Biographies and Memoirs for Upper Elementary Students
Step into the shoes of remarkable individuals with our collection of vocabulary lists for biographies and memoirs for upper elementary school students. From fearless adventurers to trailblazing leaders, these stories will introduce you to words that describe lives lived to the fullest. Immerse yourself in the pages of history, uncovering the extraordinary and inspiring tales that shaped our world.
The Diary of a Young GirlWhile in hiding with her family in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, 13-year-old Anne Frank kept a diary of her experiences. Published after Anne's death in a Nazi concentration camp, the diary remains a powerful testament to the everyday horrors of the Holocaust.
I Am MalalaYoung Readers EditionAn ordinary Pakistani girl is shot by the Taliban while fighting for her right to an education. Co-written with Patricia McCormick, in this memoir, Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, tells her story.
The Girl Who Drew ButterfliesHow Maria Merian's Art Changed ScienceThis biography, which won the Robert F. Sibert Medal, recounts the life of Maria Merian, a naturalist who studied insects.
The Beloved World of Sonia SotomayorIn this memoir, Sonia Sotomayor recounts her childhood in the South Bronx, her education and early work as a lawyer, and her eventual appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Amelia LostThe Life and Disappearance of Amelia EarhartThis biography explores the life and mysterious disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart.
This Promise of ChangeOne Girl’s Story in the Fight for School EqualityIn this autobiographical work, Jo Ann Allen Boyce recounts her experience of being one of the first Black children to integrate a public high school in Clinton, Tennessee, following desegregation in the late 1950s.
Brown Girl DreamingIn a series of autobiographical poems, Jacqueline Woodson vividly brings her childhood and adolescence to life. This memoir in verse won the National Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the Newbery Honor Award.
It's Trevor Noah: Born a CrimeIn this adaptation of Born a Crime for young readers, Trevor Noah recounts his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa.
Zlata’s DiaryA Child's Life in Wartime SarajevoIn this diary, eleven-year-old Zlata Filipović describes her life in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War.
The Story of My LifeThis account of Helen Keller's life is divided into three parts: Part I is Keller's autobiography, which she published in 1903; Part II is a selection of Keller's letters; and Part III consists of supplementary materials by Keller's teacher and lifelong friend, Anne Sullivan.
PeléThe King of SoccerThis biography, told in graphic form, explores the life of the famed Brazilian soccer player.
This Side of WildMutts, Mares, and Laughing DinosaursIn this memoir, the award-winning adventurous author shares his observations and relationships with different animals, including mutts, mares, and laughing dinosaurs.
SmileWhen she was in sixth grade, cartoonist Raina Telgemeier severely damaged her teeth during an accidental fall. In this graphic memoir, Telgemeier chronicles her literal and figurative quest to reclaim her smile.
SistersIn this graphic memoir, Raina Telgemeier recounts a childhood road trip to Colorado and explores her relationship with her sister Amara.
GutsIn this companion to Smile and Sisters, graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier recounts her experiences with childhood anxiety and phobias.
When Stars Are ScatteredIn this memoir, told in graphic form, Omar Mohamed recounts his life as a Somalian refugee in Kenya.
AstronautsWomen on the Final FrontierUsing a graphic novel format, the authors tell the stories of the first women in space, focusing on astronaut Mary Cleave.
I Was Their American DreamIn this graphic memoir, Malaka Gharib recounts growing up in America while navigating her Filipino and Egyptian heritage.
El DeafoIn this graphic memoir, Cece Bell chronicles the struggles and triumphs of growing up deaf. Learn these words from the award-winning book.
Boy: Tales of ChildhoodRenowned writer Roald Dahl, the author of such children's classics as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, recounts unexpected and fascinating stories from his own childhood.
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