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Stories of Extraordinary Lives
A list of biographies and memoirs great for late elementary to middle school projects (all with 100+ pages!).
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Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The NBA all-time leading scorer and Basketball Hall of Fame inductee presents a first memoir for young readers that focuses on the important sports teachers in his life, including his strict father, his high school coach and Coach Wooden.
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Simone Biles (Epic Athletes)
by Dan Wetzel
Complemented by high-detail black-and-white comic art, a middle grade portrait of Olympics gold medalist Simone Biles details her early life as a foster child, her record-breaking achievements and her work as a #MeToo activist.
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Simone Biles: Golden Girl of Gymnastics
by Sally Morgan
In August 2016, American gymnast Simone Biles won four Olympic gold medals! Her irresistible smile, fierce determination, and unbeatable strength have made her a favorite around the world. Find out how the girl who taught herself to flip on her backyard trampoline blazed a trail in gymnastics
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Tom Brady (Epic Athletes)
by Dan Wetzel
An uplifting portrait of the five-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Most Valuable Player chronicles his rise from a backup quarterback at the University of Michigan to one of the biggest stars in NFL history.
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Drew Brees (Great Americans in Sports)
by Matt Christopher
A portrait of beloved quarterback Drew Bees incorporates photos and infographics into an account of how he rose from being a flag football player to becoming a Super Bowl MVP and modern legend.
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Finding the edge: My life on the ice
by Karen Chen
Figure skating icon and U.S. National Champion Karen Chen tells the amazing story of her rise to the top, featuring never-before-seen photos and behind-the-scenes details from her journey on and off the ice.
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Life in motion: An Unlikely Ballerina
by Misty Copeland
A middle-grade adaptation of the best-selling memoir by the first African-American principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre history traces her late entry into the dance world and the economic, cultural and family obstacles that challenged her pursuits.
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Stephen Curry (Epic Athletes)
by Dan Wetzel
Follows the life of Stephen Curry, specifically his path to NBA success after growing up smaller, weaker, and less talented than his competition.
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I Got This: To Gold and Beyond
by Laurie Hernandez
The young Olympic gold-winning gymnast describes her life and career, covering her loving family, her rigorous training, her intense sacrifices, and her amazing triumphs.
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LeBron James (Epic Athletes)
by Dan Wetzel
Whether you call him King James or simply LeBron, one thing is certain: LeBron James is THE face of the NBA. At just eighteen, and facing sky-high expectations, LeBron headed straight from high school to the pros. Cool under pressure, he went on to shatter the record books and become the most popular athlete in America.
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Magic Johnson: Basketball Star and Entrepreneur
by J Chris Roselius
A biography of the basketball superstar, from his childhood in Michigan through his record-breaking career with the Los Angeles Lakers to his off-court work promoting HIV/AIDS awareness.
Other books in the "Legendary Athletes" series: Jesse Owns Pelé Michael Jordan Jim Brown Hank Aaron Wilma Rudolph
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Lionel Messi (Epic Athletes)
by Dan Wetzel
Lionel Messi has taken the soccer world by storm. He scored the most goals in a season. He's racked up championships. There was even a statue built in his honor. Despite the accolades, he's still hungry for more goals, more championships, more opportunities to shine on the soccer pitch. Messi's drive to succeed has motivated him ever since he first stepped on his local, worn down field as a kid.
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Alex Morgan (Epic Athletes)
by Dan Wetzel
Presents the life and accomplishments of the soccer star, from her childhood in Southern California to her career on the United States women's soccer team in the World Cup and the Olympics.
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Breakaway: Beyond the Goal
by Alex Morgan
The Olympic gold medal-winning soccer player details her path to success, from her childhood in California to her time on the United States' National team.
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Jesse Owens (Life Stories)
by James Buckley
Complemented by full-color photos, information sidebars and quotes, an early reader biography of the track-and-field Olympic gold medalist describes his childhood on an Alabama farm, his years as a world record-breaking student athlete, the discrimination that challenged his ambitions and his four gold-medal wins at the 1936 games in Berlin.
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Pelé: Soccer Star & Ambassador
by Brian Trusdell
Presents the life and accomplishments of the Brazilian soccer star who led his team to three World Cup championships before signing with the New York Cosmos in 1975.
Other books in the "Legendary Athletes" series: Jesse Owns Magic Johnson Michael Jordan Wayne Gretzky Jim Brown Hank Aaron Wilma Rudolph
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Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers in Baseball
by Kurtis Scaletta
When Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, he was the first black man to play in a major-league baseball game in the 20th century. Whether excelling at every sport he tried as a youngster or standing up for his civil rights as a soldier in the US Army, his bravery opened doors for those who followed in his footsteps.
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Hope Solo: My Story
by Hope Solo
Hope Solo, Olympic gold medalist and goalie for the US women's national soccer team, tells the exciting insider details of her life on and off the field, in her own words.
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Serena Williams (Epic Athletes)
by Dan Wetzel
Serena Williams is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. From growing up in a tough neighborhood to combating racism to weathering severe health issues, there is no challenge she can't defeat, no hurdle that will get in the way of her unwavering desire to be the best tennis player in the world.
