Books

Our Montessori Bookshelf: Mathematical Thinking

The Man Who Counted

As humans, we are predisposed toward order, exactness, and precision. With this tendency to abstract and imagine, we could be said to have a mathematical mind. Children, young and old alike, are drawn to numbers and mathematical ideas. 

For thousands of years, math has been a part of the human search for meaning. We have long tried to quantify our natural world. From carbon dating artifacts to analyzing voting trends in politics, from understanding traffic patterns to examining climate change, math continues to be an integral part of our search for understanding.

Learning to think in mathematical terms is an essential part of becoming a person adapted to our time and place. Math is such an integral part of our lives and we feel that it’s vital to ensure our children are not only in touch with mathematics but also captured by the beauty and wonder of math in our world. 

With this in mind, we pulled some of our favorite books that promote mathematical thinking for young children through early adolescence. 

Counting Is for the Birds

by Frank Mazzola Jr.

Written in rhyme, this picture book can be used in different ways with young children. Some may just enjoy the story and illustrations, others can clue into the counting aspect of the book, and older children might explore the ornithological details provided on each page. This is the kind of book that you can revisit again and again with your children!

4,962,571

by Trevor Eissler, Ruth Chung, Bobby George, June George

Written by a former Montessori parent, this picture book is a lovely introduction to and extension of the concept of place value. A young boy wants to see how high he can count, so he figures out ways to create groups of numbers so he can count to four million, nine hundred sixty-two thousand, five hundred seventy-one (and beyond!). Plus, anyone who has been in Montessori will appreciate the color coding of the numbers in the title!

How Much, How Many, How Far, How Heavy, How Long, How Tall Is 1000?

by Helen Nolan, illustrated by Tracy Walker 

Children at the end of their primary years or those who have recently transitioned into elementary will definitely appreciate this exploration of the quantity of 1,000. Full of thought-provoking questions, this picture book takes readers on a journey through how a 1,000 can be represented in so many different ways – and how that can change our impression of the size of the number. 

One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale

by Demi

This stunningly illustrated picture book provides both a moral tale and an example of the exponential power of multiplying by two. After a raja in India has hoarded rice for his own benefit, a young girl returns some spilled rice to him and as a reward requests only one grain of rice, as long as the raja doubles what he gave her the day before over the course of 30 days. By the end, she has more than enough rice to share with all the starving villagers, as well as the goodwill to support the raja in continued kindness.  

Anno's Mysterious Multiplying Jar

by Masaichiro Anno, Mitsumasa Anno

For those who love Anno’s Journey, this is a must-read, but this time the illustrations and text take the reader on a mathematical journey through factorials. Then to show what happened mathematically, the Annos (father and son) illustrate the multiplication in a graphic way that fits so well with what children experience with the Montessori math materials. 

Mathematicians Are People, Too: Stories from the Lives of Great Mathematicians, Volumes 1 & 2

by Luetta Reimer, Wilbert Reimer

This collection of short stories dramatizes conversations and lives of mathematicians throughout history and can easily capture the imagination of elementary-aged children who love the power of a good story. The stories can stand alone or be jumping-off points for further mathematical or historical investigations. We love the glossary at the end, the short biography at the start of every story, and the fact that female mathematicians are fairly well represented in these two volumes. 

The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure

by Hans Magnus Enzensberger, illustrated by Rotraut Susanne Berner, translated by Michael Henry Heim  

This is the perfect book for older elementary-aged children who aren’t quite sure they want to still love math. A boy meets a number devil in his dreams who leads an exploration of all sorts of fascinating aspects of numbers. The wildly fun and irreverent approach (led by the devil) makes even complicated math feel accessible. The whimsical illustrations certainly help, too! And for those wanting to go back and reference helpful information, there is a “Seek-and-Ye-Shall-Find List” (aka index) at the end of the book. 

Doodle Yourself Smart . . . Math

by Helen Greaves, Simon Greaves

For elementary children and adolescents who like to play around with mathematical thinking, this is a fun activity-style book that appeals to mathematicians and artists alike. Each page offers beautiful space for playing around with the problems (and yes, there are answers in the back for those who just need to know if they got it right!).

