#(Auto)biography/Memoir

A Look Back In Time: Memoir of a Military Kid in the Fifties

Author: Mr Bernard N Lee Jr Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Mr Dwayne Johnson

A Look Back In Time Featured in Publishers Weekly “A Look Back in Time: Memoir of a Military Kid in the Fifties, Vol. I” is a fascinating, insightful, inspiring, and sometimes hilarious chronicle of life while growing up in a military family - Colonel Arnold R. Goodson, US Army (Retired). Can you imagine what it was like to grow up constantly on the move, serving the country, while chasing the American Dream? “A Look Back in Time: Memoir of a Military Kid in the Fifties, Vol. I” is a heartfelt, humorous, and vivid journey through the eyes of Bernard N. Lee, Jr., as he reflects on his childhood in a military family during one of the most transformative decades in American history. From dusty farms to bustling army bases, young Bernard’s life was shaped by three-year cycles of relocation, new schools, and the ever-present challenge of saying hello—and goodbye—to new friends. This coming-of-age story captures the joys and struggles of being a military kid, especially one growing up Black in 1950s America. Life is a series of moments – magical, challenging, and transformative. You’ll share in Bernard’s : • Laugh-out-loud moments —like the eternal feud with an early-rising rooster. • Raw, emotional scenes —like the quiet tension of a son sitting beside a distant father. • Edge-of-your-seat suspense —including a near-death encounter with a military transport vehicle. • Tender traces of young love —and the scent of perfume that lingered longer than the girl who wore it. Whether you're a history lover, a military family member, or simply someone who remembers what it felt like to be young and unsure in a changing world, this memoir will stir your heart and your memory. Take a journey through time, space, and history—buy it, read it, and discover how one boy’s story may just echo the treasured memories of your own. Read more

Bill Peet: An Autobiography

Author: Bill Peet Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

A 1990 Caldecott Honor Book Bill Peet tells his life story, including his years with Disney, with illustrations on every page. Read more

El Deafo: A Graphic Novel

Author: Cece Bell Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

Cece Bell’s #1 New York Times bestseller graphic novel El Deafo is the origin story of a student with hearing loss and a hearing aid becoming a superhero. Newbery Honor Winner * Now an Apple+ Animated TV Series! Starting at a new school is scary, especially with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece’s class was deaf. Here, she’s different. She’s sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends. Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear, she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in the school—in the hallway . . . in the teacher’s lounge . . . in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it’s just another way of feeling different . . . and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most: a true friend? El Deafo is a book that will entertain children, give hearing-impaired children a hero of their own, and challenge others to consider an experience unlike their own. Like other great works for children, it provides the opportunity for young readers to consider how they would act or react in a similar situation, helping to build empathy and understanding through the power of story. Also Available: El Deafo: Superpowered Edition! Get a special hardcover collector’s edition of Cece Bell’s beloved graphic novel with 40 bonus pages of childhood photographs, early sketches, notes from Cece, and much more! Read more

Hold On to Your Music: The Inspiring True Story of the Children of Willesden Lane

Author: Emil Sher Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Sonia Possentini

Discover the inspiring illustrated true story about one girl's escape from the Holocaust to become a concert pianist against all odds, made popular by the beloved novel The Children of Willesden Lane . In pre-World War II Vienna, Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. But when enemy forces threatened the city—particularly the Jewish people that lived there—Lisa's parents were forced to make a difficult decision. They chose to send Lisa to London for safety through the Kindertransport—a rescue effort that relocated Jewish children. As Lisa yearned to be reunited with her family while living in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, her music became a beacon of hope for those around her. A true story of courage, survival, and determination, this compelling tribute to a gifted young girl has already touched the lives of many around the world. Originally published in 2017 for older readers, The Children of Willesden Lane has sold hundreds of thousands of copies globally; now this picture book retelling will inspire a new generation. Read more

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: A Kid’s Guide To Football Fun (Inspiring Book For Young Readers)

Author: Erika M. Bobby Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

Get ready for an exciting adventure with the Indianapolis Colts! This inspiring book is perfect for young readers who love football, teamwork, and legendary players. From the iconic horseshoe logo to the thrilling blue-and-white uniforms, children will explore the world of the Colts like never before.Meet your favorite players, including Peyton Manning, Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman Jr., as they sprint, pass, and tackle their way through exciting games. Learn about legendary coaches like Tony Dungy and Frank Reich, amazing stadium experiences at Lucas Oil Stadium, and fun mascot moments with “Blue.” Filled with exciting stories, fun facts, training tips, and memorable victories, this guide teaches kids about teamwork, courage, dedication, and sportsmanship. From Super Bowl triumphs to thrilling rivalries, every page inspires young fans to dream big and enjoy the fun of football. Perfect for kids who want to learn, play, and celebrate the Colts, this book combines action, imagination, and life lessons to make football exciting and inspiring for everyone. Read more

