Biographies and autobiographies booklist

This delightful biography for young readers introduces the life of the writer Agatha Christie. As well as highlighting her achievements, the book quietly emphasises how wonderful the imagination can be, and how this can inspire others, too.

Learn about African-American boxer Muhammad Ali in this accessible picture book biography for young children. This title builds on the inspiring Little People, Big Dreams series, which has expanded to include books about extraordinary men. 

This story, inspired by the life of Greta Thunberg, is for very young children. Suitably for the age group, it’s a tale of hope, positivity and friendship, but there are also ideas at the end for how to get more involved in campaigning.

An inspirational picture book biography of an amazing woman: the feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem. Aura Lewis’ dreamy, girly 70s-style watercolour illustration makes for a beautiful read for all children with a passion for justice.

Highly-illustrated biography of Manchester United striker and anti-poverty campaigner Marcus Rashford.

A hard-hitting picture book which tells the true story of a Holocaust survivor. This important book explores dark events in a sensitive but unflinching way.  

Jake Williams’ brilliant overview of the famous polymath’s work, including his legacy today, is presented with beautiful graphic illustration that really draws the reader in and is sure to inspire many young inventors, artists and musicians.

A beautifully illustrated book packed with information about incredible Muslimswho’ve made an impact on the world. Covering centuries of history and different countries across the world, this will appeal to fans of real-life stories. 

The true story of two brothers and their family whose lives were torn apart by the Nazi plan to rid the world of anyone they considered ​‘different’.

The inspiring story of Hardit Sing Malik, a British Indian, who fought for the right to be able to protect Britain in World War One.

Charles Darwin’s On The Origin of Species is one of science’s most important texts. Sabina Radeva, a natural biologist, illustrator and designer, has now retold the book in an accessible picture book form for children – and it’s brilliant.

This biography showcases the srength of Brazilian footballer Marta, both on and off the pitch, and should be compulsory reading for every girl. Marta’s steely determination will inspire young people to follow their passions, whether they feature a football or not.

Do you have a history nerd in your family? This book is for them! From Alexander the Great to Joan of Arc, Ancient Warriors teaches you pretty much everything there is to know about the warriors of the world. 

An accessible, compelling and inspiring biography of Katherine Johnson: a brilliant, black, female mathematician who helped make NASA’s space programme and moon landing possible.

This accessible biography chronicles the incredible life of Olympic gymnast and world champion Simone Biles – from being shuffled between foster carers as a young child to discovering gymnastics and her path to the 2016 Olympics. 

Jodie Ounsley – Fury on TV show Gladiators, as well as a previous England rugby player – wants to help young people discover their dreams, be comfortable living outside of the box, learn that differences are superpowers, speak up for themselves, and develop resilience.

Now widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of historical literature of all time, Anne Frank’s diary is a poignant and powerful insight into the life of a child in hiding from the Nazi occupation.

This is the real life story of one of the most incredible and inspirational young people in the world. Reading this book might just change the way you think and feel.