Best Biographies for Middle Graders

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Best Biographies for Middle Graders

Book: A Christmas Sonata

By Gary Paulsen

A dying boy wants to believe in Santa.

Review date: 12/20/2005

Age 7+

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Book: A Child's Christmas in Wales

By Dylan Thomas

Gorgeous holiday treasure for school-age kids.

Review date: 12/12/2005

Age 8+

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Book: Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart

By Opal Whiteley

The real-life diary of a child of nature.

Review date: 1/24/2005

Age 9+

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Book: The Tequila Worm

By Viola Canales

Moving portrait of Mexican-American life.

Review date: 1/26/2006

Age 9+

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Book: Rosa

By Nikki Giovanni

Vivid pics illustrate Parks' courageous rebellion.

Review date: 1/26/2006

Age 4+

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Book: A Christmas Memory

By Truman Capote

This tale deserves to be shared every holiday.

Review date: 12/10/2006

Age 7+

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Book: Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini

By Sid Fleischman

Engrossing Houdini bio by kids' author/magician.

Review date: 2/12/2007

Age 8+

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Book: Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

By Carole Boston Weatherford

Award-winning picture-book treatment of Tubman.

Review date: 2/22/2007

Age 5+

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Book: Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party

By Ying Chang Compestine

Excellent intro to scary time in Chinese history.

Review date: 2/22/2008

Age 10+

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Book: The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary

By Candace Fleming

The way biographies for children ought to be done.

Review date: 12/30/2008

Age 10+

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