Lisa of Willesden Lane: A True Story of Music and Survival During World War II

Author: Sarah J. Robbins Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

An inspiring true story about one girl's escape from the Holocaust to become a concert pianist against all odds, made popular by Mona Golabek's acclaimed theatrical performance and the beloved novel The Children of Willesden Lane -- now available in an early chapter book format. In pre-World War II Vienna, Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who hoped to become a concert pianist. But when enemy forces threatened the city -- especially its Jewish population -- Lisa's parents were forced to make a difficult decision. They secured passage for only one of their three daughters through the Kindertransport, and chose to send gifted Lisa to London for safety. As she yearned to be reunited with her family where she lived in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, Lisa's music became a beacon of hope for all of her peers. A story of the power of music to uplift the human spirit, this compelling tribute has moved and inspired hundreds of thousands of students and adults across the globe. Now is the perfect time to bring this timeless story of hope to even younger audiences as Mona Golabek's mission to transform historical testimony into youth empowerment has driven many requests for shorter, illustrated formats. Both a picture book and chapter book will be available. Read more

Middle School Rules of Brian Urlacher (The Middle School Rules Series)

Author: Sean Jensen Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

For more than a decade, Brian Urlacher was the face of the Chicago Bears—one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. An eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker, Urlacher established himself as one of the league’s preeminent defenders with his athleticism, intelligence and ferocity. He is widely expected to gain entrance into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he is eligible in a few years which is not bad for an athlete from Lovington, New Mexico, where his coaches did not even see college potential in him until his junior year of high school. The Middle School Rules of Brian Urlacher features the real-life childhood stories and exploits of young Brian Urlacher and illustrate how they shaped him into the world-class athlete he became. The first of The Middle School Rules series, these books not only entertain, but also inspire greatness in the next generation by highlighting the importance of being your best, overcoming adversity, and reaching your dreams through discipline and hard work. Read more

Not So Neurotypical: A Fun and Illustrated Celebration of 30 Influential People with ADHD

Author: Terrance Crawford Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

A vibrant, colorful, and inspiring biography collection that highlights the achievements of 30 influential people with ADHD. This 100% true book provides young readers with empowering role models and positive neurodiverse representation! Leonardo da Vinci. Benny Blanco. Simone Biles. Paris Hilton. What do these people have in common? ADHD ! Did you know that many people believe the prolific musician Wolfgang Mozart had ADHD? Or that the iconic sports superstar Babe Ruth likely had it? Or that bestselling author Dav Pilkey , who wrote Captain Underpants and Dog Man , does too? In this fully illustrated book, you'll learn all about 30 athletes , artists , scientists , entrepreneurs , and politicians who have or had ADHD and the accomplishments they achieved. ADHD is not just a limitation. It's a source of creativity, resilience, and innovation. Not So Neurotypical: A Fun and Illustrated Celebration of 30 Influential People with ADHD is a biographical collection that's designed for young readers, families, and educators. Features: Mix of listicles, quotes, and traditional prose to captivate inattentive and attentive readers alike Dyslexia friendly font Sensory friendly soft cover Whether you're looking for inspiration , representation , or just an exciting read , this book proves that ADHD minds have always shaped the world—and always will. Featured ADHD trailblazers include influential people in: Sports Such as: Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Babe Ruth, Kevin Garnett, Terry Bradshaw Music Such as: will.i.am, Solange Knowles, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Benny Blanco, Grimes, Doja Cat, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Tyler, the Creator, SZA, Demi Lovato, Avril Lavigne Entertainment and Politics : Such as: Emma Watson, Mark Ruffalo, Trevor Noah, Greta Gerwig, Jim Carrey, Lisa Ling, Howie Mandel, Reneé Rapp, Ryan Gosling, Dav Pilkey, Paris Hilton, John F. Kennedy Read more

Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio

Author: Peg Kehret Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

1996 Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction 1997 ALA Notable Books for Children 1997 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers 1997 Pen Center USA West Literary Award 1998 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award (Vermont) 1998-1999 Mark Twain Award (Missouri) 1998 Joan Fassler Memorial Book Award 1998-1999 Texas Bluebonnet Award, Runner-Up 1998-1999 William Allen White Master Reading List (Kansas) 1998-1999 Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award Master List 1998-1999 Sequoyah Book Award Master List (Oklahoma) 1998-1999 Volunteer State Book Award Master List (Tennessee) 1998-1999 NH Great Stone Face Children's Book Award Master List 1999 Sasquatch Reading Award Master List (Washington State) 2000-2001 Iowa Children's Choice Awards Master List 2001 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Master List (Illinois) 2001 Young Hoosier Book Award 2015 Bluestem Book Award Master List In a riveting story of courage and hope, Peg Kehret writes about months spent in a hospital when she was twelve, first struggling to survive a severe case of polio, then slowly learning to walk again. Peg Kehret was stricken with polio when she was twelve years old. At first paralyzed and terrified, she fought her way to recovery, aided by doctors and therapists, a loving family, supportive roommates fighting their own battles with the disease, and plenty of grit and luck. With the humor and suspense that are her trademarks, acclaimed author Peg Kehret vividly recreates the true story of her year of heartbreak and triumph. Read more

