Provo Library Children's Book Blog

There were a lot of great people who helped found the United States of America. There were a lot of people who were instrumental in working to make sure that our country started 250 years ago. There are way too many biographies about these great people to name all of them. But I can give you five picture book biographies that can introduce kids to some of these great heroes. Happy reading!  George Washington’s Spectacular Spectacles: The Glasses that Saved America   Written by Selene Castroville  Illustrated by Jenn Harney  New York: Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2025. Picture book.  One of the things you never see in portraits is George Washington wearing glasses. Yet he did. And this book goes over how George Washington wearing glasses actually helped save America from some very frustrated continental soldiers. Fascinating, right?  Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s...

  Houdini's Library: How Books Created the World's Greatest Magician Written by Barb Rosenstock Illustrated by Mar Delmar New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2026. Biography.  In this illustrated biography, rather than focusing on Houdini's life, the story is told through his love of books. Houdini's love of books began as a child reading from his father's collection—which was eventually sold to pay for rent after the family immigrated to America. His love of magic was also tied to his love of reading—he learned magic from a book that he later considered burning to keep the secrets of his magic tricks safe. Throughout his life, Houdini grew his collection and even travelled with a special folding bookcase the magically housed hundreds of volumes. By the time of his death, his brownstone in New York held 15,000 volumes that were later donated. In addition to the interesting narrative focus on his life, readers will be intrigued by the beautiful gauche and cut paper illustrat...

Both Sides Now: A Story About Young Joni Mitchell By Lydia Corry New York: Godwin Books, 2026. Comics. 144 pgs. Joni Mitchell is undeniably one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, and this graphic novel biography - chronicling her early childhood - introduces her to a new generation of fans. Growing up on the prairie in Saskatchewan, Joni identified as an artist at a young age and found a sense of wonder in her surroundings. She begged her parents for piano lessons, but was penalized by her teacher for creating her own compositions. She contracted polio and painfully relearned to walk. Finally, an encouraging teacher introduced her to poetry and ignited her artistic spirit. This is a truly captivating, highly illustrated biography of Joni Mitchell. Filled with colorful, swirling illustrations (that feel incredibly reminiscent of 1970s designs) this book is a treat for Joni Mitchell fans. Focusing mostly on her young childhood and early adulthood, this book explains how...

Fashion is more than just clothes—it’s a way for kids to express creativity, identity, and imagination. Books about fashion can introduce young readers to design, history, and the joy of personal style. Whether they dream of becoming designers or simply love getting dressed up, these stories open the door to a colorful world of ideas. From playful picture books to informative guides, fashion-themed reads can spark confidence and innovation at any age. How To Be a Fashion Designer Written by Lesley Ware Illustrated by Tiki Papier New York : Dorling Kindersley, 2024. Informational. 96 pages. This inspiring guide introduces young readers to the creative world of fashion design. It explains the basics of developing ideas, sketching clothing, and understanding fabrics in a fun and accessible way. The book encourages readers to express their individuality and shows how imagination and practice can help turn fashion ideas into real designs. Andre Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob S...

March is Women's History Month, with March 8th being specified as International Women's Day. I decided the way I wanted to celebrate Women's History would be threefold: to read books by women authors I am already familiar with, refresh my memory about major women in history by reading or rereading biographies, and continue to seek out new books primarily featuring women authors and illustrators. Following are five of the books that fit into one of those categories. They are favorites of mine, and I hope you will enjoy them as well. Louisa Learns to Write Written by Kate Hannigan Illustrated by Sofia Moore New York, NY : Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2026. Informational. Louisa May Alcott is a treasured author whose work has inspired generations of readers. This lovely biography presents the reader the background story behind her famous book Little Women. I loved the elements highlighted that contribute to Louisa becoming a great writer, includi...

Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger Written by Patricia Newman Illustrated by Becca Hall Minneapolis : Millbrook Press, 2025. Informational.  From childhood into adulthood, Cristina Zenato loved the ocean and wanted to befriend sharks. When she moved to the Bahamas, her dream finally became a reality as she begins diving with, studying, and ultimating helping sharks by removing fishing hooks from their bodies.  Cristina began saving the hooks she removed to serve as a visual aid for the people she spoke to about shark conservation.  Cristina Zenato's bravery and passion for shark conservation inspired me—not to jump in the ocean, swim with sharks, and pull hooks from their live bodies—but to search for ways I can help the world.  What little changes can I make?  What causes can I donate to?  How can I help champion important issues and help educate others?  A short but impactful tale of shark awesomeness, the power peo...

  The Sky Was My Blanket By Uri Shulevitz New York : Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, 2025. Biography, 149 pages. The Sky Was My Blanket by Uri Shulevitz is a compelling biography based on his uncle's experiences as a young man escaping the dangers of World War II. Yehiel left his home rejecting the strict religious rules of his father. He journeyed from place to place, often pushed out by the fear of capture or imprisonment, never knowing where he would end up. With no permanent shelter, he often slept outside, relying on the open sky as protection. Shulevitz's simple yet reflective storytelling captures the confusion and terror of living through these uncertain times. This book gently introduces readers to the realities of World War II and of living as a refugee. Despite it's weighty topic, Shulevitz prioritizes themes of human resilience, resistance, and true kindness. It's a relatively short book broken into chapters that are only a few pages at most. ...