The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures

by Malba Tahan

Those who like a good mathematical challenge, combined with a taste of the adventure that comes with travel, will love this series of chapters that form a bit of a novel. Each chapter of this book can stand alone or work as a cohesive whole as the narrator and the “man who counted” move through the Middle East. They encounter a slew of social problems that are solved with a sophisticated level of number sense that feels both mystical and matter-of-fact. 

Click here for a downloadable PDF of this booklist! As always you are also welcome to come visit the school and see how we support mathematical thinking for all ages.

Our Montessori Bookshelf: All About Geography!

In Montessori we love to explore how our language shapes our thinking, so we often explore the etymology of words. The word geography comes from the Greek geo, which means earth, and graphein, which means to write. So, geography can be understood as a description of the earth and all that occurs physically upon it. 

Although we name geography as a distinct subject, in Montessori geography is really woven throughout children’s learning experiences. These are some of our favorite books that support what children are experiencing in their geography explorations and that also encourage their natural curiosity about the world.

Click on the titles to link to the book on Goodreads.

Land and Water

Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World
by Christy Hale

This picture book shows the visual relationship between land and water forms by using cut-out portions of the page. Turn the page and a lake becomes an island! The simple yet lovely illustrations of humans interacting with the water and the land are accompanied by one word on each page that states the vocabulary: lake, island, bay, cape, strait, isthmus, etc. This is a perfect book for young children beginning their journey in geography!

Political and Physical Geography

Maps
by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinska

This is the perfect tome for children beginning to learn about continents and countries. The sturdy pages give the book a sense of weighty importance, and each page reveals treasures upon treasures. The book offers an overview of the world, then focuses in on each continent and key countries within the continents. Presented in map form, the pages also illustrate animal and plant life, as well as cultural traditions and interesting facts. Both an amazing reference guide and a key to further exploration, this book is rich in visual appeal as well as in content.

Maps of the World's Oceans: An Illustrated Children's Atlas to the Seas and all the Creatures and Plants that Live There
By Enrico Lavagno and Angelo Mojetta

This illustrated atlas combines an enticing visual overview of the world's oceans with easily digestible bits of information about what is found there. Easily a jumping-off point for a slew of research, this book is a must-have resource for any child interested in history, marine biology, or really just cool facts in general.  

Cultural Explorations

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World
by Matt Lamothe

Based on seven real children around the world, this book depicts a day in each of their lives. The illustrations and short text of the children’s lives are shown side-by-side, so it’s easy to explore the similarities and differences in how they live: their families, what they wear, their school, what they eat, how they enjoy their evenings, where they sleep, and more. Designed to appeal to a range of ages the book provides large, simple text for each part of the day, as well as short descriptions for more confident readers. Younger children are also fascinated by the pictures of young people engaged in a variety of activities. Best of all, the book offers a delightful reminder of what unites us. 

The Earth

How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World
by Faith McNulty, Illustrated by Marc Simont

Elementary children love this book! The simple illustrations are just enough to spark their imagination as the text takes them on a “what if” journey that starts with finding a soft place to start shoveling. The adventure continues with finding fossils, drilling, perhaps finding oil or a geyser, using a jet-propelled submarine, and eventually resurfacing on the other side of the earth. The best part is that the story perfectly dove-tails with the elementary geography lesson that introduces the layers of the earth. Despite the imaginative aspects of How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World, the book is firmly grounded (pun intended!) in fascinating scientific information presented in just the right way to appeal to elementary-aged children. 

Life Story: The Story of Life on Our Earth from Its Beginning Up to Now
By Virginia Lee Burton

Set as a play, complete with a program detailing the cast and characters, Life Story progresses through scenes from the earth’s beginnings, through the prehistoric eras, to the seasons of human life. This book perfectly illustrates the passage of time and appeals to the elementary-aged child imagining the emergence of the universe and their own place in the story.

Earthshake: Poems from the Ground Up
By Lisa Westberg Peters, Illustrated by Cathie Felstead

These 22 poems offer whimsical yet scientific scenes all about planet earth: from wind to quartz to lava to water. Reading these poems reminds us that we can revel in the love of language while also learning about our world. As a bonus, the endnotes provide a bit more context and information about each of the 22 topics. 

