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100 Page Biographies

Suggested biographies that fall between 100 and 150 pages. Click on the book or series title for more information on location and availability.

The "Who was..." series.

The Wicked History series.

A biography of Nellie Bly, the pioneering journalist whose showy but substantive stunts skyrocketed her to fame.

Ada Lovelace by Gina Hagler

A forward thinking computing pioneer.

Describes how the writer and naturalist set about recording in both word and image the birds of North America, and details the legacy his work has left behind.

Follow the clues throughout Missing Millie to solve the mysteries of this real life ghostwriter, journalist, and adventurer.

Traces the life and achievements of the late-nineteenth-century African American poet, from his poverty-stricken childhood and his immense fame to his tragic death and enduring cultural legacy.

Through his interactions with dogs, horses, birds, and more, Gary has been struck with the belief that animals know more than we may fathom. His understanding and admiration of animals is well known, and in This Side of Wild, which has taken a lifetime to write, he proves the ways in which they have taught him to be a better person.

A young girl recalls her childhood years in China during the time of the Cultural Revolution when her father was sent away and her mother and the rest of the family were forced by the Red Guard to go through a process of reeducation.

I am Walt Disney by Grace Norwich

Profiles the animator, filmmaker, and entertainer, detailing his early life, his beginnings in animated films, the creation of the Disney studios, and the opening of the Disneyland theme park.

Follows Dorothy Mary Kamenshek, a professional ball player during World War II. Kamenshek was selected and assigned to the Rockford Peaches in their inaugural season and played first base for a total of ten years, becoming a seven-time All-Star and holder of two league batting titles. 

Sally Ride was more than the first woman in space--she was a real-life explorer and adventurer whose life story is a true inspiration for all those who dream big. 

This narrative biography describes more of the details of the young Laura's real life as a young pioneer homesteading with her family on many adventurous journeys. Discover the differences between the fictional series and her real life.

Traces three generations of the famous Wyeth art family, offering insight into the events that shaped their achievements in a volume complemented by reproductions of their most famous masterpieces.

Describes the activist's early life, the oppressive conditions in a Taliban-controlled area of Pakistan that inspired her to advocate for women's rights, and the assassination attempt that nearly took her life.

The life of Dave, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works with sayings and poems in spite of South Carolina's slave anti-literacy laws in the years leading up to the Civil War. 

An account of the early life of Gerald R. Ford, up through high school, which takes place in large part in Michigan.

Recounts the author's life, examines her work "To Kill a Mockingbird", and provides historical details that place the story in context.

I am Albert Einstein by Grace Norwich

A biography of Jewish physicist Albert Einstein, his contributions to science and his role as a pacifist.

Examines the life and accomplishments of Temple Grandin, whose childhood diagnosis of autism and love of cows led her to revolutionize the livestock industry.

A look at the free man who was sold into slavery, then penned his memoir in Twelve Years a Slave.

Traces the early life of the first black player in the NHL, his journey to the NHL, and highlights his hockey career and work encouraging diversity in the NHL.

Looks at the West African Mali Empire ruler Mansa Musa's great pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, with background information about the man, his empire, and his times.

An account of the life of the famous physicist describes how, as a young genius growing up in the home of an apothecary, he read everything he could, built handmade machines, and performed chemical experiments that seemed magical.

Describes the life and accomplishments of the famous naturalist, detailing the advances he made in the understanding of life's origins.

Presents the life of the animal activist, describing his work in nineteenth-century New York to bring attention to the cruel treatment of animals, the initial opposition that he faced from the public, and his founding of the ASPCA in 1866.

Presents an account of E.B. White's life and career through personal letters, photographs, family ephemera, and original artwork, while offering glimpses into the origins of his iconic works.

Elie Wiesel by Jean Silverman

Profiles the Romanian activist and writer who after surviving the concentration camps set out to educate people about the Holocaust.

Julia Child knew how to have fun, and she also knew how to whip up a delightful meal. After traveling around the world working for the U.S. government, Julia found her calling in the kitchen and devoted her life to learning, perfecting, and sharing the art of French cuisine.

The Hamerstroms spent more than 30 years sharing the message of wildlife conservation across the state of Wisconsin. Fran was a flamboyant and prolific writer of journal articles and popular books. Frederick was an intellectual with a rigorous scientific mind. They mentored hundreds of future scientists and welcomed thousands of people to their home to help with the yearly prairie chicken booming season count.

Profiles the renowned author of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, focusing on his study of medieval texts and languages and other factors that influenced his writings. Lists chronologically his published writings, including those which were edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, and published after J.R.R. Tolkien's death.

This is the story of Pete Seeger--singer, songwriter, social activist, environmentalist--who filled his toolbox with songs and set out to repair whatever in the world was broken. His story intertwines with a century of American history, and readers will be surprised to discover how many familiar songs, people, and projects somehow connect back to this one individual.

A portrait of the author of the Goosebumps series, shares insight into his childhood, education, and literary inspirations, with answers to frequently asked questions about his life, books, and writing style.

The story of Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world.

Barriers have denied people the chance to compete athletically based on their race, ethnic background, or sex. Some athletes, through their courage and class, have broken down these barriers, and sometimes affected greater social change. Billie Jean King changed attitudes toward women and sports with one gigantic victory, fought for equality for female tennis players, and started a foundation to promote athletic opportunities for women.

This fascinating book details the achievements of Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who in December 2012, embarked on a five-month mission aboard the International Space Station.