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Best Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs for Upper Elementary

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students don't often automatically grab biographies and autobiographies off the classroom library shelf.  But the inspiring biographies below will have your upper elementary students begging for more!

Written by guest blogger Cindy Koopmans

In my classroom I’ve often found that biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs are a bit of a hard sell.  Besides selecting only the best nonfiction books for my classroom shelves to begin with, this is how I’ve made it work...

Tips for Encouraging Students to Read Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs

When students are looking for a new book to read, I go to the shelves and hand pick a stack of books for them to peruse.  I’ll start the process by asking them what they’ve read lately and what they liked about those books.  This strategy works because it is built on choice and trust.  I’m enthusiastic about books and I never force a book on a kid.  They get to choose what to read.

And when that happens, the conversation I have with one of my lovies goes something like this: “Mrs. K.  This really happened?  This story is like, for real?” 

Me, “Yup.”   

This is the truth:  no matter who we are or how old we are, we are always looking for someone to light the way forward on this dark road called life.  

Even the most jaded of students have the propensity to be inspired by the stories of people who have survived and thrived.  

And that’s why it is so critical to give our students the gift of great nonfiction and allow them a glimpse into other people’s worlds.  When we see how other people navigate the not insubstantial bumps in their personal roads it gives us hope.  

So here you will find a nicely balanced list of great nonfiction books that are tried and true winners for upper elementary students.  There is great variety in this role call.  I’ve included books written about or by creatives, trailblazers, and a few so-called “ordinary” people, who when called upon by fate, did not back down.  They met the challenges they faced head on and triumphed.  

These people found themselves in extraordinarily difficult and, in some cases, harrowing life situations.  The stories are unique, multi-faceted and...well...true!  

As an added bonus, you can trust that these nonfiction books are incredibly well-written.  

Sometimes, just to hook some of my more reluctant student readers, I take a minute out of our precious instructional time.  I’m not doing anything too fancy, I simply introduce a new book and read the first page or two enthusiastically.

If I’m with a particularly apathetic class I’ve been known to climb up on a chair and use lots of over the top hand gestures.  Hey! Whatever it takes, right?  

Anyway, I’m never sorry about taking the time because there is absolutely nothing more exciting than hearing numerous kids blurt out an enthusiastic, “I want to read that one!” 

What just happened here? A waiting list?  Awesome.

These are good books.  Many of these books are showing the wear and tear of being well-loved in my fifth grade classroom.  Others have gotten a thorough vetting before they made this list and are now on an Amazon wish list until I get two nickels to rub together.  You and your students will find them to be deeply satisfying reads.  Get ready for a cupcake shop moment, because you are not going to know which one to pick! 

12 Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students

Anne frank: the diary of a young girl by anne frank, b.m. mooyaart (translator), eleanor roosevelt (introduction).

It is July 6, 1942, the setting is Amsterdam, and Anne Frank has just received a diary for her birthday.  The rest is history. 

Every year I have at least one student who loves Laurie Halse Anderson's historical fiction books.  If you have students like that in your class, then Anne Frank will absolutely blow their minds.  Introduce them to this classic read, then share the link to the full length movie.   

Some books introduced to students are gifts that they will remember the rest of their lives.  Be that teacher that gives that gift.  Here I just want to say thank you to Mrs. Barclay.  I still have my original copy.

Unbroken: An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive  by Laura Hillenbrand

This book begins with an excruciating description of three men who are floating on a raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  Suffice it to say that sharks are predominant in the narrative of the first chapter.  Fifth grade boys?  Gotcha.  Add to the sharks stuff the fact that the main character, Louis Zabarelli, is a former Olympian and you just set the hook.

This recommendation of the young adult adaptation of Louis Zabarelli’s story, but that shouldn’t be a cause for hesitation.  This book graces the shelf of my classroom library, but it isn’t on the shelf very often.  That and it’s worn condition testifies that Louis Zabarelli’s story does hold appeal for upper elementary aged students.  I’ve included the movie trailer for you in case you want more evidence.

Hidden Figures  by Margot Lee Shetterly

This is another worn book in my classroom library.  In fact, I have three copies because it has been that popular. 

You can find some extra resources here if you’re that smart teacher that seeks to intertwine some science lessons into your literature.  If you haven’t seen the movie that was released a few years ago, you can watch the trailer here.

Save time and stress this school year with these   Nonfiction Reading Response Activities that can be used over and over throughout the school year with ANY nonfiction text.   

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will respond through reading, writing, poetry, speaking, listening, drawing, interviewing, and more.    This is a must have   for any upper elementary teacher that does not want to have to constantly recreate the wheel.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind  by William Kamkwamba

You may want to watch the movie on Netflix, but don’t tell your students it is there until after they read the book.  (And you could use some of these questions and activity ideas for comparing movies to books.)   Another recommendation from my classroom shelves.

I Am Malala  by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

Look up the word inspiring in the dictionary and you may find Malala Yousafzai’s picture there.  Malala Yousafzai is internationally famous because she and her family stood up to the Taliban’s edict that girls were not allowed to receive an education.  Malala’s father taught her not to back down from what she believed in, even though she knew she was in danger, Malala continued to attend school.  As a result, Malala almost lost her life when she was shot riding the bus home from school. 

Here’s a short video about how Malala, the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, continues her mission to make a difference in the lives of young women around the world.

A biography of Malala also made this list of books about overcoming obstacles.

