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    You are here: Home / Books / Middle Grade Biographies and Memoirs in Verse

     

    Middle Grade Biographies and Memoirs in Verse

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    One of the most readable genres for middle school students is stories written in verse. Short poems and lots of white space on the page appeal to reluctant readers, while layers of meaning that the poetic form offers encourages deep reflection. Middle grade biographies and memoirs in verse serve up an additional benefit–they give insight into the lives of real people.

    Verse biographies and memoirs for middle school aged kids

    In my experience, middle schoolers love learning about historical and contemporary figures. Perhaps it is because they get to know real people who have experienced emotions, turmoil, conflicts and triumphs that they have themselves gone through–even though the lived circumstances were so different.

    Middle schoolers also love to see how real people have enacted social change and overcome their circumstances. Indeed, they will certainly be impressed by amazing voices in these stories!

    ALSO READ: Children's fiction novels written in verse.

    Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

    Biographies in Verse

    Etched in Clay

    Etched in Clay: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet

    by Andrea Cheng

    Amazon | Indiebound

    We know few details about Dave, an enslaved man living in South Carolina in the early 19th century. He learned to read and write and created beautiful pottery into which he etched his name and poetry. Cheng has used these few details to craft a moving tribute in verse to Dave's life and work.


    Finding Wonders

    Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science

    by Jeannine Atkins

    Amazon | Indiebound

    In this triple verse biography, Atkins tells the stories of three girls and how their curiosity and willingness to buck the constraints of their gender changed the world. Maria Merian was a naturalist born in the 17th century. In the 19th century Mary Anning searched for fossils on the cliffs of England's coast and Maria Mitchell explored the night sky from the shores of Nantucket.


    Fred Korematsu Speaks Up

    Fred Korematsu Speaks Up

    by Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi

    Amazon | Indiebound

    During WWII, Korematsu was jailed for his refusal to be rounded up and confined to a detention camp for people of Japanese descent. Atkins and Yogi paint a moving portrait of Korematsu, introducing children to an important and courageous figure they may not otherwise hear about in the history books.


    You Can Fly

    You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen

    by Carole Boston Weatherford

    Amazon | Indiebound

    This is a powerful, poetic account of the Tuskegee Airman who became some of the most successful WWII pilots, despite the rampant racism they faced.


    The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

    by Margarita Engle

    Amazon | Indiebound

    Engle gracefully tells the story of Manzano's life in early 19th century Cuba. Born into slavery but displaying a genius for words, his slaveowner raised him as her own child until her death when he was still a boy. Engle does not shy away from the brutality of slavery. Although she has crafted an excellent book, I don't recommend it for sensitive children.


    Memoirs in Verse

    Enchanted Air verse memoir

    Enchanted Air

    by Margarita Engle

    Amazon | Indiebound

    Margarita was born in the USA but her mother came from Cuba. The author grew up in mid-20th century Los Angeles and feels her loyalty being tested by the two countries. She spends holidays in Cuba, but that all begins to change as the relationship between Cuba and the U.S. deteriorates. Stories of immigrants are so important right now (well, anytime, really) and this is a gorgeous one about a girl who also learns to love reading and poetry along the way.


    Brown Girl Dreaming

    Brown Girl Dreaming

    by Jacqueline Woodson

    Amazon | Indiebound

    Woodson describes her memories of growing up in South Carolina, and later in Brooklyn, against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. Verse novels are wonderful to read aloud to 11-year-olds as the cadence and rhythm adds an extra layer to the listening experience. The narrative is funny and poignant as Woodson figures out what makes her special and discovers her love words.


    This Promise of Change

    This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

    by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy

    Amazon | Indiebound

    In 1956, Jo Ann Allen was one of 12 African-American students integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee. Boyce tells her story in this very readable verse memoir. Poems address both her feelings about the fight for civil rights and her own experience with typical teen feelings. A page-turner for sure!


    More books to love:

    • Fiction novels in verse for ages 8 and up
    • Diverse historical middle grade novels for ages 8 and up
    • Picture book biographies of women in science
    « Pourquoi Tales: Stories that Teach How It Came to Be
    Children's Books about Resilience »
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    Comments

    1. Lillian Brion says

      November 04, 2020 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Erica. Do you have a list of books for kids with the corresponding age group recommendation. My grandkids range in age from 2-17 and would like to find appropriate books for each. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Erica says

        November 04, 2020 at 3:25 pm

        Hi, I have over 300 book lists, including multiple lists for all those age groups. You can find the index of my lists here: https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/books-for-kids/

        Reply

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