Books are not only a great source of entertainment but also boost the imagination and creativity of youngsters. While most young bibliophiles prefer fictions that are usually full of thrill, fantasy and adventure, non-fiction books like biographies of eminent personalities and their larger-than-life quality all in the form of true stories, lend young minds the inspiration to follow their ambitions and believe in the power of their dreams. Biographies help youngsters believe that nothing is impossible in life if one is dedicated and diligent enough to keep pursuing their goals, regardless of all the obstacles they might encounter. Here’s a list of some of the most influential biographies for youngsters.
The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity: A Tale of the Genius Ramanujan
Author: Amy Alzauner
Published by: Candlewick
Biographer and Mathematics professor Amy Alznauer poured her heart out in this biography of eminent Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. It has been custom-made for youngsters and given the shape of a picture-book. In this non-fiction, Alznauer explores the life of a young mathematical genius from India who searches for the secrets hidden inside numbers, as well as for someone who understands him. Published in 2020, this 48-page biography is packed with wonderful watercolour illustrations by Daniel Mirayes and delivers a compelling tale that will enrich every young maths lover. The book also captures Ramanujan’s discoveries like the number partitions and infinite series in a kid-friendly language. It is suitable for all kids who are 5 years or above.
Who was Walt Disney?
Author: Whitney Stewart
Published by: Penguin Young Readers Group
Written by Whitney Stewart and illustrated by Nancy Harrison, this 106-pages biography is a must-read for all youngsters, especially the Disney fans. The book explores the life and milestones of one of the world’s most loved storytellers and entrepreneurs Walt Disney and is packed with facts and information. This biography is suitable for kids aged 7 years or above and focusses on how a man almost single-handedly influenced the creation of all Disney characters, leading to the establishment of Disneyland and Disney World all around the world. The books, published in 2009, is filled with black and white illustrations from start to the end and talks about both the hardships and triumphs of the creator of Disney.
Malala’s Magic Pencil
Author: Malala Yousafzai, Sarah J Coleman
Published by: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published in 2017, Malala’s Magic Pencil is a semi-biography written by Malala Yousafzai herself in collaboration with Sarah J Coleman. It explores the childhood of Pakistani social and human rights activist Malala Yousafzai and how she kept wishing for a magic pencil to solve all of her problems that eventually led her to overcome several challenges and emerge as one of the most influential female changemakers in the 21st century. This picture book has been illustrated by the famous illustrator Kerascoet. The beautiful and heart-warming tale of determination, perseverance and extraordinary courage is a must-read for all children above 5 years.
Greta’s story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet
Author: Valentina Camerini
Published by: Simon & Schuster
Written by Valentina Camerini, this inspiring true story is about the Nobel Peace prize nominee and young climate activist Greta Thunberg and her never-ending struggle to save the dear planet from dying. The book highlights how a Swedish 15-year-old girl chose to go on a strike in front of Stockholm’s Parliament House instead of going to school on a Friday morning in 2018 that eventually forced the world leaders to take a stand against climate change. It is suitable for kids who are 8 years or older and will make them aware about the persisting climate crisis and how they can make a difference by simply believing in the power of action. The book explores how a schoolgirl’s persistence in saving the Mother Earth initiated a global movement. This 144-pages kid-friendly book was published in 2019.