Ugly  by Robert Hoge

Do we have a choice in what we allow to define us?  Robert Hoge’s memoir answers this question with a resounding, “Yes!” 

Bullied and misunderstood because of a facial tumor and other disabilities he was born with, Robert Hoge teaches us how to live wholeheartedly and fearlessly despite how we might be judged and treated by the world.  This is the very best kind of story, honestly and simply told by the person who lived through it all. 

Robert was born with disfigurements that made him a baby only a mother could love, except his own mother didn’t want him and still, he made it.  I know I have students who need to hear his story and I’m sure you do too.

Mountains Beyond Mountains  by Tracey Kidder

I was beyond excited when I learned that Tracey Kidder’s book about Dr. Paul Farmer and his work with Partners in Health had been adapted for young readers. 

Tracey Kidder shadows Dr. Paul Farmer whose mission is to provide quality healthcare to the most economically disadvantaged people in the world’s most impoverished populations.  Dr. Farmer’s father exemplified altruism and expected his children to participate in his passion. 

Even though the family didn’t have money, Dr. Farmer made a decision to attend college and pursue medicine.  It was a high school guidance counselor that helped him take the first steps. 

This is a book that I challenge students to read, because it’s...well...challenging!  But a student who  choses to tackle it has not been disappointed.  

My Thirteenth Winter  by Samantha Abel

Samantha Abel was a straight A student with a secret.  She couldn’t remember her locker combination or tell time.  The disconnect caused her to suffer from anxiety attacks.  In her thirteenth winter, Samantha found the strength and the courage to confront her problems.  Consequently, Samantha learned that she had a learning disability called dyscalculia.   Once the disability is discovered and addressed, Samantha’s life begins to change. 

As teachers know, learning disabilities are a discrepancy between intelligence and academic struggle.  It is in that often agonizing struggle that a learning disability is  forced to the surface.  We know what they are, but we don’t really know what causes them. 

A Long Walk to Water  by Linda Sue Park

Linda Sue Park lays out the story in two distinct sections, intermingling fiction and nonfiction.  The book tells the story from the point of view of a young girl, Nya, as she walks all day long to procure water for her family’s needs:  hence the title.  But it is Salva’s point of view story that is truly central to the book.  Salva is one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan who is walking to escape the violence and constant threat of being conscripted into the Sudanese army.  Spoiler...the two stories come together at the end of the book. 

I spend a lot of time convincing those kiddos who read ahead not to give away the ending and wreck the book for their classmates.  This link will take you to a short video about Salva.

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is the first African-American principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre history.  Adapted for young readers, the adult version of this book made the New York Times best-seller list.  This is another excellent autobiography I’ve had to purchase in multiples because it is in demand with my girls. 

Misty Copeland’s grit and determination, added to her passion, led her to a successful career in dance.  It all began so simply. 

She writes,  “My family didn't have very much money, so ballet wasn't even on my radar; I just found it randomly when I was 13 at a Boys & Girls Club. We were practicing on a basketball court in gym clothes with some old socks on. Even though it terrified me at first, I found that I really liked it.”  Find something you love and pursue it with all your heart.  Yes.

Check out these other inspirational biographies of African-Americans.

Lion: A Long Way Home  by Saroo Brierley

An incredible true story that just proves the point that life is often stranger than anything anyone could make up in a million years. 

His book chronicles his struggle to remember where he came from and to reconnect with his family, which he does when he is 25 years old.  You can watch a trailer for the Hollywood Version here.

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Vincent’s younger brother Theo is the pragmatist in the relationship, but still an art lover—he works as an art dealer, which on the face of it could be immensely helpful for Vincent.  But Vincent’s artistic style, that of the Impressionist school, is simply not in fashion and Theo can’t change that fact. 

Despite their personality differences and all the drama Vincent brings to the relationship these brothers remain loyal to the core.  This is a beautiful and touching story of brotherly love and devotion. 

You’ll find it special as a direct result of Deborah Heilgman’s efforts to get the details right: she carefully gleaned information from more than 600 letters Vincent wrote to his brother Theo over his lifetime. 

Deborah Heiligman is the award winning author of Charles and Emma and many other books for children and young adults.

Find more book suggestions for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students here.  

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3 Creative Ideas for Teaching Biographies Your Students Will Love

There is so much power in teaching our students about history using biographies. We can all learn from the success and failures of others. But biographies often get a bad rap of being dry and boring. It doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, through this genre, our students can practice many different reading skills and strategies. That’s why I use graphic organizers that will allow my students to recall information from the biographies in creative ways. I am excited to share these 3 creative ideas for teaching biographies using fun and exciting graphic organizers I know your students will love!

Teaching Biographies can be Exciting

When teaching biographies in my classroom I like to immerse my students into the lives of the person they are learning about. From decorating the classroom to dressing up like the person we are studying, the possibilities are endless. This really helps to “bring the person to life” and make the learning more engaging and realistic for our students.

No matter what biography you are focusing on, these 3 creative ideas for teaching biographies are going to be so fun your kids will be begging for more!

1. EXTRA! EXTRA!

Read all about it in this year’s edition of the 3rd grade Daily Times. And that’s the hook! One of my favorite ways to immerse my students into learning is to turn them all into little reporters. At the end of our biography unit, we create a newspaper. It includes articles about each of the people of influence we focused on. I can’t tell you how excited my students get when they hear they will be writing and “publishing” a newspaper!

