10 Excellent Middle Grade Biographies

I love sharing middle grade biographies of ordinary and inspirational people who achieved extraordinary things with middle grade readers who are ages 9 to 12. Introducing children to these real-life heroes captivates kids and teaches them that one person can do big things.

These books are narrative nonfiction and informational fiction, written as captivating stories that draw kids in with factual information and captivating anecdotes and stories.

My background in education, coupled with over 15 years of reviewing books (and being a parent to two children), has helped me create this list.

I’ve carefully picked these books after reading countless middle grade books to find what will resonate with kids.

One of my favorite reading strategies for nonfiction with kids is tapping into their background knowledge. As you go through these biographies—whether they’re picture books for preschoolers or elementary kids, or story collections for older children—encourage your kids to make connections with what they already know. It really helps bring the stories to life.

Middle Grade Biographies

Mia and Friends written by Karlin Gray, illustrated by Micheline Hess

Soccer fans will love reading about Mia Hamm as a child who loved sports. They’ll read about how hard she worked and her humility as an elite athlete who, along with her team, went to the World Cup and the Olympics. Mia broke the 100-point record but always gave credit to her teammates.

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Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile

Masterfully plotted and beautifully written, Becoming Muhammad Ali, focuses on teenage Cassius with some reflections of his earlier childhood, setting the stage for the man that he will become. When Cassius finds boxing, it becomes a powerful outlet and finally something at which he excels. His personality shines through the pages. He’s a son, friend, and dedicated athlete; he’s cocky but likable…and a gifted master of trash talk. Readers will zip through this page-turning biography; it’s both informative and inviting. I could NOT put it down. 

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Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renee Watson 

I devoured this compelling, well-written fiction story about a year in the teen life of Betty, who later became well known for being the wife of Malcolm X. Betty’s mother seemed to despise her, but Betty had good friends and younger siblings who loved her. Eventually, kind church friends took her in and adopted Betty. During this period of her life, we see the importance of church, counting her blessings, the activist housewives group she belonged to, and how family is what you make it. Reading this account made me want to know more about the rest of her life — it’s excellent.

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The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity written by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Brett Helquist

You will love the incredible writing, the fun illustrations, the biographical information about the curious, brilliant, and distractable Leonardo Da Vinci, the other art heists from the poorly guarded Louvre (one involving Pablo Picasso), the burgeoning science of fingerprints to replace France’s ear-measuring methodology and the surprising, eventual discovery of the Mona Lisa. Interestingly, the Mona Lisa wasn’t a well-known painting until this art heist in 1911. And the Louvre wasn’t well-attended until after this dramatic theft. The theft was dramatic because the thief simply walked out with the stolen painting tucked under his shirt. Highly recommended!

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Issac The Alchemist Secrets of Issac Newton, Reveal’d by Mary Losure

Newton had a difficult childhood, but his curiosity and genius were always present throughout his life. After living at an apothecary for several years he had a chance to go to the university, and eventually, Newton became one of the world’s most well-known scientists, the father of physics. This is an interesting narrative nonfiction reading choice that kids ages 9 to 12 will find fascinating.

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The Girl Who Fought Back by Joshua M. Greene

This is an excellent biography of a Jewish girl in WWII who helped the Jewish resistance in Poland. Vladka (her code name) leaves the ghetto to pass for a Christian outside the ghetto walls and work for the Jewish resistance. I learned so much about the divided Jewish factions in the ghetto and the Polish resistance, not helping the Jews with weapons. Amazingly, Vladka survived the war and much of what we know about her life, Joshua attributes to her autobiography and many speaking engagements. This is a well-researched, must-read historical biography.

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Wildflower Emily: A Story About Emily Dickinson written and illustrated by Lydia Corry

Lovely artwork accompanies a story about a time when Emily studied flowers at school. Then she and her new dog go wandering to search for flowers, having quite an adventure together. The book is mixed with inspiration for poems and Dickinson’s poems themselves. If your readers are looking for a middle grade biography, this would be a good choice for readers interested in the lives of writers.

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The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien written and illustrated by John Hendrix

Despite the slow start and small text, this is an enlightening history of our century’s two most famous fantasy writers. It’s about male friendship that was supportive and encouraging despite their ups and downs. It starts with their lives as soldiers and continues on when they are professors and writers in the Inklings group. The two main characters are portrayed as a Wizard and a Lion– can you guess why? The book also explores their world-building, the effects of their books on the world, the connection of their faith to their writing, and much more.

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Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice written by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Whitney Gardner 

Introduce young readers to the fascinating life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with this clearly written graphic novel that shows her life from childhood to adulthood, including her family life. Based on her experiences and quest for fairness, Ginsburg became passionate about civil liberties, specifically gender discrimination. Not only was she a lawyer and judge, but she also became a Supreme Court Justice. Readers will see how Ginsburg was true to herself and her goals and persisted despite difficulties and used her career to fight for equal rights. Well-crafted and highly recommended.

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The Making of America: Susan B. Anthony by Teri Kanefield

Susan B. Anthony worked tirelessly to advocate for women’s rights and the rights of African Americans. Anthony was raised as a Quaker and was highly educated, which was rare for girls at the time. She even went to seminary for a short time until her family’s financial situation changed her direction. Because of her, women can own property, vote, divorce abusers, have custody of their children, and are citizens because of the efforts of Susan B. Anthony and others. I hope this book becomes required reading for middle schoolers — both boys and girls. It’s also beneficial for kids to know how much one person can do to make a difference in the world.

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