TITLES FOR BIOGRAPHY UNIT
TIME PERIOD (1850-1929)
AMELIA EARHART by Doris L. Rich
A biography of the famous aviatrix who disappeared in the South Pacific on an around-the-world flight attempt in 1937.
PAGES: 273
PUBLISHED: 1989
READING LEVEL:
CHARLES A. LINDBERGH: A HUMAN HERO by James Giblin
A biography of the pilot whose life was full of controversy and tragedy, but also fulfilling achievements.
PAGES: 195
PUBLISHED: 1997
READING LEVEL: 5.5
BABE DEDRIKSON ZAHARIAS: THE MAKING OF A CHAMPION by
Russell Freedman
A biography of Babe Dedriskson, who broke records in golf, track and field, and other sports at a time when there were few opportunities
for female athletes.
PAGES: 185
PUBLISHED: 1999
READING LEVEL: 7.1
HARRIET BEECHER STOWE: AUTHOR OF UNCLE TOM’S CABIN
by LeeAnne Gelletly
Text and illustrations chronicle the life of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which caused major
controversy in the decade before the Civil War. The book also includes a glossary, a Stowe chronology, a Civil War time line, and a
bibliography.
PAGES: 76
PUBLISHED: 2001
READING LEVEL: 8.3
HARRY HOUDINI by Vicki Cobb.
Presents a photographic introduction to the life and accomplishments of one of the most famous magicians of the twentieth century,
discussing his family, his early work experiences, his entry into the entertainment business, and the development of his career as an
escape artist.
PAGES:
PUBLISHED:
READING LEVEL: 7
1
HARRIET TUBMAN: MOSES OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
by Anne E. Schraff
Examines the life of Harriet Tubman, a woman who ran away from slavery in 1849 and spent her remaining years helping others reach
freedom.
PAGES:
PUBLISHED:
READING LEVEL:
HELEN KELLER: A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT by Laurie Lawlor
An illustrated biography of Helen Keller, sharing aspects of her personality and sometimes radical beliefs, and discussing her relationship
with her teacher, Annie Sullivan, and other important people in her life and work.
PAGES: 161
PUBLISHED: 2001
READING LEVEL: 8.9
LINCOLN: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY by Russell Freedman
Photographs and text trace the life of the Civil War president.
PAGES: 144
PUBLISHED: 2001
READING LEVEL: 7.4
MARTHA GRAHAM: A DANCER’S LIFE by Russell Freedman
A photo-biography of the American dancer, teacher, and choreographer who was born in Pittsburgh in 1895 and who became a leading
figure in the world of modern dance.
PAGES: 163
PUBLISHED: 1998
READING LEVEL: 8.6
LUCKIEST MAN: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF LOU GEHRIG by Jonathon
Eig
Chronicles the life of baseball legend Lou Gehrig, discussing his childhood in New York City, shyness, interactions with other members
of the Yankee team, professional triumphs, personal relationships, and struggles to overcome a debilitating disease.
PAGES: 368
PUBLISHED: 2005
READING LEVEL:
THOMAS ALVA EDISON: INVENTOR AND ENTREPENEUR by Claire
Price-Groff
Explores the life of the inventor of numerous devices, including the light bulb and the phonograph.
PAGES:
PUBLISHED: 2003
READING LEVEL: 7.9
J.R.R. TOLKIEN: CREATOR OF LANGUAGES AND LEGENDS by Lynch
Doris
Chronicles the life of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of “The Lord of the Rings”, providing historical relationship with her teacher Annie Sullivan
and other important people in her life and work.
PAGES:
PUBLISHED: 2001
READING LEVEL: 8.9
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