I like to put students in groups of 3 or 4. Then, give each one a person they will be focusing on. As a group, they must choose graphic organizers to will help them record information about their person. They can read an article that I provide, get information from a book, or research the person on a safe search site.

After reading the information about their person, they use the graphic organizers they chose to record important information about the person. This is the “interview” for the article.

Pulling it all Together

Next, it’s time to put the information from the graphic organizers all together. They will write all of the information in one article that will be included in our newspaper. The newspaper can be tangible if you want your students to assemble it and include their own drawings. But, it can also be digital with each group focusing on specific slides. This can then be projected on a whiteboard or viewed on a tablet or computer.

Not only is it a great way for students to learn from informative text, but it also gives you a fun and easy way to assess their learning. Sharing the newspaper in the school library is sure to be a hit. Teachers or librarians can read the newspaper articles to classes when they visit the library. So cool!

This really is such a great way for me to teach biographies in an easy way my students love!

2. The Life and Times…

This is a fun timeline activity that begs to be interactive! When teaching biographies, I love to use timelines because it gives students a concrete visual of when key events took place. This helps students better able to identify with the life of the person they are studying.

For example, if we are focusing on Amelia Earheart, I create a huge timeline that goes around my classroom. We start at the beginning and focus each day on an aspect of her life. We add information to the timeline as we go, and this is where those awesome graphic organizers come into play.

With a cause and effect graphic organizer, I can ask my students to think critically about events in the life of Amelia Earheart. Then we can discuss how those events shaped her future. As we learn about other things that are happening in the world, we can add those to the timeline as well.

I can’t tell you how awesome it is to get those “lightbulb” moments! I love when students make connections between world events and the person they are studying.

The end of our timeline activity concludes with a flipbook with all the information we have learned about Amelia Earheart. My kids really love this activity because they are allowed to get up and walk around. They take their clipboards to make notes from the timeline to help them complete the information for the flipbook. It’s a great way for them to show off their learning when they take it home.

3. Pick a Person

This is a really fun way to build excitement when teaching biographies. I put the names of all the people I want my students to choose from when working on their biographies. Then, after arranging my class into 4 or 5 groups, it’s time for the choosing ceremony. Each team gets to reach inside a basket and draw the name of a person. This will be the person they will be responsible for reporting on at the end of the unit.

Next, each group has to do some research on the person of influence they will be focusing on. This could mean a special trip to the library for the group to check out a book, some safe search research on the computer, or even a look through our biographies section of our class book boxes. I think this is a great way to give your students a little independence and responsibility they will be overjoyed to get.

Graphic organizers are so great for biographies because there is so much information available out there. It can feel overwhelming for kids to try to organize their thoughts and recall important facts and details about the lives of the people we are studying. They are a great way to get our students to really focus on what’s important and what they want to include in their presentations.

The Presentations

Now, it’s time for the really fun part! I give my students some time to think about how they could present their information to the class. Some groups like to use technology and create a video slideshow, a recorded skit, or even a self-made news clip featuring their famous person. Other groups may want to get creative and make a poster with visual images representing the information they learned about the person they are focusing on.

If a free choice scenario isn’t your cup of tea, consider making a list of presentation options you would be comfortable with. By giving students some choice in their final presentation you really get to see them tap into strengths and creativity. No matter how you choose to have your students present the information, chances are they will have a blast doing it!

Grab Your Free Biography Graphic Organizers

I have put together my favorite graphic organizers to use when teaching biographies and you can grab them for free! Just join the Keep ’em Thinking community to get access to the Free Resource Library. You can find these biography graphic organizers and lots more!

Just sign-up below and grab your free graphic organizers today!

Teaching Biographies is a Breeze

Teaching biographies really is a breeze! With customizable graphic organizers to help your students, they will not only focus on the information they are learning but recall it.

And . . . if you need some ready-to-use biographies check out the Keep ’em Thinking store . You can find a variety of biography resources that are perfect to use with the graphic organizers.

Be sure to save these creative ways for teaching biographies ideas to your favorite Pinterest teacher board so you can come back any time for even more fun and exciting biography activities!

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Biography Lesson Plan: An Introduction to Biographies

Submitted by: stacey lopez.

In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 1-5, students will use BrainPOP and/or BrainPOP Jr. resources to learn about biographies. Students will then select a person whose biography they would like to read (or watch a short video about on BrainPOP). Finally, students will write their own biography on a selected person.

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments

Students will:.

• Define and explain what a biography is.
• Read or watch an example of a biography.
• Compose a biography.
• Computer with internet access for BrainPOP
• Interactive whiteboard (or just an LCD projector)
• Chart Paper
• Markers--variety of colors
• Sticky notes and pencils for students
• Biography template (optional)

Preparation:

Lesson procedure:.

• Explain to students that a biography of a famous person includes many facts. Ask them to take notes while they are watching either the BrainPOP Biography movie or the BrainPOP Jr. Biography movie. Explain that they will contribute to a class anchor chart about biographies.
• After the movie has finished, ask each student for a fact to add to the anchor chart. Alternate the colors to make it exciting. Students will be able to identify their contribution to the class anchor chart.
• Ask to students to read or watch a biography for a selected person in order to gather more information. Students could watch any of the BrainPOP topics in the Famous Historical Figures Unit or BrainPOP Jr. Biographies Unit , or read about the person's life in a book or online. Instruct students to take more notes while reading.
• Talk with students about the common features their biographies shared. What makes a good biography? Add to the anchor chart as needed.
• Each student may then write their own biography of another person using some of the facts that the class gathered.