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Media Marvels (Authors, Artists, Actors, & More)
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Louisa May Alcott: Author of Little Women
by Christin Ditchfield
Presents the life and accomplishments of the American author whose famous novel "Little Women" was inspired by her siblings, and who fought for several causes including women's rights.
Other books in the "Great Life Stories" series: Elizabeth Blackwell Albert Einstein Margaret Bourke-White Clara Barton Alfred Nobel
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Beyoncé: Queen of the Spotlight
by Ebony Wilkins
Beyoncé Knowles became famous as the lead singer of the popular group Destiny's Child. But on her own, she's had even bigger hits. From movies to Grammy Awards to performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, Beyoncé is one of the world's most amazing superstars. Find out how the girl who entered local singing competitions became one of history's greatest trailblazers
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Leonardo da Vinci (Life Stories)
by Stephen Krensky
A highly visual, narrative introduction to the life and achievements of the Italian Renaissance artist, inventor and engineer traces his early years and apprenticeship through the creations of his masterworks, including pre-technology flying machines and the Mona Lisa.
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Becoming Madeleine L'Engle: A Biography by Her Granddaughters
by Charlotte Jones Voiklis
The granddaughters of acclaimed author Madeline L'Engle draw on a wealth of previously unshared archival materials, including photos, letters and journal entries, in a middle-grade biography that explores her literary life, legacy and impact on friends, fans and family members.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda: Raising Theater to New Heights
by Kurtis Scaletta
On July 19, 2015,Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped out on the Broadway stage in Hamilton. His show about Alexander Hamilton, featuring hip hop, R&B, and other music styles, became one of the most successful musicals of all time! Find out how the boy who loved performing blazed a trail in theater
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Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood
by Gary Paulsen
The three-time Newbery Honor-winning author of Hatchet shares the story of his turbulent childhood, his escape into military service and the life-changing impact of an encouraging librarian who handed him his first book. 75,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.
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This Side of Wild: Mutts, Mares, and Laughing Dinosaurs
by Gary Paulsen
The Newbery Honor-winning author of "Hatchet" and "Dogsong" describes his participation in two Iditarods and countless survival-testing sports with the help of a menagerie of clever and loyal animal companions.
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It Came From Ohio!: My Life as a Writer
by R. L Stine
A revised and updated portrait of the author of the Goosebumps, Fear Street and other popular teen horror series shares insights into his childhood, education and literary inspirations.
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Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White
by Melissa Sweet
Presents an account of E.B. White's life and career through personal letters, photographs, family ephemera, and original artwork, while offering glimpses into the origins of his iconic works.
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Neil Armstrong: First Man on the Moon
by Alex Woolf
On July 20, 1969, the whole world was watching Neil Armstrong. He was the first person ever to set foot on the moon! But how did he achieve such an amazing feat? From a childhood spent building model planes to an early career as a test pilot, Neil was always fascinated by aviation. Find out how this boy who loved planes became one of history's greatest trailblazers
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George Washington Carver: Scientist and Educator
by Dennis Abrams
Presents the life and legacy of the pioneering American agriculturist who was born into slavery and went on to become a college professor famous for finding numerous uses for various types of plants.
Other books in the "Black Americans of Achievement" series: Louise Armstrong Coretta Scott King Barak Obama Rosa Parks Tiger Woods
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Albert Einstein: The Greatest Mind in Physics
by Paul Virr
Albert Einstein is the most famous scientist of all time. His theories form the basis of physics today. Find out how the boy who taught himself calculus at age twelve became one of history's greatest trailblazers
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Jane Goodall: A Life with Chimps
by Anita Ganeri
In July 1960, Jane Goodall went into the wilderness in Tanzania to study chimpanzees. For years she camped out with the chimps, observing their behavior and making amazing discoveries! Jane had always been fascinated by animals and knew she wanted to make learning more about them her life's work. Find out how this girl who loved animals became one of history's greatest trailblazers!
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Jane Goodall (Life Stories)
by Libby Romero
Jane Goodall is a pioneer of primatology through her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Africa. When she embarked on her career, women were discouraged from conducting scientific research, especially when that work meant living side by side with wild animals. A self-taught scientist, Jane bravely ventured out into the bush of Tanzania to discover the secret world of chimpanzees. Through perseverance and perceptive observation, she gained access to these elusive creatures and discovered that they are not so different from us.
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Stephen Hawking: A Life Beyond Limits
by Alex Woolf
A middle grade biography of world-changing physicist Stephen Hawking describes his childhood fascination with model airplanes, his revolutionary discoveries and his legacy as one of history’s greatest scientific minds.
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Mae Carol Jemison: Astronaut and Educator
by Iemima Ploscariu
Recounts the life and accomplishments of the first African-American woman in space and her work advocating for space exploration and women and minorities in the sciences.
Other books in the "Women in Science" series: Rachel Carson Marie Curie Jane Goodall Dorothy Hodgekin Barbara McClintock
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Katherine Johnson (Life Stories)
by Ebony Wilkins
Examines the life of mathematician Katherine Johnson, from her early education and career before working for NASA to her integral role in the space program.
