Summer time is a great time for children to relax and sit down and read a book. Below are six of my favorite biographies for ages 9 to 12.

 

Stubby the War Dog: The True Story of World War I’s Bravest

By Ann Bausum

Published by National Geographic Children’s Books

The moving story of an orphan pup who was adopted by Private Robert Conroy while attending basic training in 1917.  Conroy smuggled Stubby abroad when his unit was shipped out to France.  By the time Stubby was discovered, he had perfected his right-paw salute.  His antics charmed the commander of the unit.  He award Stubby mascot status and sent him into the battle field with Conroy.

 

Through My Eyes 

By Ruby Bridges and Margo Lundell (Compiler and Editor)

 Published by Scholastic Press

On November 14, 1960, a tiny six-year-old black child, surrounded by federal marshals, walked through a mob of screaming segregationists and into her school. From where she sat in the office, Ruby Bridges could see parents marching through the halls and taking their children out of classrooms.

 

 

Shipwrecked!: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy 

By Rhoda 

 Published by HarperCollins

In the 1800’s in Japan, it was the law – if anyone left Japan and went to another country and then tried to return to Japan, they would be put to death. When fourteen-year-old Manjiro, working on a fishing boat to help support his family, was shipwrecked three hundred miles away from his homeland, he was heartbroken to think that he would never again be able to go home.

 

My Life in Dog Years 

By Gary Paulsen and Illustrated by Ruth Wright Paulsen

Publisher by Yearling

My Life in Dog Years is a book for every dog lover and every Paulsen fan–a perfect combination that shows vividly the joy and wisdom that come from growing up with man’s best friend.
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George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War 

By Thomas B. Allen 

Published by National Geographic Children’s Books
In 1775, George Washington finds himself in serious trouble. At war with Britain, the world’s most powerful empire, his ragtag army possesses only a few muskets, some cannons, and no money. The Americans’ only hope is to wage an invisible war—a war of spies, intelligence networks, and deception.

 

 

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart 

By Candace Fleming

Published by Schwartz & Wade

Through alternating chapters, Fleming deftly moves readers back and forth between Amelia’s life (from childhood up until her last flight) and the exhaustive search for her and her missing plane. With photos, maps, and handwritten notes from Amelia herself—plus informative sidebars tackling everything from the history of flight to what Amelia liked to eat while flying (tomato soup)—this unique nonfiction title is tailor-made for middle graders.