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A great way to teach about history and content-area topics, biographies highlight famous figures, inventors, scientists, civil rights leaders, sports legends, and heroes. Many of these mini-books, plays, and passages feature question/response activities, biography worksheets, teaching guides, lesson ideas, and graphic organizers.

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Biography writing

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Students research and write about an individual. The emphasis is on researching and planning the essay, prior to writing the text.

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Walt Disney:

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60 3rd Grade Books To Add to Your Classroom Library

Third grade should be a year of awesome books.

Third graders are in the sweet spot between innocent and independent, and it’s such fun to share a wide range of books with them. You’ve got your old standbys, but fresh titles are always needed. Here are 60 recent third grade books we think could become your new favorites to read aloud and offer to students.

1. I’m From by Gary Gray Jr.

This mesmerizing memoir poem of one boy’s school day shows readers that everyone is from a rich, detailed “somewhere.” From the bus driver’s threats to “SIT DOWN” to school “books that don’t click with me,” to buttermilk biscuits and baked beans for dinner, the text overflows with small but meaningful details. We’re definitely adding this to our third grade books inspire students’ own poetry or narrative writing.

Buy it: I’m From on Amazon

2. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James

This inspirational book exudes Black joy  as it celebrates black boys’ resilience, creativity, perseverance, and kindness. There are so many concrete examples to which all students can connect, and the language is guaranteed to leave readers energized and inspired. Read this one every year!

Buy it: I Am Every Good Thing on Amazon

3. Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina

It’s moving day for Daniela’s best friend and neighbor, Evelyn Del Rey. Daniela narrates their final moments together in heart-wrenching detail as she lists all the reasons she’ll miss her friend. We love this story for discussing characters’ emotional responses to events, and as a writing mentor text when studying narrative voice.

Buy it: Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away on Amazon

4. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

We just can’t stop reading this one again and again. Encourage students to find their voices and connect with one another.

Buy it: The Day You Begin on Amazon

5. My Baba’s Garden by Jordan Scott

This gorgeous title is perfect for conversations about kindness and as a narrative-writing mentor text . A young boy spends lots of time at his grandmother’s tiny house, enjoying her delicious cooking and helping in her garden. When her house is torn down and she moves in with the boy and his parents, he tries to repay her kindness by evoking happy memories. ADVERTISEMENT

Buy it: My Baba’s Garden on Amazon

6. The Walking School Bus by Aaron Friedland and Ndileka Mandela

It’s too dangerous for siblings Shaka and Nandi to walk alone to school when their father gets a new job. They’re so disappointed not to be able to attend that they think up a community-based solution: They encourage lots of local children to travel together as a walking “school bus.” Add this to your third grade books to read aloud and spend time thinking and discussing as a group. The back matter gives more information about kids’ real-life obstacles in getting to school.  

Buy it: The Walking School Bus on Amazon

7. The One Day House by Julia Durango

Wilson longs to help Gigi fix up her house, even though she reassures him his company is more than enough. One day, with the support of his community, he’s able to realize his intentions.

Buy it: The One Day House on Amazon

8. The Very Last Castle by Travis Jonker

This traditional tale with a twist stars Ibb, the one girl brave enough to investigate who actually lives in the old castle that stands in the middle of town. Rumors run rampant, but the truth surprises everyone.

Buy it: The Very Last Castle on Amazon

9. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Faizah admires her older sister on her first day of hijab—both for wearing her “proudest” color blue with strength and beauty and for resisting the hurtful words of others. This inspirational story is written by the first female Muslim American Olympic medalist.

Buy it: The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family on Amazon

10. Drawn Together by Minh Lê and Dan Santat

Remind students about the many forms of communication with this gorgeous, almost wordless title. A boy and his grandfather speak different languages, but they connect through art.

Buy it: Drawn Together on Amazon

11. Hurricane by John Rocco

John Rocco’s disaster stories are so fun to read aloud, and they’re fantastic for inspiring kids’ own narrative writing . When a hurricane tears through the area, a young boy’s favorite spot, the neighborhood dock, is wrecked. Can it be rebuilt? This would be fun to share as part of a weather unit too.

Buy it: Hurricane on Amazon

12. Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Sainte-Marie and Julie Flett

This gorgeous illustrated version of a song by an award-winning Cree singer-songwriter will take your breath away. Share it as part of a study of indigenous cultures, to practice determining themes, or to inspire student poetry. (We also just really want to see a school chorus concert with kids singing this song!)

Buy it: Still This Love Goes On on Amazon

13. Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design Around the World by Christy Hale

Tanka poems, stunning photos, and fascinating back matter give kids an introduction to biomimicry—design that imitates nature. This is a unique addition to your third grade STEM books, for sure.

Buy it: Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design Around the World on Amazon

14. Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math Poems by Betsy Franco

We love third grade books that do double duty. These funny poems will also help kids practice math concepts like multiplication and fractions.

Buy it: Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math Poems on Amazon

15. The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil

Kanzi, star of the book The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story , is shocked to find an entire display of diverse books gone from her school library. Her class learns that the books have been banned by their district, and they decide to take action. They plan a bake sale and protest. Share this title to educate students about the issue of book banning and to share a relatable example of kid-powered activism.