The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II (Scholastic Focus)

Author: Candace Fleming Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book. With numerous starred reviews and accolades, from award-winning author Candace Fleming, comes the powerful and fascinating story of the brave and dedicated young women who helped turn the tides of World War II for the Allies, with their hard work and determination at Bletchley Park. "Events are brought to dramatic life through a treasure trove of photographs--which show the goings-on at Bletchley and the sobering progress of the war--and through the author's meticulous research." -- The New York Times Book Review "You are to report to Station X at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, in four days time....That is all you need to know." This was the terse telegram hundreds of young women throughout the British Isles received in the spring of 1941, as World War II raged. As they arrived at Station X, a sprawling mansion in a state of disrepair surrounded by Spartan-looking huts with little chimneys coughing out thick smoke―these young people had no idea what kind of work they were stepping into. Who had recommended them? Why had they been chosen? Most would never learn all the answers to these questions. Bletchley Park was a well-kept secret during World War II, operating under the code name Station X. The critical work of code-cracking Nazi missives that went on behind its closed doors could determine a victory or loss against Hitler’s army. Amidst the brilliant cryptographers, flamboyant debutantes, and absent-minded professors working there, it was teenaged girls who kept Station X running. Some could do advanced math, while others spoke a second language. They ran the unwieldy bombe machines, made sense of wireless sound waves, and sorted the decoded messages. They were expected to excel in their fields and most importantly: know how to keep a secret. Candace Fleming is the award-winning and highly acclaimed author of Crash from Outer Space , The Curse of the Mummy , and many other nonfiction books for young readers. With her canny and compelling narrative voice she makes history come alive. The recipient of five starred reviews, and thick with tension and suspense, The Enigma Girls is an extraordinary and relatively unknown story of World War II that will fascinate readers who will be thrilled to see young people playing such an important role in the wartime effort. Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers. These books help readers learn about the world in which they live and develop their critical thinking skills, so that they may become dynamic citizens who are able to analyze and understand our past, participate in essential discussions about our present, and work to grow and build our future. Read more

The Story of Amelia Earhart: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)

Author: Stacia Deutsch Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

Inspire kids ages 6 to 9 with the life of Amelia Earhart―a story about blazing your own trail Before she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earhart was an adventure-loving kid in Kansas who dreamed big and challenged the rules of her time. She worked hard and learned how to fly airplanes at a time when many people didn't think women should be pilots. An engaging biography for early readers, The Story of Amelia Earhart tells the remarkable tale of how she became an American hero and celebrated pioneer of flight. Independent reading ―This Amelia Earhart biography is broken down into short chapters and simple language with colorful illustrations so kids 6 to 9 can read and learn on their own. Critical thinking ―Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Amelia's life, find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more. Inspire curiosity and courage ―Amelia's trailblazing spirit empowers children to explore new ideas and believe in their own potential. How will Amelia's bravery and determination inspire your child to dream big? Explore more incredible figures in the Story Of series―including Marie Curie, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo, Jane Goodall, Taylor Swift, and others. Read more

Unstoppable!: My Journey from World Champion to Athlete A to 8-Time NCAA National Gymnastics Champion and Beyond

Author: Maggie Nichols Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

Maggie Nichols’s official memoir is an inspirational tell-all about the abuse she suffered under the US national gymnastics team and how she managed to redefine herself in the face of adversity. With an introduction from Simone Biles. In 2015, Maggie Nichols’s gymnastics career was on fire. Having trained most of her young life as an elite-level gymnast, Maggie carried the team all-around at the 2015 World Championships, helping to cinch the team gold medal. Next in her sights were the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. She was eagerly looking forward to training for them along with teammates such as Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, and Laurie Hernandez. But on the verge of achieving her lifelong Olympic dream, her world came crashing down. That summer Maggie revealed to her coach that USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar had been sexually abusing her and other athletes under his care. What followed was an extensive investigation that would capture the world’s attention and illuminate the trauma and massive cover-up behind the scenes of one of America’s most celebrated sports institutions. Ultimately, Maggie would go on to become an eight-time NCAA champion and an outspoken advocate for the protection of young children, especially young athletes. This inspirational memoir offers an intimate look into the world of elite gymnastics, the sexual abuse scandal that shattered lives and dreams, and how Maggie Nichols risked everything in the name of justice. Maggie now shares this story in her words: a story of hope, resilience, reclamation, and above all, triumph. Read more