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Picture Books By Topic: picture book bios
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trial
Illustrated by: Jennifer Thermes
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Description: At age 67, Emma Gatewood decided to go for a nice long walk . . . and ended up completing the Appalachian Trail. With just the clothes on her back and a pair of thin canvas sneakers on her feet, Grandma Gatewood hiked up ridges and down ravines, braved angry storms and witnessed breathtaking sunrises relying on the kindness of strangers. A story of true grit and girl power at any age. (Adapted from author’s website)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: adventures, community, fears, grandmother, late-life happiness, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios
Gus & Me
Illustrated by: Theodora Richards
Description: True tale by Rolling Stones musician Keith Richards about his relationship with his grandfather and introduction to music.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: creativity, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, late-life career, late-life happiness, men, older role model, picture book bios, work
Henri’s Scissors
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Description: Non-fiction bio of artist Henri Matisse.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: art, creativity, disability, late-life happiness, physical challenges, picture book bios
It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw
Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie
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Description: Picture book bio of the acclaimed American folk artist who only begins drawing at age 85.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: art, creativity, multicultural, picture book bios, slavery, using life experiences
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes her Mark
Illustrated by: Elizabeth Baddeley
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Description: Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements. (from the publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, history, late-life career, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, sexism, using life experiences, work
Miss Colfax’s Light
Illustrated by: Eileen Ryan Ewen
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Description: In 1861, at the age of 37, Harriet Colfax took on the job of lighthouse keeper for the Michigan City lighthouse off Lake Michigan. It was a bold and determined endeavor. For 43 years, until the age of 80, Harriet kept her light burning, through storms, harsh winters, and changes in technology. This true story contains excerpts from her actual log. (adapted from publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: history, late-life career, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios, retirement, women, work
Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber
Illustrated by: C.F. Payne
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Description: Mary Garber was a pioneering female sportswriter in the 1940’s when it was definitely not a woman’s job. She persevered despite struggles to be accepted in a man’s world. She was a sportswriter for 56 years. Mary championed black children in sports in black schools—writing about them when no one else paid attention.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: history, late-life career, making a difference, perseverance, picture book bios, women, work
Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children
Illustrated by: Debby Atwell
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Description: Picture book bio shows us a strong single woman busting both gender and age stereotypes.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: books, history, picture book bios, retirement, work
Mr. Cornell’s Dream Boxes
Illustrated by: Jeanette Winter
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Description: Joseph Cornell loved to draw and paint and collect things. With these drawings and paintings and collected treasures, he made marvelous shadowboxes--wonderlands covered in glass. And who did he most like to share them with? Children, of course. (from World Cat)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: art, creativity, intergenerational, late-life career, late-life happiness, men, picture book bios, work
My Name is Georgia: A Portrait
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Description: Author/illustrator Jeanette Winter shows us the life of painter Georgia O'Keefe as she follows her dream from Wisconsin to art studies in Chicago and New York, and finally to her beloved New Mexico. Georgia lived to the age of 98. (Sadly out of print, but still available)
Ages: 6-9
Topics: aging, art, creativity, late-life career, late-life happiness, nature, older role model, picture book bios, work