Buy it: The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale on Amazon

16. Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker

This story of defying expectations is one of our new favorite third grade books to spark classroom discussion. Don’t miss the author’s note: It explains how the author, also a disabled musician, used her own experiences and real-life conversations with the book’s subject to make sure her writing was authentic.

Buy it: Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion on Amazon

17. The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America’s Presidents by Kate Messner

Here’s a creative and empowering take on an informational book about presidents. What were future presidents doing when their predecessors took office? Students can begin to think about where great leaders start and explore their own potential.

Buy it: The Next President on Amazon

18. Butterflies Belong Here: A Story of One Idea, Thirty Kids, and a World of Butterflies by Deborah Hopkinson

A girl who is a recent immigrant finds her voice through environmental activism. When she notices there are no monarch butterflies in her community, she leads efforts to plant a monarch way station. Share this story to help kids find their own passions, make plans, and create change.

Buy it: Butterflies Belong Here on Amazon

19. Respect: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford

This title packs powerful messaging into sparse text and gorgeous artwork in a way that reminds us of Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. This is an excellent addition to a collection of biography mentor texts. Mentions of Aretha’s performances at multiple presidential inaugurations tie this title to election conversations too.

Buy it: Respect: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul on Amazon

20. Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel

Parallel stories tell of a Colombian garbage collector who salvages discarded books and a young boy who waits all week for library day. This narrative nonfiction title is a heartwarming celebration of the power of books to both transport and connect readers.

Buy it: Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built on Amazon

21. Show and Tell! Great Graphs and Smart Charts: An Introduction to Infographics by Stuart J. Murphy

Today’s kids are living in a visual world. Introduce bar graphs, pie charts, pictographs, and line graphs with fun illustrations and examples. Great for launching a math unit about representing data.

Buy it: Show and Tell! Great Graphs and Smart Charts on Amazon

22. Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

This unique and captivating book is one for every social studies classroom! Get students thinking about connections across history, science, geography, and the arts through the lens of the color blue.

Buy it: Blue on Amazon

23. Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes by Wab Kinew

This book offers brief introductions to a variety of notable figures in history, sports, medicine, and more. The author’s note gives a helpful context.

Buy it: Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes on Amazon

24. If You’re a Kid Like Gavin by Gavin Grimm and Kyle Lukoff

This OwnVoices story of transgender activist Gavin Grimm is empowering and important for all kids. Gavin made headlines for bravely speaking out about his right to choose which bathroom to use at school. Teachers will find the language so useful for building a classroom community in which transgender individuals—and all individuals—can be supported and celebrated.

Buy it: If You’re a Kid Like Gavin on Amazon

25. Made for Each Other: Why Dogs and People Are Perfect Partners by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

This impeccably organized and focused title is perfect for introducing an author’s message in nonfiction. Bonus: adorable dog photos!

Buy it: Made for Each Other: Why Dogs and People Are Perfect Partners on Amazon

26. Breaking Through the Clouds: The Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson by Sandra Nickel

Joanne Simpson was the first woman to receive a doctorate in meteorology. Her research changed the world’s understanding of clouds. Expand kids’ understanding of the field of weather studies with this fascinating biography.

Buy it: Breaking Through the Clouds on Amazon

27. Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer

“America’s Astrophysicist,” the charismatic Neil deGrasse Tyson started out as a regular city kid focused on friends and fun—and on learning as much about the stars as he possibly could. We love how this biography shows that not all scientists are introverts.

Buy it: Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson on Amazon

28. Killer Underwear Invasion! How To Spot Fake News, Disinformation & Conspiracy Theories, by Elise Gravel

Put this one at the top of your pile of third grade books about media literacy. One of our favorite authors takes on the timely topics of fake news, confirmation bias, fact vs. opinion, and credible sources. The outlandish examples and silly illustrations make this important content memorable for kids.

Buy it: Killer Underwear Invasion!  on Amazon

29. The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation by Alice B. McGinty

Every day Darlene Arviso drives kids to school and then uses her school bus to deliver clean water to families of the Navajo Nation. This powerful true story, along with the author’s note, will give classrooms lots to discuss. It could easily inspire wonder, research, and activism too.

Buy it: The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation on Amazon

30. Wait! What? series by Dan Gutman

When we learned that Dan Gutman had a biography series, we knew we’d love it. These titles introduce famous historical personalities from a kid-centered perspective. Each book is formatted as a conversation between two siblings who try to one-up each other with interesting facts about the book’s subject that go beyond “stuff your teacher wants you to know.” Add these to your third grade biography books collection for the kids who say biographies are boring!

Buy it: Wait! What? series on Amazon

31. The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen

This retold Austrian folktale is moderately creepy, but it has heartwarming messages about friendship too. A girl named Otilla runs away from home. She happens upon a grand abandoned house in the forest and befriends a skull that lives there, proving her loyalty when the skull’s skeleton body comes looking for it. The afterword is especially interesting to share with third graders when you study folktales. The author talks about how he arrived at this particular retelling and the power of folktales to be uniquely shaped by each person who enjoys them.

Buy it: The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale on Amazon

32. City of Dragons series by Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong

Set in present-day Hong Kong, this graphic novel series stars Grace, who’s given a mysterious egg that hatches into a water dragon she calls Nate. Grace and her new friends have to protect Nate from unsavory characters. The mix of Chinese mythology with modern themes like making new friends and teamwork make these ideal third grade books.

