Familiarize yourself with the following biographies for children. The list contains books with pictures and without them. You can also find here some modern day biographies of people, who are heroes in our home and across the world.

Biographies

Biographies

michelangeloDiane Stanley's biographies
Peter the Great by Diane Stanley
In this book Stanley describes the incredible world of tsarist Russia and the grandeur of its larger-than-life leader whose spirit, impatience and vision brought Russia into the modern world.
Shaka Zulu by Diane Stanley
There was never a more feared Zulu king than Shaka. In true Stanley style she lets us see the child and man behind the legend. No matter where you live, this should be on everyone’s bookshelf.
Michelangelo by Diane Stanley
A biography of the Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet, famous for his work on the Sistine Chapel in Rome's St. Peter's Cathedral.
Leonardo by Diane Stanley
Award-winning author-artist Diane Stanley harmonizes wonderful storytelling with magnificent illustrations to convey the amazing scope of Leonardo Da Vinci's genius. "A stunning account. A first-class production in every way".--"The New York Times Book Review".

Robert Fulton – boy craftsman, Marguerite Henry  
When everyone thought that Bob Fulton was a dreamer, he was busy creating and designing in his a great mind. This story concentrates mainly on his childhood and includes many hilarious accounts of his antics in his pursuit of technical knowledge. This is an inspiring story of never giving up, even when the odds are against you.

Thomas Edison – young inventor, Sue Guthridge
Here is a book for all young children to be inspired by the strength of one young boy who tried and tried again. Our children learnt to love the boy, Edison and admire the man he became. It is very funny to read how Thomas tried his potions on his friend and cried when he was cruelly treated by the train master. The book teaches to validate all children’s attempts at design and technology, because who knows what they may invent or perfect one day!

thomas_edisonCarry on Mr Bowditch, Jean Lee Latham
Exciting true story of the poor beginner who, shortly after the American Revolution, transformed navigation from an art to a precise science. Bowditch wrote a book that is still a standard reference among mariners. Nathaniel Bowditch was responsible for saving many sailors lives by using his remarkable self taught maths and navigational skills. The most womderful thing about his life was his ability to rise up out of poverty and force his brain to learn. A stirring story for child and parent.

On the Bike with Lance Armstrong, Matt Christopher.
The book describes a biography of the enthusiastic cyclist whose racing career was interrupted by a battle with cancer before getting back on track with a Tour de France win. You can follow his life from his early school days to when he won the Iron Kid at 12 years old and his amazing career to date. This easy to read and listen to biography is great for all children and a wonderful springboard to a Tour De France unit study theme