Morris 1

Annotated Bibliography: Childrens Biography/Autobiography

Adler, D., & Ritz, K. (1993). A picture book of Anne Frank. New York: Holiday House.
This book tells the story of the young girl named Anne Frank living in Germany during
the Holocaust. It is the 1040s and the Nazis are taking over Germany and capturing the
Jews. As she makes her way over to the secret annex or the now famous attic in
Amsterdam to go into hiding with her family, she keeps a diary which will one day be
discovered and known around the world. Unfortunately, Anne and her family were caught
and then deported. The book gives a brief look into Annes time in the concentration
camps. Anne Frank died at the age of fifteen. Her father was the only survivor. This book
would be ideal for introducing the holocaust topic with young readers in a sensitive and
age appropriate way.
Kalman, M., & Peterson, C. (2012). Looking at Lincoln. S.l.: Spoken Arts.
Kalman did a wonderful job telling the story of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. A
curious little girl wants to find out more about Abraham Lincoln as a person in addition to
his historical accomplishments. Kalman describing him on a more personal level from his
dog Fido to love of music, especially Mozart. Although the little girl is excited learning
about the personal life of Abraham Lincoln, her thinking skills are charming as she tries
to visualize him as an actual person, that he might even have a nickname! It is moving to
read that although he was assassinated he will live forever in our hearts.
Krull, K., & Brewer, P. (2013). The Beatles were fab (and they were funny). HMH Books for
Young Readers.

Morris 2

Krull does a stupendous job capturing the humor of The Beatles. This is a picture
biography that tells the story of the famous British band The Beatles. The story starts
off telling the story of how they started the band and picking their name. Intertwined with
jokes and laughter the band makes it big and soon their songs are playing everywhere.
Now that they are famous, they are swarmed with fans and girls. This biography not only
captures their story of success but also captures the humorous personality of The Beatles!
Schubert, L., & Browne, J. (2012). Monsieur Marceau. Flash Point.
Monsieur Marceau was a very famous mime who performed and inspired many
throughout the years. Schubert does a wonderful job captivating his story from a young
kid admiring Charlie Chaplin to a political activist during world war II and then
transitioning to a famous performer. Being a Jew, he joined the French Underground in
the fight against the Nazis. After World War II, he created Bip, a character the made him
famous. It is a lovely story about finding something beautiful out of such tragedy.
Winter, Jeanette. The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps. New York: Schwartz &
Wade, 2011.
This picture book follows the story of a young girl named Jane Goodall. From watching a
robin out the window to being excited when she saw that the chickens had laid an egg
and couldnt wait to tell her mother, Jane has always had passion for animals. Soon after
graduating from school she leaves to go to Kenya. After arriving in Africa, Louis Leakey
has Jane Goodall observe the chimpanzees. Janes curiosity for the Chimpanzees grows!
The more she observes the chimpanzees, the more she learns about their habitat. She soon
realizes how big of a threat people are to the chimpanzees habitat. From being gentle to

Morris 3

a little bird when she was young to chimpanzees as an adult, Jane Goodall takes her
passion for animals and becomes their voice as she takes on the crusade to protect them
against poaching. This book is full of colorful illustrations using acrylic paint and ink.
The authors note is not to be missed, as it gives additional information about Jane
Goodall and her triumphs.