Buy it: City of Dragons series on Amazon

33. Locker 37 series by Aaron Starmer

Wouldn’t it be perfect if there was a way to fix any problem that’s ruining your school day? At Hopewell Elementary, select students can rely on Locker 37, a magical trove of helpful tools. Fast-paced and relatable, these are excellent third grade books to keep your students reading.

Buy it: The Magic Eraser (Locker 37 #1) on Amazon

34. Dragons in a Bag series by Zetta Elliott

When his mom drops him off with Ma, a mysterious character from her own childhood, Jaxon has no idea he’ll travel into the world of magic and end up in charge of baby dragons. We love this urban fantasy series.

Buy it: Dragons in a Bag series on Amazon

35. Best Wishes series by Sarah Mlynowski and various authors

We love this author’s other magic-themed series ( Whatever After and Upside-Down Magic ) so we’re definitely adding this new set of stories starring diverse characters to our third grade books. In each title, a girl in distress receives a magic bracelet in the mail that promises to grant wishes.

Buy it: Best Wishes series on Amazon

36. Just Harriet series by Elana K. Arnold

Many reviewers compare these quiet titles to Beverly Cleary’s beloved Ramona series. Harriet Wermer loves to puzzle over mysteries during her summer stay on Marble Island. She also, it turns out, tends to stretch the truth … often. This can make it hard to get adults to listen to her. Share these titles with your third graders who love relatable, endearing characters.

Buy it: Just Harriet series on Amazon

37. The Magnificent Makers series by Theanne Griffith

This series stars third graders Violet and Pablo as they take science-themed adventures that include transport by magical science instruments to a challenge-filled Maker Maze, a guide that reminds us of Miss Frizzle, and fun project directions for home. As a neuroscientist and a mom, this author knows what will get kids excited about reading and science!

Buy it: Magnificent Makers series on Amazon

38. Julieta and the Diamond Enigma by Luisana Duarte Armendáriz

A father-daughter pair navigates a Paris art heist in this fast-moving story packed with tons of interesting background information for kids. It’s perfect for third grade readers who love mysteries, travel adventures, and plucky, determined main characters. It would also be a popular chapter book for a class read-aloud.

Buy it: Julieta and the Diamond Enigma on Amazon

39. The Magnificent Mya Tibbs series by Crystal Allen

These sweet stories will take students to small-town Texas, where 9-year-old Mya navigates the ups and downs of family life and school with plenty of spunk. A great series for a third grade library.

Buy it: The Magnificent Mya Tibbs series on Amazon

40. Marya Khan series by Saadia Faruqi

This series opener from the author of the popular Yasmin early reader series is ideal for third graders. In the series opener, Marya is desperate for an over-the-top awesome birthday party like her neighbor Alexa. She can’t resist telling her classmates about it … even before getting the OK from her family.

Buy it: Marya Khan series on Amazon

41. Marcus series by Kevin Hart

Tap into kids’ love of YouTube and videography with this fast-paced and fun series. Marcus takes an after-school film class and starts dreaming of turning his cartoon drawings into a hit movie. These books will have kids wondering: Could they be famous one day? Written by actor and comedian Kevin Hart.

Buy it: Marcus Makes a Movie and Marcus Makes It Big on Amazon

42. The Unicorn Rescue Society series by Adam Gidwitz

In this engaging and highly readable series, Elliot and Uchenna join their odd teacher, Professor Fauna, on quests to protect mythical creatures.

Buy it: The Unicorn Rescue Society series on Amazon

43. A Boy Called Bat series by Elana K. Arnold

Meet Bat, an unforgettable third grade boy on the autism spectrum, as he tries to show his mom that a baby skunk can be the perfect pet. Also check out Bat and the Waiting Game and Bat and the End of Everything .

Buy it: A Boy Called Bat on Amazon

44. Once Upon a Tim series by Stuart Gibbs

This new series from a favorite author is readable, quirky, and fun. Tim, a smart-aleck peasant, finds himself wrapped up in a royal rescue scheme. This could make a great student book club choice. Keep an eye out for the sequel too.

Buy it: Once Upon a Tim series on Amazon

45. Jada Jones series by Kelly Starling Lyons

We adore Jada Jones for her realistic kid voice and her love of everything STEM. This series reflects common childhood dilemmas and drama with fresh-feeling details and plenty of heart. Also check out the Miles Lewis series by the same author.

Buy it: Jada Jones series on Amazon

46. The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett

Your collection of third grade books should definitely include a hysterical crowd-pleaser like this one. A cat launches a space expedition to save the moon from hungry rats. It’s weird and adventurous and sure to be passed all around the class.

Buy it: The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza on Amazon

47. Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face series by John Dougherty

These British imports, recently re-released with updated illustrations, will appeal to students who like wacky humor. Stinkbomb and his messy little sister Ketchup-Face get themselves into madcap adventures in this fun series of third grade books.

Buy it: Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face series on Amazon

48. Fantastic Frame series by Lin Oliver

This five-book series about a magical golden frame that transports time travelers into the historic world of famous paintings has a lot to offer: full-color illustrations, modern characters, a bit of art history, tons of adventure—and the thrill and tension of a ticking clock!

