Welcome to the Biography Clearinghouse

Biography is a dynamic genre and an important component in every elementary and middle-level curriculum. As diversifying the curriculum is a national imperative, contemporary biographies explore the lives of diverse peoples throughout history and around the globe. Biographies reveal the diversity of people who have helped to shape government, the arts, science, sports, industry, and entertainment. Biographies also infuse the language arts, science, social studies, math, and integrated arts curriculum with models of agency and perseverance. To that end, enjoy browsing our featured biographies, related resources and teaching invitations, and consider how you might use them with your students. 

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream (Tanya Lee Stone)

On January 20, 2021, we witnessed the swearing in of the first woman vice president of the United States of America. The oath of office was administered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the court.  This celebratory moment stood both as a joyous milestone marking just ‘how far’ women have come and was at the same time a stark reminder of persistent gender inequities in our society. As we continue to work toward greater equality for women, here in the United States and globally, it is critical  to share with young people the stories of women across history who have worked toward breaking boundaries for themselves and for other women. This month's featured biography, Tanya Lee Stone's Almost Astronauts is an important narrative in that history.

William Still and His Freedom Stories (Don Tate)

 As 2021 begins, we want to acknowledge the continued need to show young people that Black Lives Matter. Part of that responsibility is shifting our curriculum away from a white-centered view of U.S. history towards a more multifaceted exploration of all of the communities that have lived on this land from prehistory to today. This month's entry on The Biography Clearinghouse focuses on William Still, a brilliant Black activist in the 19th century who not only created a document (Journal C) that helped reunite families and community members who journeyed separately on The Underground Railroad through Philadelphia, but who went on post-Civil War to become one of the richest people in America. He also fought to desegregate public transportation in Philadelphia. Don Tate's verse and his gorgeous illustrations will move you. 

What Do You Do With a Voice Like That?​ (Chris Barton)

During challenging times, many of us look to the past to find inspiration and hope. We search for examples of people who stood strong in the face of adversity. One of those examples is the charismatic congresswoman from Texas, Barbara Jordan. In What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? Chris Barton tells the life story of this true patriot who found ways to use her gift to work for change. 

Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere (Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Katherine Roy)

In this mesmerizing picturebook, Barb Rosenstock and Katherine Roy bring to life the suspenseful, little-known true story of two determined pioneers who made the first dive into the deep ocean. Follow Rosenstock and Roy on their own deep research journey as they confront challenges, unearth surprises, and render this story unforgettable in the minds and imaginations of readers of all ages. 

Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century American Girl (Tonya Bolden)

​Travel back to mid-1800s New York City in this poignant story, based on the memoir of Maritcha Rémond Lyons. Through her bold voice and extensive use of primary sources, Bolden shows readers what it was like to be a black child born free while being affected by the events of her times.

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Our Framework

For further information, read our Principles document.

Why Biography?

Biographies can be read for both personal pleasure and academic learning. Biographies can shape readers’ understanding of the world and their connection with the past and present. Biographies can evoke students’ wonder and prompt them to ask questions about the world. Through the telling of life stories biographies can help students build empathy.   ​
Not only that...
  • Biography is a powerful genre for fostering students’ reading and writing identities.
  • Biography serves as a model for narrative thinking.
  • Biographies can be used to support students’ growth in reading comprehension. 
  • Biographies allow us to consider the role of the biographer and the evidence the biographer uses. In biography, authors build cases using evidence. 
  • Biographies serve as models for how authors and illustrators do research, through the information revealed in author and illustrator notes in both picturebook and chapter-length biographies. The Biography Clearinghouse advocates that publishers regularly include such back matter.
  • Biography models language, stylistic choices, and literary elements in the same ways that other literary genres do.
  • Biography models the importance of revision.
  • Biographies are powerful tools for exploring visual literacy.
  • Biographies can be a tool for critical literacy. Biographers make decisions about what to include, what to emphasize, and what to exclude, offering complex perspectives of people and examinations of power and privilege. ​​
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