Every month we have two book clubs for kids here at the Provo City Library! These book clubs are just for kids ages 9-12 and a caregiver. This month, our  Girls Read book club  will meet February 24 and our  Guys Read book club  will meet February 26. You can register now, using the library's online calendar! Girls Read is reading: Brown Girl Dreaming By Jacqueline Woodson New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014. Memoir/poetry. 336 pgs. As a child, Jacqueline Woodson never felt settled at home. In the 1960s and 1970s, she lived in South Carolina and in New York City, in the midst of the Civil Rights movement and with the shadow of Jim Crow laws looming overhead. As she searches to find herself, Jacqueline finds her voice as a writer and she begins to tell stories that will shape her future. Told entirely in verse, this memoir is a touching and thoughtful story about growing up and finding your way. A National Book Award Winner, Newbery Honoree, and Coretta Scott King Awa...

  The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue Written by Elizabeth Brown Illustrated by Melissa Castrillón San Francisco, CA : Chronicle Books, 2025. Informational. This book tells the story of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, a Portuguese diplomat who assisted Jews in fleeing France as Hitler's army invaded. De Sousa Mendes was in charge of overseeing visas to foreigners hoping to move to Portugal. Although Portugal's official stance in the war was to stay neutral, they, like many other countries during that time, refused to take in Jewish refugees. As France was about to fall, de Sousa Mendes saw the sheer number of Jews lined up outside the embassy hoping there would be some way to avoid Hitler's army, and he decided to ignore his orders and take a stand. He spent 23 days in June and July granting passage to as many people as possible, eventually shortening his signature and signing any paper he could get his hands on, even scraps of newspaper, to al...

Fanny's Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week Was Born Written by Richard Michelson Illustrated by Alyssa Russell New York, New York: Rocky Pond Books, 2025. Biography. I love when I read a book that makes me stop and think, deeply, about the kind of person I want to be. That is exactly what this book did for me. There are many individual quotes that are inspiring, and the story as a whole is thought-provoking and meaningful. Fanny Goldstein is a young girl of six when her family makes the decision to leave Russia and emigrate to the United States. They do this for their safety, and in search of a better life. Fanny has moments where she misses the life she and her family had to leave behind. One thing that helps make the adjustment to living in a new place better for her, is finding out that at the library she has access to large quantities of books for free. This biography follows Fanny from childhood, through young adulthood, and into her career as a director of a library branch. Her c...

Do you ever finish a book and then instantly want to know more about the person who wrote it? You read the back flap and get the basic information but you think to yourself "but what was their life like when they created this work"? If so, these books are right up your alley. Jim: Six True Stories About One Great Artist By Jerrold Connors New York, New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2025. Biography. 66 pages. This fun book tells the story James Marshall, who you may know from Miss Nelson is Missing, George and Martha, or his Caldecott-Honor adaptation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In this uniquely formatted title, his life is told in six stories, which feature characters from many of his influential works. One of my favorite things about this book is that the artwork is all done in James Marshall's style.  Go Tell It : how James Baldwin Became a Writer Written by Quartez Harris Illustrated by Gordon C. James New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2025. Biography....

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...

First Ascent: The Epic Yosemite Rock Climbing Rivalry of Royal Robbins and Warren Harding Written by Kate Messner Illustrated by Steview Lewis Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Conservancy Press, 2025. Informational Picture Book. How two "fathers of rock climbing" engaged in a daring game of one-upmanship, pushing the sport to new heights as they racked up first ascents of big wall climbs around Yosemite Valley in the 1950s and 60s, ultimately paving the way for a modern era of rock climbing with a focus on leave-no-trace environmental ethics. -- Publisher. Up, Up, Ever Up!: Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains Written by Anita Yasuda Illustrated by Yuzo Shimizu New York: Clarion Books, 2024. Biography. Anita Yasuda's evocative picture book biography about Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Everest. -- Publisher Mystery on Everest: A Photobiography of George Mallory By Audrey Salkeld Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 2000. Biography. 64 pages. Discusses th...

School has started, and soon we'll start seeing the weather shift to cooler days and crisp nights --which to many signals the beginning of fall sports. In the US, this typically means football and soccer are going full speed ahead. So whether you love football, soccer, or both, here are some books to read in your downtime to keep that gameday spirit (and its challenges) alive... everyday! Slug Fest By Gordon Korman New York: Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2024. Fiction. 292 pages.   In this underdog story, middle school sports star Yash is forced to take summer school PE—or "Slugfest." He finds himself among a ragtag group of misfits, including: a clumsy genius, a pair of feuding twins, a practical jokester, and a former athlete held back because of an injury. Led by a retired second-grade teacher with a love for baking, this unlikely team of "slugs" must come together to win a city-wide flag football tournament. Full of witty dialogue and...

Today we are celebrating the lives of trailblazing individuals who overcame adversity to make lasting contributions in their fields. Each book highlights a different form of brilliance—scientific, artistic, athletic, poetic, and activist—while centering themes of perseverance, creativity, and resilience. These five women introduce young readers to diverse role models who challenged societal barriers of the generation. Together, they affirm the power of passion and courage in shaping a more inclusive and inspiring world. Twist, Tumble, Triumph Written by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky Illustrated by Martina Peluso Minneapolis, MN: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2025. Biography. This is a stirring biography that powerfully illustrates the resilience of Hungarian Jewish gymnast Ágnes Keleti during World War II. Despite being banned from training under Nazi rule, Keleti continued practicing in secret. She survived the war by hiding and working under a false identity. Ultimately, she triumphed ...