Buy it: Fantastic Frame series on Amazon

49. Family Fletcher series by Dana Alison Levy

The hilarious but realistic antics of the two dads and four adopted brothers in the Fletcher family make for enjoyable tales for your latest third grade books.

Buy it: Family Fletcher series on Amazon

50. Iggy series by Annie Barrows

LOL-worthy series alert! Iggy Frangi has a long list of complaints against him—and plenty of smart responses to explain away his behavior.

Buy it: Iggy series on Amazon

51. Lucy McGee series by Mary Amato

Mary Amato definitely understands upper elementary peer dynamics, and her books are surefire hits with third graders. Meet spirited Lucy McGee, star of this accessible illustrated chapter book.

Buy it: Lucy McGee series on Amazon

52. Big Foot and Little Foot series by Ellen Potter

A young Sasquatch named Hugo and a young boy build an unlikely friendship despite their differences.

Buy it: Big Foot and Little Foot series on Amazon

53. The Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier

The relatable characters in these hybrid graphic novels navigate real-life kid emotions, even during apocalyptic turmoil. Plus, there’s a good dose of oozing zombie grossness to hook reluctant readers.

Buy it: The Last Kids on Earth series on Amazon

54. Sparks! series by Ian Boothby and Nina Matsumoto

Readers will cheer for the masquerading feline stars of this graphic novel—great for students who love Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man books.

Buy it: Sparks series on Amazon

55. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

When Evan finds a peculiar new Little Free Library on his walk to school, it launches him and his best friend into a (slightly) spooky mystery. Why are all the books from the town library that burned down decades ago? Add this to your third grade books for reading aloud or book clubs. Its alternating perspectives make it perfect for talking about character traits, motivations, and relationships. 

Buy it: The Lost Library on Amazon

56. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

No one can pack so much emotion into a slim novel like Sharon Creech. Louie’s efforts to nurse a sickly newborn donkey back to health turn into much more in this delightful testament to hope and healing.

Buy it: Saving Winslow on Amazon

57. Packing for Mars for Kids by Mary Roach

This new young readers edition of the bestselling adult nonfiction title could add some variety to your classroom read-aloud time or catch the attention of advanced readers. Surviving as a human in outer space is a complicated endeavor, as this science journalist explains with plenty of wit in chapters like “Toilet Training for Adults” and “Roommates for Very Small Rooms.” We plan on using excerpts as mentor texts for informational writing too.

Buy it: Packing for Mars for Kids on Amazon

58. Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor

If you loved Wish , prepare to be equally as drawn in by Barbara O’Connor’s newest set of compelling characters—including Henry the dog—in this coming-of-age story.

Buy it: Wonderland on Amazon

59. The Wild Robot series by Peter Brown

These tales about a robot marooned on a futuristic island will mesmerize your students. They offer plenty of material for discussions about perspective-taking too.

Buy it: Wild Robot series on Amazon

60. Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire

Add this rich and complex animal story to your third grade read-aloud books or share it with just the right student reader. A young rabbit must cope with his missing Papa and a big move to a new home. This is an instant classic.

Buy it: Cress Watercress on Amazon

What third grade books have you discovered recently? Come share in our We Are Teachers Helpline group on Facebook.

Want more articles like this be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters . plus, check out our book lists for other elementary grade levels here:.

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Biography Writing Teaching Resources for 3rd Grade

• Teaching Resource 23
• English Language Arts  21
• Writing  20
• Types of Writing  18
• Expository Writing  18
• Inquiry and Research  8
• Social Studies  5
• US History  4
• Reading Comprehension  3
• Historical Figures  3
• Special Areas  2
• Text Structures  2
• Report Writing  2
• Reading Response Skills  2
• Women's Rights Movement  2
• Westward Expansion  1
• English Language Arts and Reading  1
• Physical Education  1
• World History  1
• Interact with Text  1
• 1st Grade 1
• 2nd Grade 6
• 3rd Grade 18
• 4th Grade 21
• 5th Grade 22
• 6th Grade 18

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• Templates 15
• Worksheets 5
• Interactive Games 2
• Writing Templates 2
• Flipbooks 2
• Word Walls 2
• Writing Checklist 1
• Teaching Slides 1
• Inquiry Based Learning Activities 1
• Graphic Organizers 1
• Cut and Paste Worksheets 1
• Brochure Templates 1
• Checklist Templates 1
• Classroom Posters 1
• Classroom Decor 1
• Task Cards 1

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File formats.

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• Google Slides 11
• Microsoft Word (.docx) 2
• Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) 2
• Adobe Reader (.pdf) 1
• Teach Starter Publishing 23

Biography Timeline Template

Use this multipurpose timeline template for a variety of assignments, projects, and more!

Biography Cube

Research and create an interactive biography for a historical figure.

Character Development – Fakebook Page Worksheet

Use research and creative writing skills to design a social media profile for fiction or nonfiction persons.

Informative Writing Word Wall

Display key vocabulary related to informative writing with a set of 48 word wall cards.

Let's Research! Digital and Print Poster Project Templates

Conduct, organize, and display research about books, people, planets, animals, states, and countries with a versatile set of printable and digital poster templates.

My Research Project - Pennant Banner

Create a pennant banner for students to record and display their biography research.

Biography Brochure Template

Help your students organize their thoughts about their biography subject.

Biography Word Wall

A set of 30 vocabulary words related to biography writing.

Who is Amanda Gorman? Biography Research Template

Conduct and organize Amanda Gorman facts and research with a printable or digital flipbook activity.