Other Books to Explore

If you and your children are super excited about these titles, here are some other geography books we recommend!

Land and Water: Landforms & Bodies of Water
By Eve Heidi Bine-Stock

Wake Up, World!: A Day in the Life of Children Around the World
By Beatrice Hollyer

Let’s Eat!: What Children Eat Around the World
By Beatrice Hollyer

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
By Wendy Pfeffer, Illustrated by Jesse Reisch

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor
By Robert Burleigh, Illustrated by Raúl Colón

End-of-Summer Bucket (and Book!) List

In Montessori, we believe that learning isn’t just something that happens at school. Children are naturally curious and want to discover, explore, and learn. By the end of the summer, they are often eager for opportunities to expand their awareness and engage in something meaningful. So why not use these last weeks of summer as an occasion to soak in experiences that will feed your child’s sense of wonder!

To inspire some end-of-summer adventures, this week we are combining the idea of a summer bucket list with our curated book list! 

If your child is older, you can share or post this list and offer a challenge to see how many items they can accomplish before school begins. For younger children, you can use the list as a source of inspiration to enjoy some special time together. 

We’ve included some of our favorite titles under each bucket list item. Heading to the library to gather books on the topic can inspire further exploration or even spark some interest. Although most of the books included are picture books, wordless books, or early readers, even older children can be inspired by a book left out on the kitchen table! Be sure to click on the book title to access the Goodreads description. 

Happy adventuring!

Climb a hill or a mountain. Explore a new hiking trail.

Hike by Pete Oswald

The Hike by Alison Farrell

Walk, bike, or skate along a bike path.

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva 

Canoe or raft on a local river.

River by Elisha Cooper

The Raft by Jim LaMarche

Explore a nature area near your house.

I Took a Walk by Henry Cole

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman 

A Walk in the Woods by Christin Couture

Climb a tree.

Just Like Me, Climbing a Tree: Exploring Trees Around the World by Durga Yael Bernhard 

The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick 

Learn how to use a compass and map to find your way.

How to use a compass for kids (and adults too!): Your Little Guide to Becoming an Expert Navigator With a Trusty Compass by Henry D Bridges 

My Heart Is a Compass by Deborah Marcero 

Learn how to pitch a tent, make a fire, and cook breakfast outdoors.

S Is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James, illustrated by Lita Judge 

The Kids Campfire Book: Official Book of Campfire Fun by Jane Drake and Mordicai Gerstein, illustrated by Heather Collins

Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O’Connell George, illustrated by Kate Kiesler

Make sandcastles on the beach.

A Day for Sandcastles by Jonarno Lawson, illustrated by Qin Leng

Make mud pies.

Mud Book: How to Make Pies and Cakes by John Cage & Lois Long

Mud by Mary Lyn Ray

Search for invertebrates in seaside rock pools or woodland streams.

What's in the Tide Pool? by Anne Hunter

A River by Marc Martin

Build a fort or lean-to in the woods.

Fort-Building Time by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

A Kids' Guide to Building Forts by Tom Birdseye

Spend some hours making dams and bridges on little streams.

Streams and Ponds: My Nature Sticker Activity Book by Olivia Cosneau 

All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson  

Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Deborah Hocking 

We're Going to Build a Dam by Gillian McClure 

Try catching frogs.

ribbit by Jorey Hurley

a boy, a dog, and a frog by Mercer Mayer

Try catching fireflies in a jar.

Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe  

Fly, Firefly by Shana Keller, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki 

Learn how to identify a few constellations and how to find the North Star.

Wishing on a Star: Constellation Stories and Stargazing Activities for Kids by Fran Lee  

Glow-in-the-Dark Constellations by C. E. Thompson  

Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

Learn where north, south, east, and west are in relation to your home.

The Compass Rose and Cardinal Directions by Caitlin McAneney

Maps and Globes: A New True Book by Ray Broekel

Maps and Globes by Jack Knowlton, illustrated by Harriet Barton

Watch the Perseid meteor shower (which peaks August 11-12).

Meteor Showers (True Book: Space) by Jane Kelley 

Exploring Meteor Showers (Discover the Night Sky) by Brigid Gallagher

Build a birdhouse (here are some good reasons why!).

