Best Children's Historical Biographies Books of 2025

Stories of the Saints is a captivating book that features seventy well-known and well-loved saints. Each saint's story is told in an engaging and inspiring way, making it a perfect read for children aged 10 and up. The book combines both legend and historical facts, creating a rich and entertaining history of faith and courage. The book's illustrations are dramatic and stylized, capturing the essence of each saint's story. Overall, this book is an excellent gift for Confirmation and is a unique and valuable addition to any Christian Saints Books collection.

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison is a beautifully illustrated board book edition of the instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. The book showcases 18 trailblazing black women in American history and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. The women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them, and their actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. The adorable and idiosyncratic drawings in this book are poster-worthy. Overall, Dream Big, Little One is an inspiring and unique book that every child should have on their bookshelf.

Who Was Anne Frank? is a comprehensive biography written for younger readers, focused on the life of the young girl who became a symbol of hope and resilience during the Holocaust. This book explores Anne’s life before and during her family’s time in hiding, and the legacy she left behind through her diary. The inclusion of black-and-white illustrations, maps, and diagrams help bring the story to life, making it an accessible and informative read. The book, published by Penguin Workshop, is a must-read for children interested in learning about the Holocaust and the lives of those impacted by it.

Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust is a gripping and emotional true story of two sisters, Renee and Herta, who fought to survive the Holocaust together. The book follows their journey as Jews living in 1940s Czechoslovakia, and how they relied on each other to hide and communicate as the only hearing person in their family was Renee. The memoir is a vivid account of their experiences in concentration camps and the power of sisterhood and love. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to honor the past and remember the importance of telling our own stories.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces readers of all ages to 40 trailblazing black women in American history. The book features both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history, such as Sojourner Truth, Bessie Coleman, Alice Ball, Shirley Chisholm, Katherine Johnson, Maya Angelou, and Julie Dash. Each biography is accompanied by irresistible illustrations that bring the stories to life. The book is an important educational tool that inspires and empowers young girls to dream big and make a difference. Little Leaders is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the incredible women who have shaped our world.

Who Was Betsy Ross? is a children's book that tells the story of a seamstress who contributed to the American Revolution by making tents, repairing uniforms, and possibly even sewing the first flag of the new nation. Written by James Buckley, Jr., this book is a great addition to any child's library interested in the history of the American Revolution. The book is published by Penguin Workshop, a brand known for its high-quality children's books. Overall, this book is a great way to introduce children to the history of the American Revolution and the role of women in it.

King Charles III: A Little Golden Book Biography is a perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers. It is an inspiring read-aloud and a royal lesson in patience for young girls and boys, detailing the life of the oldest monarch to take the throne. This book is one of many Little Golden Book biographies, including Queen Elizabeth II and Harriet Tubman. The author, Jen Arena, has written over 50 books for kids, while the illustrator, Monique Dong, creates images that encompass light, life, warmth, and color. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any children's historical biographies collection.

This board book edition of Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison is a perfect introduction for children to learn about the inspiring lives of women creators. The book features eighteen women who have made significant contributions in various fields, including art, science, and environmental activism. The colorful illustrations make the Dreamers accessible and relatable, inspiring young readers to follow their dreams and make a difference in the world. Think Big, Little One is a must-have addition to any child's library, and it is a great gift for parents who want to encourage their little ones to think big and achieve their goals.

This inspiring illustrated biography is perfect for young middle-grade readers. Who Was Helen Keller? tells the story of a young girl who became deaf and blind at the age of two and how she overcame her disabilities with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The book includes black-and-white line drawings, sidebars on related topics, a timeline, and a bibliography to enhance the reader's understanding of the subject. Written by former educator Gare Thompson, this book is an excellent addition to any child's bookshelf, especially those interested in learning about special needs individuals and historical figures.

Who Was Babe Ruth? is a children's historical biography book that tells the story of a poor Baltimore boy who discovered his talent for baseball at a reform school and went on to become a sports legend. Despite his often out-of-shape physique and love for partying, Babe Ruth had a big heart and an even bigger swing. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, this book brings the Home Run King to life. Overall, this book is a great read for kids who love sports and want to learn about the rags-to-riches story of one of baseball's greatest players.