Jane Addams Biography - Worksheet

Use this biographical constructed response worksheet to teach your students about Jane Addams.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition - Interactive Research Templates

Use these three templates to record notes or research project content on the life and contributions of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea

Writing a Biography Project

Use this PowerPoint template for students to author a researched-based biography on a historical figure.

Elements of a Biography Poster

Use this biographical writing poster with annotations to help your students understand how to write an engaging biography.

Human Histories: Amazing Artists – Comprehension Worksheet

A comprehension worksheet paired with a magazine article about four amazing artists.

Biography Flipbook Template

Create a flipbook that clearly illustrates the most significant aspects of a biography subject.

Biography Writing Template

Guide students through the structure and elements included in biography writing.

Biography Sentence Starters

Give students a jumpstart on writing about people with 24 sentence starters.

Athlete Profile Template

A worksheet to use in the classroom when writing athlete profiles.

• Biography Writing for 1st Grade
• Biography Writing for 2nd Grade
• Biography Writing for 4th Grade
• Biography Writing for 5th Grade
• Biography Writing for 6th Grade

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Biographies for Kids

A biography is a true story written about someone's life. There are many biographies for kids about famous people that students can read. These are written on a variety of reading levels to meet the needs of all types of readers. Famous people that children enjoy reading about can be people from long ago, such as George Washington or Betsy Ross, or from more recent times, such as Neil Armstrong or Ronald Reagan. Reading and learning about biographies of famous people is essential in school. Children enjoy reading about renowned people's lives, and really learn a lot of life lessons by reading them. Some children can even make life connections to the people they read about, and certainly relate to them. We have short biographies for kids to let children explore the joys of this genre. This type of genre is read during class as a read-aloud activity by the teacher, or in small reading groups facilitated by an instructor.

E-books for Kids

Teaching Students to Write Biography Reports

Biographies are many students’ first glimpse at history. It is one of my favorite units to teach every year. It is a great opportunity for students to read, research, use technology, and write!

If you’re teaching students to write biography reports this year, then check out how I like to break it down!

Breaking Down Writing a Biography Report (Grades 2-5)

Writing these types of reports is part of the Common Core writing standards for Grades 2-5 as well as many other states’ standards. There are several steps to take as you teach your students to write a biography report.

The first step ALWAYS: Introduce Biographies

Before I even begin to teach my students how to write a biography, I like to read several from our school library.

For second and third grade students :

• Have several biographies in the classroom and give students time to explore the books. Then discuss: What did you notice about all these books? How are they the same? How are they different?
• Discuss genre and introduce biographies.
• Then, I would read them biographies about many different people.

For fourth and fifth grade students :

• Make a class anchor chart discussing what you already know about biographies. Look for gaps in understanding, and make sure students know the main characteristics of a biography.
• Then, read several different biographies about the same person with a focus on the different information each biography shared, as well as what information was the same. Did all of the biographies have the characteristics we listed on our anchor chart?

It is important to make note of the characteristics that biographies have so that when students write their own, they already have an understanding of how they are written!

Once students have been exposed to biographies, you can begin to teach about writing them.

Discuss Text Structure of Biographies

Depending on the grade you teach, you may not necessarily call it “text structure,” however it is important for students to understand that most biographies are written in a chronological/sequential way.

Since we are writing about someone’s life, it wouldn’t make sense for the report to be out of order.

While we go over this, I like to create a timeline with my students.

If you are using my biography writing units, I recommend:

• Using the mentor text to create a timeline of the subject’s life. You can do this on the board or on chart paper.
• Use the research text to create a timeline of the subject’s life (this is the person the students will write about, and a text is included in the units). For older students, you may choose to have them fill out the timeline on their own.

How to Write an Engaging Introduction for the Biography Report

At the beginning of the report, students should write an engaging introduction that includes one (or both) of two main components.

The introduction should include one (or both) of these components:

• Introduce the subject with their full name and birth information or
• Briefly preview what they are most famous for

Practice writing a variety of introductions and have students choose the one they like the best. ( TIP: Model some poorly written introductions as well , and discuss why those are not a good fit!)

Crafting the Body Paragraphs of the Biography Report

When teaching your students to write biography reports, it is important to explain to them what the body paragraphs should include.

The body paragraphs should include the major events in the person’s life.

Read over the body paragraphs from your mentor text and discuss what was included and what was not included. What was included in the timeline you created? What did you leave out?

You can make a T chart with your students and discuss what are major events in your own life, and what are not.

Writing a Conclusion for the Biography Report

Most conclusions in a biography end with the person’s death.

While this can be noted, it’s important for students to understand that they shouldn’t just end their report with “and then they died in 1894”. It is more important for them to end their report with the legacy of the person.

To help students understand what a person’s legacy means:

• Review and write legacies of other famous individuals from biographies you have read to your class.
• Ask them what their person is most known for (and review their introduction).
• Ask them how this person has impacted other people.

If you are looking for resources for teaching your students to write a biography report, check out my writing units.

These units also include a Google Slides option so you can teach the whole unit digitally!

Preview the grades 2-5 biography writing units here:.

Get resources for teaching your Grades 2-5 students to write a biography report here.

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Opinion piece writing units (grades 2-5).

Digital Writing Prompts for Google Classroom

Personal narrative writing (grades 2-5), what teachers are saying, find what you need.

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