We’re thrilled to release this exclusive biography toolkit. This toolkit was made by educators for educators and is meant to pair alongside your instructions and facilitation of different biographies in the classroom.
These activities are intended for any biography for young people. There are various activities featured in the toolkit such as a timeline, Venn diagram, KWL chart, author and illustrator study and biography organizer. This toolkit is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your teaching needs. The resources are suggested activities, and we encourage you to use this to complement your existing resources or lesson plans.
Here are some suggested biographies broken down by grade level bands:
K-2
⭐ "Discover: A direct and approachable introduction to the life and works of Cuban poet and freedom fighter José Martí." —Shelf Awareness
⭐ "A highly recommended and inspiring portrayal of dedication and perseverance for today's generation of explorers." —School Library Journal
⭐ "This upbeat offering promises profiles of 15 disabled athletes but delivers even more. . . Readers will come away with an enhanced understanding of the scope of adaptive sports (BMX, surfing, CrossFit) and great respect for these dedicated, tenacious athletes." —Booklist
⭐ "This is a must purchase for all collections, and could be used with Diana Cohn's Dream Carver (Chronicle, 2002) for a look at how both art and economics of scale can work to enrich our lives and to build community." —School Library Journal
3-5
Meet Mabel Fairbanks, the skating superstar who became the first Black athlete inducted into the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
An account of the life and career of George Crum, a biracial chef who is credited with the invention of the potato chip at a Saratoga Springs, New York, restaurant in 1853. Based on historical records.
⭐ "A multilayered picture book that, like the hero at its center, offers so much strength, personality, and invaluable life lessons in a very dense package. . . Readers of all ages, especially those who love basketball, will rejoice over 'Wat's' triumphs.—School Library Journal
⭐ "Richer than other treatments of Maathai for children and more grounded in her work's implicit feminism. . . Maathai always wears a colorful headscarf or fabric bow, and the community spirit she resuscitates is joyfully celebrated on every spread. Vibrant and accomplished." —Kirkus Reviews
6-8
The “Story” chapter-book line debuts with this action-packed tribute to Arthur Ashe, one of the most compelling athletes and humanitarians of the twentieth century.
⭐ "Beyond the crucial message of perseverance and spotlight on prejudiced attitudes that still resonate today, this middle-grade picture book illuminates the life of little-known man whose innovations continue to be essential to modern medicine." —Kirkus Reviews
This inspiring entry in the “Story of” line of chapter-book biographies features Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
A stirring picture book biography of one of Latin America’s most beloved singers and human rights advocates, Mercedes Sosa.
Consider viewing our entire collection of biographies or contact quotes@leeandlow.com to create your own biography collection for your school.
As always, we welcome your feedback on ways to improve our support for educators at educators@leeandlow.com.
Happy reading!
The Literacy Team at Lee & Low