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Ada Lovelace (Life Stories)
by Nancy F. Castaldo
Full-color photos and artwork complement an introduction to the life and amazing achievements of the world’s first computer programmer, documenting Ada Lovelace’s work alongside mathematician Charles Babbage and how her innovations changed the world.
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Amelia Earhart: First Woman Over the Atlantic
by Sally J. Morgan
On June 19, 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to cross the Atlantic in an airplane. From building her own roller coaster as a child, to climbing to the roof of her boarding school, Amelia was a born daredevil. Find out how the girl who loved watching air shows blazed a trail in aviation.
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Anne Frank (Life Stories)
by Stephen Krensky
Anne Frank's diary is read by children and adults worldwide. It tells two stories: one of an extraordinary young girl living in hiding during one of the most fearsome times in history, and one of a relatable young girl facing the same questions and troubles that kids come up against today. Learn how both sides of this puzzle made up the person who is Anne Frank. In this biography for kids ages 8-12, meet Anne's family and friends, explore "The Annex" where they hid, and see her story put in historical context alongside information about World War II and the Holocaust, and Hitler and Nazi Germany.
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Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio
by Peg Kehret
The author describes her battle against polio when she was thirteen and her efforts to overcome its debilitating effects.
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Helen Keller (Life Stories)
by Libby Romero
Discover the inspiring story of Helen Keller, whose activism changed the world for blind and deaf people, and many others.
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First Girl Scout: The Life of Juliette Gordon Low
by Ginger Wadsworth
A 100th anniversary tribute to the Girl Scouts traces the story of founder Juliette (Daisy) Gordon Low, whose controversial efforts to encourage girls to consider professional futures and active citizenship were marked by her determination to include members with disabilities and different backgrounds.
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Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps
by Andrea Warren
This biography tells of one child's life of struggle and survival in the Nazi concentration camps after he was removed from his family in Poland and sent away to work in harsh and brutal conditions. In this Robert F. Silbert Honor book, readers will glimpse the dark reality of life during the Holocaust, and how the boy Jack Mandelbaum made it out alive.
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Florence Nightingale (Life Stories)
by Kitson Jazynka
Describes the life and accomplishments of the nineteenth-century English woman who made reforms to hospital care and became the founder of modern nursing.
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Lincoln's Spymaster: Allan Pinkerton, America's First Private Eye
by Samantha Seiple
A portrait of the 16th president's master investigator traces his rise from being a poor immigrant to becoming a highly sought-after detective, his establishment of America's first detective agency and his role in founding modern-day espionage practices.
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Sacagawea: Westward with Lewis and Clark
by Alana J. White
Profiles the life and times of Sacagawea, with an emphasis on her journey taken with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Other books available in the "Native American Biographies" series: Sitting Bull: Sioux Leader
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Harriet Tubman: A Journey to Freedom
by Sandra A. Agard
In 1849, Harriet Tubman crossed a very important line—the Mason-Dixon Line. She had escaped slavery! Despite grave risks, she went on to become the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved people reach freedom.
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Activists & Inspiring Figures
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Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback
by Skai Jackson
The young activist star of Disney Channel’s Bunk’d and Jessie reveals how her successful career was also impacted by bullying and insecurity, sharing advice for today’s tweens and teens on how to inspire change and embrace differences.
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Martin Luther King, Jr.: Fighting for Civil Rights
by Christine Platt
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to more than 250,000 people in Washington, DC about his dream of racial equality. His message of peaceful protest inspired a generation to stand up for their rights. Find out how a boy who was not allowed to go to school or the movies with white people blazed a trail in civil rights.
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Nelson Mandela (Life Stories)
by Stephen Krensky
In 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to a lifetime in jail. His crime? Attempting to overthrow a government that openly discriminated against its Black citizens. After spending 27 years behind bars, Mandela was released, allowing him to continue his struggle for equality in South Africa--and to become the country's first Black president. In this biography book for kids ages 8–12, learn all about Mandela's incredible life, his fight against apartheid, and how he helped bring peace to his nation.
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This Kid Can Fly: It's About Ability (Not Disability)
by Aaron Philip
An uplifting memoir by the 14-year-old creator of the Tumblr blog "Aaronverse" traces his remarkable experiences that demonstrate how his abilities and achievements have defined him more than the challenges of his cerebral palsy.
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Born Just RIght
by Jordan Reeves
Recounts Jordan's journey growing without the bottom half of her left arm, including her founding the non-profit Born Just Right, and the inspiration for her invention of Project Unicorn, a prosthetic that shoots glitter.
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Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid
by Mikaila Ulmer
Sharing practical advice for how to be a force for positive change, the 15-year-old lemonade entrepreneur and one of TIME Magazine’s Top 30 Most Influential Teens describes how two bee stings and her grandmother’s recipe for flaxseed lemonade inspired her work as a conservation activist and business owner.
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Her Own Two Feet: A Rwandan Girl's Brave Fight to Walk
by Meredith Davis
A celebration of hope, perseverance and taking chances traces the story of a disabled young Rwandan girl who made the brave choice to leave her family behind to pursue risky and painful medical care in America.
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