Juvie Biography: Writers

When Louisa May Alcott's Little Women was published in 1868 it was an instant success. Louisa came from a family that was poor but freethinking. This informative biography captures the life of a compassionate woman who left an indelible mark on literature for all ages.

In the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. The book follows Maya Angelou, from her early traumatic childhood to her time as a singer, actress, civil rights campaigner and, eventually, one of America's most beloved writers. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Maya's life at the back.

Describes the personal lives and professional development of the couple responsible for the popular Berenstain Bears books.

A biography of the woman whose expose of the insane asylums in New York City in the late 1800s was the beginning of her journalistic career."

She wrote "The Secret Garden."

While describing her humorous adventures with a blacksnake, Betsy Byars recounts childhood anecdotes and explains how she writes a book.

Generations of children have grown up with Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby, and all of their friends, families, and assorted pets. For everyone who has enjoyed the pranks and schemes, embarrassing moments, and all of the other poignant and colorful images of childhood brought to life in Beverly Cleary books, here is the fascinating true story of the remarkable woman who created them.

In keeping with the epigraph of the book -- "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are," Matthew Burgess's narrative emphasizes the bravery it takes to follow one's own vision and the encouragement E.E. received to do just that.

Roald Dahl is one of the most famous children's book authors ever.. A flying ace for the British Air Force, he was married to an Academy Award-winning actress.

Afflicted with chronic pneumonia as a child, Kate DiCamillo found solace in books and dreamed of becoming a writer. Her first book, Because of Winn-Dixie, the story of a lonely girl and her dog, resonated with audiences and earned DiCamillo a Newbery Honor. A later book, The Tale of Despereaux, won her the Newbery Medal. DiCamillo has written many more stories, some of which have been adapted to film, and has won many more major awards for her work. Readers will learn about a cherished author and about the value of perseverance.

Tomie dePaola's stories from the momentous year his family built their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue highlight his wit, sense of humor, and strong family bonds. The book earned raves from reviewers of all ages and a Newbery Honor award.

What the Dickens is all the fuss? Take a lively look at an author whose indelible characters live on in our language and culture and whose legacy shapes our literature to this day.

A great American poet who was influenced greatly by the works of Wordsworth and Emerson.

The fascinating life of Dr. Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Professor Challenger, & many other exciting characters.

This moving biography illustrates the rewards of a life well-lived, one built around personal passions: creativity and community, nature and friendship. May it inspire you to experiment and build the life you dream of living.

Told from the point of view of Lesley, Robert Frost's oldest daughter, this is the story of how a lover of language found his voice.

An entertaining and accessible portrait of a generous-minded writer and a reminder of the value of telling people's stories, whether pro player or soapbox racer.

Known as the keepers of modern-day fairy tales, The Brothers Grimm are as legendary as their stories.

George loved words. But George was enslaved. Forced to work long hours, George was unable to attend school or learn how to read. But he was determined -- he listened to the white children's lessons and learned the alphabet. Then he taught himself to read. Soon, he began composing poetry in his head and reciting it as he sold fruits and vegetables on a nearby college campus. News of the slave poet traveled quickly among the students, and before long, George had customers for his poems. But George was still enslaved. Would he ever be free? In this powerful biography of George Moses Horton, the first southern African--American man to be published, Don Tate tells an inspiring and moving story of talent and determination.

A celebration of the extraordinary life of Ezra Jack Keats, creator of 'The Snowy Day.'

Even as a kid, everyone thought Jeff Kinney was talented. His cartoons were rejected by syndicates that claimed his art was unprofessional. Then, an idea struck and so, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series was born--and it was a hit!

Harper Lee is celebrated worldwide for To Kill A Mockingbird, her Pulitzer-prize winning novel. Published in 1960, To Kill A Mockingbird is a classic coming-of-age story that advocates for tolerance, courage, and love-especially in the face of bigotry and injustice.

Discusses the life of Stan Lee and what inspired him to come up with the characters he writes about.

Stanley Lieber was just seventeen when he got his first job at Timely Comics in 1939. Since then, the man now known as Stan Lee has launched a comic book empire, made Marvel Comics a household name, and created iconic superheroes such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four.

Traces the childhood, education, and career of children's literature author and illustrator Robert McCloskey.

Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950), known as Vincent, was an acclaimed American poet who came to embody the modern, liberated woman of the Jazz Age.

In October 1993, Toni Morrison became the first African American to win the Nobel Prize in literature.

Drawing upon his own struggles and experiences, Myers has written award-winning novels such as Hoops, Scorpions, and Slam!

Describes the multifaceted life of author Gary Paulsen, whose writings include adventure stories, survival tales, historical novels, sports stories, and nature books.

Filled with broken hearts and black ravens, Edgar Allan Poe's ghastly tales have delighted readers for centuries.

Introduce students to Beatrix Potter, the author of children's favorites like Peter Rabbit.

Potter wrote and illustrated her well-known book,'The Tale of Peter Rabbit.'The book was rejected by several publishes until Frederick Warne eventually took a risk and published the story in 1902.

