A biography is a book about a famous person.
Favorite authors, artists, and musicians!
Important scientists and builders!
Heroes and activists!
Groundbreaking athletes!
These biographies with pictures, illustrations, and photos are great introductions to the lives of fascinating people.
Come to the Stratford Library Children’s Department and check them out!
Biographies can be found on the green wall near the back courtyard next to the nonfiction books. Books appear in alphabetical order by the famous person’s last name. See the whole list.
The ABC’s of AOC Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by Jamia Wilson (JB Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria)
Learn about the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.
Beautiful Shades of Brown: The Art of Laura Wheeler Waring by Nancy Churin (JB Waring, Laura Wheeler)
In the late 19th century, Laura Wheeler Waring didn’t see any artists or paintings of people who looked like her. She grew up and painted portraits of African-Americans that still hang in Washington DC’s National Portrait Gallery.
Born to Draw Comics: The Story of Charles Schulz & the Creation of Peanuts by Ginger Wadsworth (JB Schulz, Charles)
A biography of Charles ‘Sparky’ Schulz, creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts.
The Brave Cyclist – The True Story of a Holocaust Hero by Amalia Hoffman
(JB Bartali, Gino)
Read how one person made a difference against violence and prejudice.
By and By: Charles Albert Tindley, the Father of Gospel Music by Carole Boston Weatherford (JB Tindley, Charles Albert)
Read about the man who became a founding father of American gospel music and whose hymn was the basis for the Civil Rights anthem We Shall Overcome.
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle (JB Carreño, Teresa
Teresa Carreño is one of the most famous pianists. By age 9, she performed for President Abraham Lincoln at the White House.
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons JB Freelon, Philip
Freelon’s rich family history and understanding of Black culture helped him become the lead architect for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Fly High, John Glenn: The Story of an American Hero by Kathleen Krull (JB Glenn, John)
John Glenn was an astronaut and a U.S. senator. This book focuses on his flying and astronautic career.
Follow Chester: A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History by Gloria Respress-Churchwell (JB Pierce, Chester)
Civil rights hero and college football MVP Chester Pierce became the first black college football player to compete south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Just like Beverly by Vicki Conrad (JB Cleary Beverly)
A picture book biography of Beverly Cleary, beloved author of the Henry Huggins and Ramona books.
Hi, I’m Norman by Robert Burleigh (JB Rockwell, Norman)
This biography of Norman Rockwell, one of America’s greatest artists in the late 20th century, told in episodes based on important moments in American history.
Lizzie Demands a Seat! Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights by Beth Anderson (JB Jennings, Elizabeth)
100 years before Rosa Parks, Lizzie tried to board a streetcar in New York but was denied entry, assaulted, and threatened all because of her race. She took her case to court and won!
Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball’s Negro Leagues by Leah Henderson JB Johnson, Mamie
Mamie had a dream to play professional baseball but wasn’t welcome on the all-white Girls Pro Baseball League team, but in 1953 she become the only professional female pitcher to play on a men’s team in the men’s Negro League.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard (JB Walker, Mary)
The true story of a former slave who finally learned to read at age 114.
Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil DeGrasse Tyson by Kathleen Krull & Paul Brewer (JB Tyson, Neil DeGrasse)
Meet America’s most famous astrophysicist.
Thurgood by Jonah Winter (JB Marshall, Thurgood)
Find out about the first Black justice to serve on the Supreme Court.
A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown (JB Franklin, Aretha)
A biography of singer Aretha Franklin. Her songs inspire us to think, love and respect ourselves and one another.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood by Aimee Reid (JB Rogers, Fred)
Young Fred was a sickly child who had trouble making friends and expressing his feelings. He grew up to become a champion of compassion, equality, and kindness.