Best United States Biographical Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

We Beat the Street is an inspiring and powerful book that tells the story of three childhood friends from Newark, New Jersey, who made a pact to become doctors and succeeded despite the challenges they faced. The book is a younger adaptation of the adult hit novel The Pact, and it's a hard-hitting and motivational read for young readers. Written by George Jenkins, Sampson Davis, and Rameck Hunt, who are all recipients of the Essence Lifetime Achievement Award, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting story of perseverance and friendship.

A Lantern in Her Hand is a classic story of pioneers, Abbie and Will Deal, who left everything behind for a new life on America's frontier. Abbie's story is an inspiring tale of struggle against unexpected perils, of love and laughter, of the land she helped conquer, and the family she raised. The language is good and sturdy, and the book is dotted with imaginative metaphors and similes. The book is an excellent read for those who enjoy women's domestic life fiction books and want to experience the life of pioneers in the late nineteenth-century Nebraska.

Mr. Revere and I is a classic tale by Robert Lawson that presents a unique perspective on the American Revolution. The story follows Scheherazade, a horse who was once the fastest in the King's army but is let down by her British rider and joins the Sons of Liberty with Sam Adams. Teamed with Paul Revere, she plays a key role in the American Revolution. This new edition includes bonus material, such as a map of Paul Revere's ride. Overall, this beloved classic is full of wit and wisdom and offers an unforgettable view of the birth of a nation from the horse's mouth.

Streams to the River, River to the Sea by Scott O'Dell is an award-winning historical fiction novel that tells the story of Sacagawea, a young Native American woman who joins the Lewis and Clark expedition with her infant and cruel husband. Despite being a pawn of men and natural forces, Sacagawea maintains her self-worth and becomes an integral part of the expedition's success as an interpreter and guide. This gripping tale of survival, strength, and courage is believably revealed by a stoic heroine. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the role of women in it.

Zora and Me is a coming-of-age story set in Eatonville, Florida during the Jim Crow era. The novel follows the adventures of three children who become entangled in the mystery of a shape-shifting gator man who may be responsible for a murder in their town. The story is narrated by Zora’s best friend, Carrie, who provides a unique perspective on the power of community, love, and pride. This fictionalization of the early years of literary giant Zora Neale Hurston is an astonishing novel that educates, informs, and entertains readers young and old. Overall, Zora and Me is a grand and accessible work that skillfully blends fact and fiction to create a compelling story.

Almost Home is a heartwarming story based on the life of Mary Chilton, a young girl who left her home in Holland and traveled to America onboard the Mayflower with her parents. The book is part of the Daughters of the Faith series, which tells the stories of ordinary girls who lived extraordinary lives. Wendy Lawton's well-researched and well-written book is a must-read for young ladies, as it tells the Pilgrim story through the eyes of a 13-year-old Mary Chilton. The book is appealing to girls who love to read, and parents who homeschool.

Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia (Landmark Books) by Margaret Cousins is a biographical fiction book for teens and young adults published by Random House Books for Young Readers. The book portrays Benjamin Franklin as a man of many talents and highlights his contributions to the American colonies as a printer, postmaster, inventor, writer, and diplomat. The book also covers his support for America in the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War. Overall, the book is an excellent read for those interested in American history and the life of one of its most prominent figures.

"Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West" by Aladdin is an inspiring true story of Wild Horse Annie's fight to save the mustangs from extinction. Annie Bronn, who had always been fascinated by the wild mustangs, took it upon herself to save them when greedy cattlemen began to round them up for slaughter. The book takes readers on a journey, following Annie's crusade to protect the breed all the way to the White House. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the American West, for those who love horses and for those who are inspired by stories of triumph over adversity."

"Pocahontas" by Joseph Bruchac is a captivating retelling of the historical events surrounding the arrival of John Smith and his men in Powhatan to establish the colony of Virginia. The story is seen through the eyes of two historic figures, John Smith and Pocahontas, and is rich with details of everyday life. Bruchac brings an authentic voice to the greatly mythologized and misunderstood Native American historical figure of Pocahontas. This book is a first choice for those interested in exploring the topic and is highly recommended for children's multicultural biographies books collections."

A Gypsy's Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure is a thrilling coming-of-age story set in 1964. The protagonist, Mike, embarks on an adventurous trip to New Orleans' Mardi Gras, encountering biker gangs, savage bears, and an angry Texas sheriff along the way. The story is based on a true story and includes hidden clues leading to a treasure hunt. The book is written and narrated by Toby Michael Younis and Shelley Carney, the Magical Treasure Princess. This book is a unique blend of adventure, action, and treasure hunt that will keep readers hooked until the end.