Biographies are a fascinating genre. Whether you discover a new person to admire, a fun fact about someone from history or meet someone who inspires you, biographies can introduce readers to some impressive people! The four books in this post will take readers on a journey through the reign of Queen Elizabeth and through well known myths and legends. Check these books out to meet some new and inspirational people!
The Wonders We Seek, Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World by Saadia Faruqi, Aneesa Mumtaz and Saffa Khan, Published by Quill Tree Books
I will read anything written by Saadia Faruqi as I admire her style, knowledge and understanding of the world. This book is celebration of Muslims across history and the Middle East, from scientists, philosophers and warriors to poets and activists. The authors had strict criteria during their research for who would make the book and knowing this lends a gravitas to their choices. I knew that these were not just people they admired but people who had made positive change or broken a barrier in their time. What I gained was immeasurable knowledge about impressive men and women from a culture and religion with a long history. The illustrated portraits of each person are exceptional and allow readers a chance to envisage people from the past more clearly.
The Book of Sisters, Biographies of Incredible Siblings through History by Olivia Meikle and Katie Nelson, Published by Neon Squid
Neon Squid is a new non-fiction imprint from Macmillan and their first titles are proof that they have a lot to offer! With a focus on sisters, this book introduces the reader to world famous sisters from across history and around the world. Cleopatra and Arsinoe feature as do Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, which seems ideal for this jubilee year. Authors, Olivia and Katie, have great reason for creating this book- they are sisters themselves! While some sisters through history made positive change and impact, others were more widely known for their destruction and hatred for each other. Whether good or bad, the relationships between sisters is often complex and make for utterly compelling biographies and stories to share. The illustrations are beautifully done, completely unique and created by over 30 different illustrators.
Great Elizabethans, 25 Amazing Britons from her Reign by Imogen Russell Williams and Sara Mulvanny, Published by Nosy Crow
It seems apt in the jubilee year to celebrate the Queen as well as inspirational people who made an impact across many areas during her reign. Beginning with a great timeline of important events in the Queen’s reign, we then move into double page spreads featuring amazing people like David Attenborough and Chris Packham who raise environmental awareness to Judith Kerr and Malorie Blackman who have had huge impact on the world of children’s books. This book has a clean feel to it with brilliant illustrations highlighting the text and not overwhelming it. Each illustration is cleverly created and perfect for bringing aspects of each person’s life to the forefront. Browsing the contents page, I was able to check out familiar names and introduce myself to some new, admirable Britons. Perfect for classrooms and homes- a book that will last long beyond the jubilee year!
Goddess, 50 Goddesses, Spirits, Saints and other female figures who have shaped belief by Dr Janina Ramirez and Sarah Walsh, Published by Nosy Crow
This is a book I will dip in and out of regularly. There are just too many wondrous females to digest in one reading. These Goddesses are “not perfect but they’re fascinating“ and I can’t think of a better description for inspirational women. Readers can learn from, learn about and believe in each of these women. Published to tie in with a new exhibition at The British Museum, this colourful and boldly illustrated book is one for KS2 and KS3 classes. Photos from the exhibition highlight more of the importance these females played in shaping beliefs. Admittedly, I was very unfamiliar with many of these figures and so had a lot to learn but I enjoyed every moment lost in myths, legends and creation stories finding out about them. This is a gift book for sharing with girls and women in your life.
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. Now I have the title Reading Advocate for ASSET Education Trust, based in Suffolk.
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work and at home with my two children, aged 11 and 9.
I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group!
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