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Five Faves: Biographies

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I am always intrigued by biographies, and I love how many new biographies I have been able to read recently. I particularly appreciate biographies in children's libraries, because I love that I can learn a lot about multiple people without it being too intense of a time investment. The details are thorough enough that I feel like I get a grasp on their background, while also enjoying lovely illustrations that add to the overall appeal. Following are five of my favorites. I hope you will check them out!

Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder
Written by Erin Frankel
Illustrated by Jasu Hu
New York : Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2025. Biography.

This biography is a lovely blend of poetry, wonder, and nature, as well as the most beautiful illustrations! I loved reading about Mary and her desire to document the things she found most lovely in life. Some illustrators have an amazing ability to make the viewer feel transported to the world they are displaying via artwork, and Jasu Hu definitely did that for me with this book. 

Woody's Words
Written by Lisa Rogers
Illustrated by Susan Reagan
New York : Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2025. Biography.

When I saw there was a new biography coming out about Woodrow Wilson Rawls, I was very excited! I know so many people, grown-ups and children alike, who have read and adored his classic book Where the Red Fern Grows. This touching biography talks about Woody's mother reading to him as a child, and how he didn't care to be read to. Until one day she started reading him a book that caught his attention and completely fascinated him. That book inspired him to want to write his own book someday. Woody's journey was not a smooth or simple one. His decision to persevere across decades of life was amazing to read about.

What Louis Brandeis Knows
Written by Richard Michelson
Illustrated by Stacy Innerst
New York : Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2025. Biography.

Louis Brandeis was a person from history I knew nothing about until I read this biography. His family left Prague to come to America before he was born because of the dangers they faced there. Louis loves studying and learning, and knows that religious beliefs shouldn't make anyone unsafe. As a young man Louis wants to attend Harvard Law School so that he will be able to help fight for people in a court of law. I appreciated reading this biography about a Supreme Court Justice and the path he took to lead him there.

The Spy in the Museum
By Erin McGuire
New York : Beach Lane Books, 2025. Biography.

I am always grateful for the people who in times of war, natural disasters, or other catastrophes, go to great lengths to protect the precious treasures of art and books. Rose Valland was one of these brave people! She was a curator at a museum in Paris. As the Nazis began to wage a physical war in Europe, they also wanted to destroy artwork that Hitler didn't approve of. Because of her role at the museum, when the Nazis came to close down the museum, she was the only person who retained employment. Rose spoke German in addition to French, and was able to listen in on conversations the Nazis had in front of her. This intriguing book was a beautiful testament to the power of an individual to try and have a positive influence even in time of tragedy.

Claudia Said Si
Written by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky
Illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera
Millburn, New Jersey : Apples & Honey Press, an imprint of Behrman House Publishers, 2025. Biography.

I am always impressed by people who see problems and want to come up with solutions. Claudia Sheinbaum is one of those people! This biography, though, begins with her as an ordinary child who loves the mariposas (butterflies) that came to her town each autumn. As she learns about the butterflies and their transformations, she realizes that she, too, is changing and always becoming something greater than before. We learn about the inspiration she had for seeking an education which included obtaining multiple degrees, and always trying to find new ways to solve problems. After reading about her story, it is no wonder to me that she has so much support from the people in her country, as she is constantly striving to do things to help the citizens of her country.

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