Inspiring Autobiography Books for Your Home Library
Reading autobiographies is a great way for kids to learn true stories about historical figures. An autobiography gives a more detailed account of one’s personal life than a biography, which is only a second-hand account. Here are a few of the best autobiographies I have either read to our kids or they have read themselves.
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The Autobiography of George Müller
“When sight ceases, it is time for faith to work.” George Mueller lived out his life in faith, not trusting in himself or anyone else to help him through many struggles. After a powerful conversion experience as a young adult, he dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He founded many orphanages and schools for children and cared for 10,024 orphans in his lifetime. Although he was not at all rich, the Lord supplied exactly what he needed when he needed it. He never had to ask anyone for money. He died peacefully after serving the Lord for more than sixty years.
- George Muller (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages – 02/01/1996 (Publication Date) – Whitaker House (Publisher)
Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl’s autobiography tells his tales of childhood from a young boy until he begins working for Shell Company as a young man and eventually travels abroad. As a child, he was sent to boarding school, where teachers were strict and the work was hard. Despite his struggles at boarding school, he had a fairly happy childhood and enjoyed spending his summers with his family in Oslo, Norway. The many escapades he caused and experienced have shaped the funny, quirky author he is today and we see that portrayed in many of his own books. The fun, interactive way he writes is what makes this a great book for young readers.
- Dahl, Roald (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages – 01/22/2009 (Publication Date) – Viking Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
Going Solo by Roald Dahl
Going Solo is a continuation of Roald Dahl’s first autobiography. It is mainly about his career with Shell Company until he joins the RAF and becomes a fighter pilot during World War II. He faced extraordinary situations, such as being blown up in his plane, firing at German planes in the air, and traveling to several different places around the world. After the attack on his plane, he was in a hospital for six months. Eventually, he was able to fly again. At the end of the book, he begins getting terrible headaches and is unfit to fly. Although this news saddened him, he eventually made it home, where he saw his dear mother and family after being away for three years. Older and younger readers alike will greatly enjoy this book.
- Dahl, Roald (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages – 01/22/2009 (Publication Date) – Viking Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
The Story of My Life: Helen Keller
After a terrible sickness that leaves her deaf, blind, and mute as a little girl of just seventeen months, Helen Keller learns to cope with the help of her kind teacher, Ann Sullivan. Because she wasn’t willing to give up despite her difficulties, she eventually graduated from Radcliffe College. She even learned to communicate with other people in her own way.
- Helen Keller (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 393 Pages – 07/21/2017 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Beginning as a humble printer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin earned money, became a scientist, and eventually gained popularity. The book delves deep into his character, values, and ways he wanted to improve his own life. He meets many influential people along the way and performs many experiments that contribute to modern science.
- Franklin, Benjamin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 165 Pages – 12/25/2024 (Publication Date) – Warbler Classics (Publisher)
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s diary tells the story of her life during the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands during World War II. She and her entire family, as well as four other Jews, hide in the Secret Annex for two years. During this time, they face personal struggles. Anne writes deeply about her feelings of the war, her passions, and the way the past two years have changed her.
- Hardcover Book
- Anne Frank; Introduction-Eleanor Roosevelt; Translator-B.M. Mooyaart (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 01/01/1993 (Publication Date) – Bantam (Publisher)
I Never Had It Made by Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. Because of his bravery and willingness to try something new despite the nasty feedback he received, the “color barrier,” as it became known, was broken. The book includes his relationships with great historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. He played baseball for nine years and influenced many people during that time.
- Great product!
- Robinson, Jackie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 05/06/2003 (Publication Date) – Ecco (Publisher)
Rebel With A Cause by Franklin Graham
From his birth, Franklin Graham was expected to be as great as his father, the spiritual leader Billy Graham. Because of the peer pressure, he wandered into rebellious behavior in his teen years. He no longer wanted to be known as “Billy Graham’s son.” He dropped out of school and made bad choices. However, at the age of twenty-two, he realized what he had done and finally committed his life to Christ. He founded the charitable organization, Samaritan’s Purse, and worked with numerous other organizations. He became a public speaker, author, and even preached in various places.
- Graham, Franklin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 354 Pages – 06/17/1997 (Publication Date) – Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
As a baby, Frederick Douglass was separated from his mother. He grew up in Tuckahoe, Maryland, as a slave. When he was eight, he began working for the Auld family in Baltimore. It was then that his mistress, Sophia Auld, secretly taught him to read and write. When the master found out, Frederick was no longer allowed to learn from Sophia and had to find interesting ways to earn an adequate education. He was twenty years old when he escaped slavery and traveled to New York. Since then, he helped the abolitionist movement by writing speeches and essays about slavery. The boyhood of Frederick Douglass and his amazing true story continues to influence many people today. His autobiography of a kid who faced many challenges and still became the influential man he is today is a great example of true determination and will.
- Douglass, Frederick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 100 Pages – 12/22/2019 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
Joni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada
When a terrible diving accident leaves Joni paralyzed from her neck down, she suffers nearly two years in the hospital, undergoing several tests and surgeries. During that time, she is confronted by feelings of hatred towards the Lord, and her Christianity is severely tested. Years later, with the help of friends and family, her hatred dissolves and she truly sees God’s love for her. She founded Joni&Friends, an organization for disabled people. She even started a painting hobby using her mouth to hold the paintbrush. Because of her unwillingness to sink into depression, she was able to influence so many people and is still doing that today.
- Tada, Joni Eareckson (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages – 11/16/2021 (Publication Date) – Zondervan (Publisher)
Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution
Ji-li Jiang must make difficult choices between her educational future and her family during the Cultural Revolution in China. During this time, Chairman Mao completely influenced the people, making them think he is a god-like figure. Throughout the book, she discovers he is the reason behind the family’s suffering. At the end, she is proud of her loyalty to her family.
- Jiang, Ji-li (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 01/30/2018 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)
On the Way Home by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Written in diary format, Laura writes about her family’s move from De Smet, South Dakota to Mansfield, Missouri, with her husband Almanzo, and their only daughter, Rose. Laura includes every detail of their journey, including the amazing landscapes they pass, the building of a new home, and their crop failure. Rose’s true stories of growing up show how she challenged her mother’s old-fashioned ways. The extraordinary stories Laura shares in her own words give us a glimpse of life in the late 1800s.
- Wilder, Laura Ingalls (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 112 Pages – 10/20/1976 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)
Yankee Doodle Boy by Joseph Plumb Martin
A year after the Revolutionary War had begun, Joseph Martin enlists in the regiment to serve his country at the age of fifteen. He faced many trials, such as the siege in Fort Mifflin, harsh war conditions, and the government’s unfulfilled promises after the war was over. He died seventy-plus years later, although his writings continue to impact the modern world.
- Plumb Martin, Joseph (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages – 01/01/1995 (Publication Date) – Holiday House (Publisher)
These inspiring autobiographies would make a wonderful addition to your library. What good choices would you add to this list?
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