Traces the childhood, education, and career of H.A. Rey, author of Curious George.

2015 Caldecott Honor Book 2015 Sibert Medal Winner For shy young Peter Mark Roget, books were the best companions -- and it wasn’t long before Peter began writing his own book. But he didn’t write stories; he wrote lists. Peter took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the most important reference books of all time. Readers of all ages will marvel at Roget’s life, depicted through lyrical text and brilliantly detailed illustrations. This elegant book celebrates the joy of learning and the power of words.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of writing a book, J.K. Rowling is the ultimate success story. The author of the extremely popular Harry Potter series is one of the most well-known writers in the world.

Rowling's true-life, rags-to-riches story is as compelling as the world of Hogwarts that she created. This biography details not only Rowling's life and her love of literature but the story behind the creation of a modern classic.

Hobo. Soldier. Reporter. Musician. Husband and father. Storyteller. Historian. Carl Sandburg was all of these things. But he distinguished himself above all as the Poet of the People.

DRAWING FROM MEMORY is Allen Say's own story of his path to becoming the renowned artist he is today.

As the artist behind the beloved Peanuts comic strip for more than 50 years, Charles Schulz,arguably the most famous cartoonist in the world, created a colorful cast of characters that continues to bring humor and comfort to millions of readers.

How did Jon Scieszka get so funny, anyway? Growing up as one of six brothers was a good start, but that was just the beginning.

Presents the life of the artist and author known primarily for his award-winning illustrated children's books.

Theodor Seuss Geisel-known the world over as Dr. Seuss-wrote some of the most beloved children's books of the 20th century, including The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, Green Eggs and Ham, and dozens more.

This biography, with black-and-white illustrations throughout, brings an amazingly gifted author/illustrator to life.

William Shakespeare was the son of a glovemaker, a small-town boy with a grammar school education. Yet he grew up to become the greatest English-speaking playwright in the world.

Traces the childhood, education, and career of Shel Silverstein.

Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli has penned his early autobiography with all the warmth, humor, and drama of his best-selling fiction.

On Amelia Bloomer List 2014 Who was Vic Stein? A man who enjoyed a pint of beer at the rugby match? A young woman who worked behind the counter at a local department store? A seamstress in a sweatshop? Yes--she could be any and all of these characters, depending on the story she was chasing for her popular column in the Toronto News. Over 100 years ago, Vic Stein was breaking ground.

An autobiography of the creator of the hugely successful Fear Street and Goosebumps series.

Traces the life of the popular author from his childhood in South Africa to his career at Oxford and his success as a writer, and discusses his creation of The Lord of the Rings..

"Best known for his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien was born in British-occupied South Africa. His early life was full of action and adventure.

Ste-e-e-eamboat's a-comin'!" Along the banks of the great Mississippi River, a young boy named Samuel Clemens raced to the docks whenever he heard that familiar cry. He dreamed of exploring the world beyond his river town. Little did he know that one day he would become the famous writer Mark Twain.

Traces the childhood, education, and career of children's literature author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg.

"An admirable job of mixing discussions of the major novels with the details of Verne's triumphs and tragedies". -- V.

Known for mixing scientific discovery and literature in his books like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days, Verne is often called The Father of Science Fiction.

Growing up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Mercy Otis Warren was fortunate to go to school with her brother. When she married Patriot James Warren, Mercy wrote in secret--poetry, plays, and about the events of her time. She wrote of the people she knew, including George Washington and John and Abigail Adams.

Traces the childhood, education, and career of Gertrude Chandler Warner.

Most readers know Noah Webster for his dictionary masterpieces and his promotion of a living "American Language" that embraces words and idioms from all its immigrant peoples. He published New York City's first daily newspaper.

In 1761, a young African girl was sold to the Wheatley family in Boston. The family named her Phillis after the schooner that transported her to slavery. Kidnapped from her home in Africa, she had everything taken away from her, but Phillis Wheatley was no ordinary young girl.

Noted writer, essayist, and children's author E.B. White has penned some of the most popular books of the twentieth century, including CHARLOTTE'S WEB and STUART LITTLE.

Walt Whitman--poet, American, Civil War hero. Did you know that poet Walt Whitman was also a Civil War nurse? He began to see a greater life purpose: His writing could give these men a voice, & in turn, achieve his greatest aspiration--to capture the true spirit of America.

Step back in time and experience all the wonders of Laura and her pioneer life. At the heart of this book are chapters revolving around Laura's nine Little House books. Meticulously researched, lovingly written and beautifully illustrated, The World of Little House is for anyone who has ever read and loved the Little House books.

Few Holocaust survivors have gained the recognition and honor that Elie Wiesel has, as an author, journalist, and lecturer s peaking out on moral issues around the world.

Willems inspires his readers to laugh and think, and perhaps most importantly, to express themselves creatively.

Yaccarino recounts how the little shovel was passed down through four generations of this Italian family. It's a story that will have kids asking their parents and grandparents: Where did we come from?