Today, I am sharing some of our family’s favorite biographies, but first, let me tell you why.

Sometimes, the news is downright scary.

There are things happening in our world right now that are near to impossible to discuss with children without leaving them frightened. As parents, we want to protect our kids from hatred and hurt. We want them to remain children and enjoy every drop of childhood magic for as long as possible. And yet, we want our children to grow into adults who will make a difference in this world. We want to raise compassionate, thoughtful men and women who will put an end to the hatred and hurt.

So, how can we start the conversation? How can we talk about difficult topics without making it completely overwhelming? How can we protect our children and yet show them how to be upstanders?

One way is through stories, specifically biographies. Everyone has a story, and we can all learn and grow by listening to one another. 

Kids Will Fall in Love with These Fantastic Biographies

I don’t know about you guys, but when I was little I loathed biographies. I thought they were so dry and unrelatable. Did you feel this way? It’s funny to think about now, because if I was forced to choose a favorite genre, biographies and memoirs are right at the top. I love Brad Meltzer’s biographies because they are engaging, funny, and real. Children are immediately drawn to the characters and each story illustrates how ordinary people can change the world and become extraordinary!

Biographies are important.

Why? Well, here are just a few ways that biographies benefit children:

• Biographies help children to see another person’s perspective, increasing empathy, and understanding.
• Biographies enable kids to learn about a person from a completely different era and background.
• They help children to understand the world in a completely different way.
• Biographies demonstrate how other people handle struggles and conflict in their lives.
• Biographies inspire children to dream big! They help kids to think about the future and how to make a positive impact!

The Ordinary People Change the World will inspire children

After reading these books, your children will be inspired to help the world in their own small way. Little ripples can create big change! Here are some related posts to take the learning to the next level!

 

The series is growing quickly, but not quickly enough for my children who count the books among our family’s favorites. This series has sparked the most fantastic family conversations. I love each book’s simple message: You can change the world.

Isn’t that what we want our children to understand? They may be ordinary, but they are capable of the extraordinary by through perseverance and passion.

It is by sharing biographies such as these that our children will grow in empathy and understanding and go on to change this world for the better so that the news is not quite so scary for their own children.

The Who Was series is wonderful!

My children also adore the Who Was series. (And, if your kids like this series, be sure to check out the What Was series!)

Love books?

Do you love family read alouds?

Here are some related articles:

• Coffee and Books: A 5-Day Series
• How to Raise Readers: 10 Tips for Parents
• Books to Help Parents Grow Readers
• Rock Your Read Alouds with This Simple Trick
• When Your Read Aloud Routine is in a Rut
• How to Boost Your Child’s Read-Aloud Confidence
• What to Do When Bedtime Reading is Giving You the Blues

Do you love fantastic children’s books, too?

Now, it’s your turn. Does your child have a favorite biography series? Share here!