As your child develops an interest in different topics and hobbies, biographies can be a wonderful way to tie those new passions into a developing love of reading. Biographical stories encourage enthusiastic kids, expose readers to new perspectives and life experience, and even help develop empathy in the children who read them.
Readers of all ages will find inspiration in these picture and middle-grade books about Jewish heroes and historical figures – and this is just the tip of the iceberg! There have been more than 20 biographies included as PJ Library selections since the program started. (And there are lots of biographical novels and graphic novels available through PJ Our Way as well).
Recommended for ages 8 and up
George Gershwin, an up-and-coming composer, finds himself in a pickle -- he has only a few weeks to write an entire concerto! At first, he panics, but then he realizes that all the inspiration he needs is in the great melting pot of immigrant America.
Recommended for ages 10 and up
One person can make a difference in the world. Raoul Wallenberg did! During WWII, he boldly tricked the Nazis and saved thousands of Jewish families. Read this book to find out how.
Recommended for ages 9 to 11
Jewish people from all over the world cheered for Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon as he soared into space on the space shuttle Columbia. This is his story.
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
Young Itzhak Perlman loves the violin...but he does not love practicing. After a near-fatal bout with polio, Itzhak learns to persevere -- and before long, he finds himself on the international stage.
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Judah Touro made his fortune, and now he wants to spread his wealth by doing good works. There's just one catch: He doesn't want anyone to know he's doing them. This true story of an early American philanthropist may inspire other secret do-gooders!
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Polio was once a very common disease -- and a very scary one. Young Jonas Salk decided he wanted to figure out a way to help. Through hard work, perseverance, and the scientific method, he and his team led the way to a groundbreaking vaccine that helped in the project of tikkun olam, repairing the world -- one injection at a time.
Recommended for ages 9 to 12
Fourteen-year-old Maurice longs to study law one day, but when the Nazis invade Belgium, his family must flee to the only place willing to take them in. Now he’s halfway across the world, living in a Jamaican refugee camp. How will he ever follow his dream?
Recommended for ages 9 and up
Dr. Ruth: German orphan, Israeli soldier, French professor, immigrant to the United States, TV and radio star, and more! Read more about her incredible life in this graphic autobiography.
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
This book opens a window into the life of the major league baseball player many called the greatest lefty who ever pitched. Included in this story is Koufax's famous decision to sit out the first game of the 1965 World Series rather than play on Yom Kippur.
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November 10, 2021