Biographies and Memoirs for Middle Schoolers
Step into the shoes of history's trailblazers with this collection of vocabulary lists for captivating biographies and inspiring memoirs, perfectly tailored for curious readers in Grades 6–8. From the daring exploits of adventurers to the courage of remarkable leaders, these collections will introduce you to a spectrum of words as diverse as the fascinating lives they describe.
NightIn this unflinching memoir, Elie Wiesel describes his experience as a young man imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust. 2006 Hill and Wang edition.
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.
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.
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.
Warriors Don't CryA Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central HighIn 1957, Melba Pattillo was one of a group of teenagers who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. In this memoir, she describes her fight to survive and thrive in the sometimes violent aftermath of the Supreme Court decision that declared segregation unconstitutional.
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.
The CircuitThis collection of autobiographical short stories by Francisco Jiménez explores the immigrant experience in the United States.
Breaking ThroughIn this memoir, Francisco Jiménez details his family's experiences as Mexican immigrants in the United states during the 1950s and 1960s.
Into Thin AirIn this memoir, Jon Krakauer recounts a disastrous expedition to the summit of Mt. Everest that left five people dead and many others — including the author — questioning their own culpability.
Ben Franklin of Old PhiladelphiaThis biography traces the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, including his work as an inventor and his key role in the American Revolution.
Vincent and TheoThis award-winning book explores the relationship between artist Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo.
Free LunchIn this memoir, Rex Ogle recounts his family's struggles with poverty, hunger, and violence.
Enchanted AirTwo Cultures, Two WingsIn this memoir, poet Margarita Engle recounts her childhood in Cuba and the United States during the Cold War.
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.
A Mighty Long WayMy Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High SchoolIn this memoir, Carlotta Walls LaNier recounts being one of the first black students to integrate Little Rock Central High School.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick DouglassWritten by the influential abolitionist, Douglass's autobiography bears witness to the horrors of slavery.
Harriet TubmanConductor on the Underground RailroadHarriet Tubman was born into slavery, escaped to freedom, and worked to liberate countless other enslaved people. Learn more about Tubman's life by reviewing these words from Ann Petry's acclaimed biography.
Farewell to ManzanarJeanne Wakatsuki Houston was only seven when her Japanese-American family was forced to leave their home in Long Beach, California for an internment camp during World War II. This is her story.
PersepolisThe Story of a ChildhoodIn this memoir, presented in graphic form, Marjane Satrapi describes growing up during the Iranian revolution.
Red Scarf GirlA Memoir of the Cultural RevolutionJi-li Jiang lived a happy life in China until the Cultural Revolution of 1966. As political unrest and division swept the country, her father was imprisoned and her life was turned upside down. In this memoir, she provides a window into a transformative period in Chinese history.
I Was Their American DreamIn this graphic memoir, Malaka Gharib recounts growing up in America while navigating her Filipino and Egyptian heritage.
When Stars Are ScatteredIn this memoir, told in graphic form, Omar Mohamed recounts his life as a Somalian refugee in Kenya.
El DeafoIn this graphic memoir, Cece Bell chronicles the struggles and triumphs of growing up deaf. Learn these words from the award-winning book.
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.
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.
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