Bird House by Blanca Gómez 

Building Birdhouses (How-to Library) by Dana Meachen Rau, illustrated by Kathleen Petelinsek 

The House I'll Build for the Wrens by Shirley Neitzel, illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker 

Ask your parent or grandparent to teach you how to whittle a piece of wood.

Forest Craft: A Child's Guide to Whittling in the Woodland by Richard Irvine

Whittling Projects for Adventurous Kids by Floris Books 

Be able to name the local birds in your neighborhood (use binoculars, learn to recognize bird songs, etc.).

Backpack Explorer: Bird Watch: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing, illustrated by Oana Befort 

Bird Watch by Christie Matheson

My Awesome Field Guide to North American Birds: Find and Identify Your Feathered Friends by Mike Graf 

Have You Heard The Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard Pak 

Learn the names of the trees on your property or in your area.

Backpack Explorer: Discovering Trees: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing 

Trees (Field Guides for Kids) by Andrea Debbink  

Collect something and make a little museum at home (shells, rocks, feathers, postcards of natural wonders, etc.).

What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell: Based on the Childhood of a Great American Artist by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Gérard DuBois

Rocks in His Head by Carol Otis Hurst, illustrated by James Stevenson

Keep a Nature Journal.

The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

Dig for worms.

An Earthworm's Life by John Himmelman

Yucky Worms by Vivian French, illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg

Go fishing.

Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner

H Is for Hook: A Fishing Alphabet by Judy Young

Go for a night hike with a flashlight.

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd 

Night Walk by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Pick fresh berries and bake a pie.

Wild Berries by Julie Flett, translated by Earl N. Cook 

Pie for Breakfast: Simple Baking Recipes for Kids by Cynthia Cliff

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Books for Art Lovers

What would our world be without art? We rely on it to record our history, to express our thoughts and emotions, to communicate, to protest, and to pass the time. Flexing our creativity feels good, and admiring the artwork of others has the potential to evoke a range of experiences.

Maybe you already love visual art. Perhaps your child has expressed some interest. Or maybe you’re just looking for some new good books to read together. No matter your reason, we’ve got you covered. As always, we’re including titles for readers of all developmental levels, as well as links to learn more.

Board Books

My Favorite Color by Aarom Becker

Becker is a Caldecott winner, so you already know this book is going to be gorgeous. Kids change their favorite color all the time, and this book celebrates the glorious spectrum of hues with fun semi-transparent segments.

ABCs of Art by Sabrina Hahn

Imagine a classic children’s ABCs book combined with beautiful classic works of art, and that’s what Hahn has created. From Cezanne to Stubbs, with all the Hokusai and Monet we could wish for our infants and toddlers wedged in between, you’ll love this book as much as your little one.

Picture Books

Ablaze With Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Loveis Wise

Art and creativity had always been a part of Thomas’ life, but it wasn’t until her 60s that she chose to pursue it as a career. This book covers the racial injustices faced by Thomas and her family, as well as the strange and beautiful journeys our lives take.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

José Guadalupe Posada, the Mexican artist known to many as Lupe, enjoyed using a variety of artistic mediums for a variety of purposes. From lithography to engraving, political cartoons to the Calaveras drawings he became famous for, art was always a part of his life.

Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal and a Pura Belpre Honor Book.

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michael Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe

Winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, Steptoe’s biography of Basquiat highlights the idea that art doesn’t need to conform to be beautiful.

Middle Grade

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia talks her brother into running away with her, and they end up secretly living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The two then get caught up in solving the mystery of a statue, and eventually realize they’re better off facing their problems at home.

Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

Georgia stumbles upon a drawing made by her father (a famous artist) before he died. She struggles to find meaning in the drawing, which seems to leave her out. Her quest to discover answers leads her, like the characters in our other middle grade recommendation, to the Met.

Nonfiction

Drawing From Memory by Allen Say

Say is another Caldecott winner, and this book is a fascinating autobiography complete with illustrations and photographs. Artists and their passions aren’t always supported, and we are all sometimes met with challenges that seem insurmountable. Say shares his journey, and how he managed to stay true to his dreams.

Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials: 60 Cool Projects That Reimagine Paper Rolls, Egg Cartons, Jars and More! by Kimberly McLeod

The title says it all. Some of the projects include toilet paper tube owls, 3-D hot air balloons, scrap paper trees, pirate hats, and a castle.

A World of Animals: Learn to Draw More Than 175 Animals From the Seven Continents! by Rimma Zainagova

This book is perfect for animal lovers, geography lovers, and art lovers! Containing interesting factual information about the continents and zoology, there are lots of simple step-by-step drawing instructions that kids will love.

Graphic Novels

Before They Were Artists: Famous Illustrators as Kids by Elizabeth Haidle

A gorgeous anthology of shortened artist biographies, this book explores how artists’ lives during their early years. How is creativity nurtured, and what is it like when an artist is just beginning to discover their passions? Artists include Hayao Miyazaki, Trove Jansson, Maurice Sendak, Yuyi Morales, Wanda Gag, and Jerry Pinkney.

Doodleville by Chad Sell

Drew loves to draw, and somehow her creations actually come to life. This is great, until she draws a monster. She relies on her artistic friends to help her solve this tricky problem.

Young Adult

Making Comics by Lynda Barry

Barry is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she teaches students about art and discovery. This book is essentially her curriculum; it encourages students to see drawing as a means of expression and communication, and to stop worrying so much about artistic talent.

Drawing Dragons by Sandra Staple

If your teen loves drawing and fantasy worlds, this is the perfect pick for them. Along with specific instructions for learning to draw a variety of dragons, this book gives some very helpful information about drawing techniques in a general sense.

Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques by Marie-Noelle Horvath

Your heart might just melt flipping through these pages. Learn to create a felted polar bear, sheep, dalmatian, and much more with detailed instructions and information about the materials needed to get started.

Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair Your Favorite Denim and More by Katrina Rodabaugh

Clothing repair and design meets slow fashion meets artistry. Rodabaugh’s book inspires readers to grab their old torn jeans, some contrasting thread, and make something beautiful.

A Pride Book List

Happy Pride Month! June is the month we celebrate the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ folks, and we are thrilled to share this special book list with you all. Whether someone in your family is LGBTQ+ or not, we could all benefit from reading these amazing titles. As always, regardless of your child’s age or reading level, we have tried to include a little something for everyone: from picture books right up through young adult fiction and graphic novels.

We hope you find one or two books to enjoy on this list, and if you have any you think others should know about, please share!

Picture Books

The Little Library by Margaret MacNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Jake's class is so excited about the new school library…but not Jake. Jake isn’t a huge fan of reading, but he manages to make a connection with the new (nonbinary) librarian, and he discovers something he’s passionate about. Over the course of the school year, Jake’s perspective on reading changes, and he finds a special way to say thank you to Librarian Beck.

Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope by Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

Penelope is named after his grandmother, but nothing feels quite right. He knows deep down that he’s a boy, but everyone else thinks he’s a girl. This makes him angry, and he feels unseen and unheard, until he talks to his mom. His fifth birthday is his chance to tell his loving family, and the next day at school, he confidently walks in with his new (to the rest of the world) identity.

Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima

Harriet loves costumes, and she wears them everywhere she goes. As she gets ready for her birthday party, she and her two dads realize they need to run some last-minute errands. Her imagination gets a little carried away, and she finds herself on an adventure with penguins, an orca, and some helpful pigeons.

Children’s Nonfiction

People of Pride: 25 Great LGBTQ Americans by Chase Clemesha, MD

Easy-to-read mini biographies, each accompanied by a photograph, share some of the most influential LGBTQ+ Americans’ lives. Additionally, there is a list of more notable people kids may want to learn about, a historical timeline of relevant events, and a glossary of helpful terms.

Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager, illustrated by Sarah Papworth

One of the coolest parts of this book is the colorful world map that shows the birthplaces of each person listed in the book. Prager wrote the book specifically to increase representation for youth: “When I was growing up, I didn’t know that LGBTQ+ people had changed the world, I wrote the book to make sure you never have to think that.”

