Best Children's United States Biographies Books of 2026

The Boy Who Never Gave Up is a children's picture book biography of NBA superstar Stephen Curry. It tells the inspiring true story of a young boy who was told he was too short, weak, and not good enough to play basketball. Against all odds, he followed his dream and became one of the greatest players in the game. The book is fully illustrated and perfect for children in grades K-3 who love sports. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for parents and teachers looking for inspiring stories to share with young children.

Making a Difference is the first book in the Young Change Makers series, featuring inspiring stories of young people around the world who are making a difference in their communities. This book is packed with beautiful illustrations, color photos, and interesting facts, proving that you're never too young to make a difference. Each book in this series includes 12 young change makers from around the world, fun facts about them, a map showing where they are from, and information about how they made their dreams a reality. This book is a great addition to any elementary school classroom library or a child's home book collection. Highly recommended!

Mae Among the Stars is an inspiring picture book biography of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. Little Mae dreams of becoming an astronaut, and with the encouragement of her parents, she works hard to achieve her goal. The book is beautifully illustrated and emphasizes the importance of supporting children's dreams. This book is perfect for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts. It is a lovely addition to any children's book collection and will inspire children to reach for the stars.

Stacey’s Extraordinary Words is a heartwarming picture book based on Stacey Abrams’ childhood. Stacey is a little girl with an immense love for words. However, when her teacher selects her to compete in the spelling bee, she is not as excited as she thought she would be. Stacey’s fear of messing up and facing bullies at school makes her nervous. But with perseverance and practice, she learns that her words are powerful, and sometimes, the most important word of all is perseverance. This book is an inspiring tale of determination and the power of words. The clever layouts and eye-catching fonts make it engaging for young readers.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists) is an inspirational children's book that tells the story of a remarkable woman who overcame the odds and became one of the most powerful voices in modern science. The book is part of the Amazing Scientists series and includes a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself. The rhyming verse and appealing cartoon illustrations capture Grandin's spirit while providing an exciting, informative look at her remarkable life. It's a must-read for kids who feel different and don't quite fit in.

"Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream" is a heartwarming and inspiring picture book about Michael Jordan's journey to becoming a basketball legend. The book shares the invaluable lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion - patience, determination, and hard work. The author, Deloris Jordan, who is Michael Jordan's mother, and Roslyn M. Jordan, his sister, team up to deliver a powerful message that any family working together can help a child make their dreams come true. This book is a slam-dunk effort and a soul-satisfying read for any young readers interested in basketball or pursuing their dreams."

Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country, written by Kelly Yang, is a beautifully illustrated picture book that showcases Asian American changemakers who have made significant contributions in various fields, from music to politics. The book features one-line biographies of the person or historical moment highlighted on each page, with extended biographies at the end. With its poetic main text and diverse illustrations, Yes We Will inspires readers of all ages to dream big and believe that anything is possible. Overall, this book is a wonderful celebration of Asian American achievements and a great addition to any library.

The Basketball Book for Boys 9-12 is a slam dunk for any young boy crazy about basketball. Written by lifelong basketball enthusiast Jimmy McCall, this book is packed with fun facts, amazing anecdotes, and practical advice for basketball beginners and star players alike. It includes a potted history of basketball, a deep dive into how the game is played, revealing biographies of the game’s most famous players, and exciting accounts of historic and notable games. This book is a must-have for any young sports-loving man and is sure to inspire a love of basketball for generations to come.

Becoming Muhammad Ali is a captivating biographical novel that portrays the early life of one of the greatest sports heroes of all time. The book, written in both prose and verse, depicts Cassius Clay's childhood struggles, his friendship with his peers, his battles with racism, and the discovery of his passion for boxing. The authors, Kwame Alexander and James Patterson, provide a detailed and engaging portrayal of the cultural icon up to age seventeen. The book is fully authorized by and written in cooperation with the Muhammad Ali estate, and Dawud Anyabwile's dynamic artwork brings the story to life. Overall, Becoming Muhammad Ali is an uplifting and informative book that is highly recommended for young readers interested in sports and history.

She's Got This is a heartwarming and inspirational picture book written by Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez. The book tells the story of a little girl named Zoe, who dreams of becoming a gymnast after seeing one on TV. Through vibrant illustrations by Nina Mata, Zoe learns that chasing her dreams is harder than she thought, but she always has to get back up and try again. Hernandez imparts important lessons she learned on her way to Olympic glory, including the importance of believing in oneself. Overall, She's Got This is an empowering and motivational read for young girls who aspire to achieve their dreams.