2 Goodreads · 4,055 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Lynda, a fearless young activist jailed nine times before turning fifteen. As the youngest marcher in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights march, she stands against injustice, determined to change history. Her journey through terror and triumph reveals the power of youth in the Civil Rights Movement. Can one young voice ignite a revolution for equality? Discover the inspiring true story of courage and resilience that proves young people can be heroes in the fight for justice.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1997

My Life in Dog Years

By Gary Paulsen

Discover the life-changing bonds between a man and his extraordinary dogs.

137 pages· 20,298 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 4,234 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Journey through the remarkable tales of Gary Paulsen and his unforgettable canine companions. From Cookie, the life-saving sled dog, to Dirk, the fierce protector, each chapter unveils a unique bond. Meet Snowball, the playful puppy from the Philippines, and Josh, the brilliant border collie. What secrets and adventures do these dogs hold? Explore the profound connections that shape a man's life through the eyes of his loyal friends.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2007

Who Was Elvis Presley?

By Geoff Edgers, Who HQ, John O'Brien (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A biography about the life of Elvis Presley

112 pages· 7,432 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,501 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Born in the depths of the Depression in Tupelo, Mississippi, a young boy immersed in blues, gospel, and country music would rise to become the King of Rock and Roll. With his unique sound and iconic style, Elvis Presley transformed the music scene forever. Explore his journey from humble beginnings to cultural icon, and uncover the secrets behind his legendary status. What drove him to create a sound that captivated the world, and how did he change the face of music forever? Dive into the life of a legend and witness the birth of rock and roll.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba

By Alma Flor Ada, Antonio Martorell (Illustrator), Edel Rodriguez (Illustrator)

A girl's childhood on a Caribbean island, full of family stories and secrets.

240 pages· 11,901 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 190 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Author Alma Flor Ada remembers growing up in Cuba in these true stories: a blind great-grandmother full of wisdom, a farmhand whose love of music overcame hardship, a dance teacher who carried her through a miserable school year, and a daring uncle who flew airplanes. This volume gathers Where the Flame Trees Bloom, Under the Royal Palms, five new stories and more.

The Bookroo Book Club