Children’s Graphic Novels

Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up by Heather Corinna and Isabella Rotman, colored by Luke B. Howard

Probably best for middle schoolers and up, this title says it all. Comprehensive, body positive, encouraging, and inclusive, this is a must-read as your child gets a bit older.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

Snapdragon is named after her mother’s favorite flower. She finds herself suddenly helping out the neighborhood “witch” and learns that not everything is as it first seems. Untangling family rumors, characters revealing true identities, and people showing their different sides, this book is magical, sweet, and entertaining. A variety of queer identities are represented.

Middle Grade Fiction

The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy

A Stonewall Honor Book, The Best at It features a diverse cast of characters and exposes readers to different cultures and identities. Rahul is a very relatable and likable character who has set out to figure out just one thing he can be the best at. Motivated by his grandfather’s advice, he is determined to meet his goal, while trying to also stay true to himself.

Birdie and Me

Jack and her brother Birdie are dealing with the aftermath of their mother’s death. Their uncles share the responsibility of caring for the kids, but when they go to live with Uncle Patrick, things begin to change. Uncle Patrick doesn’t accept Birdie’s love for gender-noncomforming clothing, and when Birdie begins being bullied at school, Jack steps into the role of protective big sister.

Both Can Be True 

Ash is nonbinary. Daniel often feels overwhelmed by his emotions. Somehow they both end up working together to save a dog, but Daniel doesn’t realize who Ash truly is. Their friendship evolves, and they have to figure out how to accept each other - and themselves.

Young Adult

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

We typically try to recommend newer books, but this classic just cannot be left off the list. A sweet story of two teenage boys who meet and become fast friends. Over time, their relationship shifts, although it takes them each different amounts of time to recognize and acknowledge their feelings. They go through tragedies together, navigate major life changes, and depend upon their supportive families as they find their way.

The Girl from the Sea 

A graphic novel that takes classic selkie folklore but  makes it queer-friendly. Morgan meets Keltie, and her whole life begins to change. She faces family upset, environmental problems, and a first love she never anticipated.

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

This book fills two much-needed niches: Indigenous experiences and asexual experiences. Blending fantasy and reality, this book is well-loved by teens. 

Biographies in Contemporary Children’s Literature

Biography books for children have come a long way from the dull accounts of people’s lives that many of us read when we were young. Today’s young readers are captivated by learning about other people, whether they be major historical figures or not. The art of the memoir has changed how we tell the story of a life, and that style of writing has slipped itself beyond just autobiographies and can be found in mainstream biographies as well.

It’s impossible to list all the amazing books we would like to in this brief article, but please consider them to be a tiny slice of what’s available. As always, we provide links for you to learn more about each title, and we have sorted the books into different categories making it easier to find something suitable for readers of all ages. Enjoy!

Picture Books (primary and lower elementary children)

Picture book biographies are incredible works of art. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the writing grabs the attention and wonder of young children and the adults who read to them.  There are countless beautiful books out there; these are just a few titles that have been recently published.

In these books, children can learn about important human perspectives at a developmentally appropriate level. This includes the tragedy of the Holocaust, thriving with a disability, working hard to achieve one’s goals, preservation of native culture, dedication to social justice, and more.

Children’s Biographies (elementary and middle school children)

The first two books in this section of our list are appropriate for lower elementary-aged children, while the rest are middle grade fiction best suited to upper elementary and middle school.

Just as with the picture books above, these cover a wide variety of important and interesting topics. They explore the lives of artists and their inspirations, living with a disability, how animals can make a profound impact on our lives, the complicated experience of living between two cultures, and life as a black child in the Jim Crow South.

Graphic Novels (these particular titles are suitable for elementary children)

As we have mentioned before, graphic novels are appealing to many children, but they open doors for some. Pictures help increase our understanding of context within a story, and graphic novels present literature in easier-to-consume “bites”. Accessibility is important, and getting kids to read, in whatever way works for them, is a great thing.

These three books happen to be about famous figures, but they have a nice way of presenting biographical information to children in an interesting and memorable way.

Young Adult Biographies (high school)

High school students are typically ready to consider heavier topics. They have a deep sense of justice and the motivation to make change. This makes it the perfect time to introduce them to how life is sometimes messy, complicated, and unfair.

Themes include growing up black in America, immigration and war, surviving sexual assault, and being falsely accused and imprisoned. One of the books - Passport - is a graphic novel that details the author’s life growing up with parents who work for the CIA.