Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Picture book biographies can introduce children to real people both past and present.  Reading about presidents, artists and scientists can inspire but also teach children about history, geography, the arts and sciences and help them learn about cultures different from their own.  The books use a combination of illustrations and text to tell the person's life story with usually '"just enough" information, making them good choices for reading aloud to kids of all ages.  Highlighted below our some of the new picture book biographies recently added to our collection.  

Respect by Carole Boston Weatherford; Frank Morrison (Illustrator)
"Aretha Franklin was born to sing. The daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer, her musical talent was clear from her earliest days in her father's Detroit church. Aretha sang with a soaring voice that spanned more than three octaves. Her incredible talent and string of hit songs earned her the title "the Queen of Soul." This Queen was a multi-Grammy winner and the first female inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And there was even more to Aretha than being a singer, songwriter, and pianist: she was an activist, too. 

Stay Curious! by Kathleen Krull; Paul Brewer; Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)

A picture book biography about science superstar, Stephen Hawking, whose visionary mind revolutionized our concept of reality and whose struggle with ALS inspired millions. As a young boy, Stephen Hawking loved to read, stargaze, and figure out how things worked. He looked at the world and always asked, Why? He never lost that curiosity, which led him to make groundbreaking discoveries about the universe as a young man. Even being diagnosed with ALS didn't slow Stephen down. 

 

 

 

 

Code Breaker, Spy Hunter by Laurie Wallmark; Brooke Smart (Illustrator)

In this picture book biography, young readers will learn all about Elizebeth Friedman (1892-1980), a brilliant American code breaker who smashed Nazi spy rings, took down gangsters, and created the CIA's first cryptology unit. Her story came to light when her secret papers were finally declassified in 2015. From thwarting notorious rumrunners with only paper and pencil to "counter-spying into the minds and activities of" Nazis, Elizebeth held a pivotal role in the early days of United States cryptology. No code was too challenging for her to crack, and Elizebeth's work undoubtedly saved thousands of lives.

Tani's New Home by Tanitoluwa Adewumi; Michelle Lord (As told to); Courtney Dawson (Illustrator)

The incredible true story of Tani Adewumi, a Nigerian refugee who garnered international news coverage after winning the New York State Chess Championship at the age of eight. Tani's story of finding a new life in America reminds children that perseverance and hope make a difference--and small acts of kindness can make the world a better place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ocean Speaks by Jess Keating; Katie Hickey (Illustrator)

From a young age, Marie Tharp wanted to be a scientist. In the mid-twentieth century, women were not welcome in the sciences, but Marie got a job in a laboratory at Cambridge University, New York. But then she faced another barrier: women were not allowed on the research ships (they were considered bad luck on boats). So instead, Marie mapped point after point and slowly revealed a deep rift valley in the ocean floor. She mapped the single largest geographic feature on the planet, all from her small, cramped office.

Sharuko by Monica Brown; Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator)

A picture biography of Julio C. Tello, considered to be the founder of modern Peruvian archaeology, that traces his life from an early interest in Peru's ancient cultures to his rise as the most distinguished Indigenous social scientist of the twentieth century. A map and an afterword with additional information, photograph, and source list are included.

 

 

 

She Caught the Light by Kathryn Lasky; Julianna Swaney (Illustrator)

From Newbery Honor winning author, Kathryn Lasky, comes a nonfiction picture book about the stars! Lasky tells the inspiring true story of astronomer Williamina Fleming, who helped lay the foundations for modern astronomy and overcame impossible odds as an immigrant and a woman. For stargazers and trailblazers everywhere!

 

 

 

 

 

The Greenburgh Public Library Children's Room has many BRAND NEW books.  Not sure how to see what's available or how to borrow them?  We are currently offering a few different options: 

• Virtually Browse the Children's Room Shelves to see not only other new biographies but what else is NEW in the children's room.
• Book Bundles: The Children’s room offers “Book Bundles” where you can request a selection of books based on your child’s interests. 
• Place A Hold:  Go to the catalog, call us, or request a hold on an item through our Live Chat and pick it up during our curbside hours.