Good autobiographies for middle schoolers
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Autobiographies of Middle-Grade Authors
When my 5th grader announced that his class was doing a unit on writer autobiographies, it was all I could do not to run off with the list of suggested books. I love knowing the behind-the-scenes stories, which would also explain why I watch VH1’s Pop-Up videos and listen to director’s commentaries on movies. (For more about the curriculum, click here.)
I was not disappointed. While most autobiographies focus on adult lives, autobiographies by children’s authors take their time with childhoods, providing readers with a fascinating look at growing up in different times and places, while some parts of childhood remain the same. Readers can also find the beginnings of some of their favorite stories, and wonder how their own lives might provide similar inspiration. Here is a list of memoirs I enjoyed, along with a suggestion of who might also enjoy them.
Boy by Roald Dahl: Fans of Roald Dahl will be delighted to find many of the roots of
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Guides
Middle school
- Harboring Hope: the true story of how Henny Sinding helped Denmark's Jews escape the Nazis bygd Susan HoodAges 10-13; Gr.5-7.
The inspirational true story of how twenty-two-year-old Henny Sinding courageously helped smuggle hundreds of Jewish families in occupied Denmark to safety in Sweden during the Holocaust. In 1943, Henny Sinding, only twenty-two years old, and the crew of Gerda lll, a lighthouse supply boat, risked everything to smuggle their Jewish compatriots across the Øresund strait to safety in Sweden during World War ll. - The lost year bygd Katherine MarshLexile measure 710; Gr.5-8; National Book award finalist 2023.
In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, thirteen-year-old Matthew discovers a shocking secret about his great-grandmother's past as he learns about her life during the Holodomor famine in Soviet Ukraine. - Mexikid: a graphic memoir bygd Pedro Martín
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Your tweens and teens can learn a ton by reading middle school biographies. Don’t let your middle schooler skip over this genre! There are just too many great books to choose from.
Reading about inspiring lives from the past and present allows kids to learn about the world beyond their own experiences. In addition, reading biographies teaches kids about history, science, sports, and so many other topics that may interest them.
Of course finding books that are challenging enough for a middle school reader without being overly challenging in reading level and content can be tough. This list was gathered specificially for the readers who are “stuck in the middle.”
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Middle School Biographies
These middle school biographies will supplement many homeschool curriculums and make easy additions to any reading list for teens and tweens.
As with any booklist, you make the best choices when it com