The Biography, a history of a life, is a genre that offers engaging nonfiction titles that can be utilized in the English Language Arts (ELA) classroom. In contrast, comics provide additional visual support, benefitting all learners. When combined, graphic biographies elevate the reader’s experience. While the biography genre may not always be explicitly listed in ELA standards, it still remains essential for educators to share with readers to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Biographies deliver an opportunity for readers to connect and question how critical historical and scientific concepts were understood and their impact on individuals and society as a whole. The language used by the author highlights time, sequence, and cause/effect relationships, which students can employ in their own writing. As readers collect details, they deepen their understanding of the subject’s life and the consequences of their actions and decisions. By experiencing the author’s craft and analyzing their style, students can truly see the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text.
Graphic biographies enhance the text by helping readers gain deeper insight into the material. The artwork not only provides background and personal insights into the subject’s life, the artist’s choices in layouts and perspective also help establish the tone, mood, and overall experience for the reader. These artistic decisions create a dynamic portrayal of the person’s story in ways that words alone cannot.
Applying nonfiction text standards to biographies can open a new reading experience in self-discovery and understanding of the importance of other people’s lives. They can help us see ourselves reflected in the experiences of others, empowering and fostering the ability to envision our own futures while establishing meaningful connections to the past. Exploring the experiences of others also builds empathy and deepens our understanding of diverse perspectives and lives.
Our engagement specialists have selected a range of biographies from our Black History, Black Voices list that will entertain, educate, and reflect the experiences of Black individuals we celebrate and honor for their loyalty, perseverance, and strength in shaping our world. Educators can use the biographies on this list to meet nonfiction standards for deeper understanding, appreciate the unique quality of the graphic medium, and celebrate the lives of those who have impacted each and every one of us.
Young Readers
Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil Rights Leader by M. C. Hall and Marty Martinez (ABDO)
Standard Language: Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.
This beginner’s biography offers simple sentences and beautiful images to reinforce the developmental stages of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life as a civil rights leader. Young readers are provided nonfiction features such as a table of contents, image captions, and highlighted subtext to support their understanding. Each page of text is enriched with Marty Martinez’s painting-inspired images, providing multiple perspectives and clarification of the text.
This engaging nonfiction early reader connects Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life to the past with information about his parents, along with critical historical events that shaped his relationships and reflected his beliefs. M.C. Hall’s text chronicles his life with the utmost admiration. ABDO’s Beginner Biography series also includes biographies of Barack Obama and Jackie Robinson.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Stompin’ at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums by Moira Rose Donohue and Laura Freeman (Cherry Lake)
Standard Language: Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).
This lively picture book shares the numerous struggles of William Henry “Chick” Webb and how he persevered to become the “King of Drums.” Moria Rose Donohue recounts “Chick’s” life with positivity and respect, sharing not only the key facts about his life but also his motivations and dedication to his craft.
Artist Laura Freeman uses bright colors, floating notes, and charming “Chick” illustrations alongside personal comments and essential biographical details. The colorful onomatopoeia will have readers moving to the “Clangety-clang, Scritchedy-scratch!” or “Diggety-diggety-diggety-diggety- dig!” throughout the book.
Readers will also gather valuable biographical information from the illustrations to combine with the text and share their understanding of “Chick” — where, when, why, and how he became the “King of Drums.”
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Middle Grade
A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell and Floyd Cooper (Lerner)
Standard Language: Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
An engrossing picture book that brings to life the extraordinary tale of James Lafayette, an African-American spy who played a crucial role in the American Revolution. This graphic biography encourages students to take a peek inside the motivations of this historical figure, allowing them to explore and examine how his actions contributed to his country winning its freedom while fighting for his own.
Anne Rockwell’s engaging narrative and clear pacing make the challenges of James’ mission accessible to young readers, while Floyd Cooper’s stunning illustrations breathe life into the characters and settings with rich detail and emotional depth, enhancing the overall experience.
While the book focuses on James’ role during the Revolutionary War, the author’s note provides a comprehensive overview of his life, including a painting, Lafayette at Yorktown by Jean-Bapsite Le Paon. The inclusion of this painting and the certificate of freedom given to James by General Lafeyette is an excellent introduction to primary sources vs. secondary sources. A Spy Called James is an outstanding choice for students researching the American Revolution that effectively explains historical events, ideas, and concepts.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Middle School, High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Graphic Biographies: Madam C. J. Walker and New Cosmetics by Katherine Krohn, Bill Anderson, Charles Barnett III, Dave Hoover, and Richard Dominquez (Capstone)
Standard Language: Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
Katherine Krohn’s fascinating graphic biography introduces readers to the inspiring life of Sarah Breedlove, better known as Madam C. J. Walker. This biography, part of Capstone’s Inventions and Discovery series, chronicles Walker’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming America’s first self-made female millionaire.
Walker’s life story is powerfully presented through the book’s vibrant illustrations and chronological narrative, guiding readers through her remarkable journey from washerwoman to successful businesswoman. The realistic images are representative of the period and setting of her life experiences.
The title provides a comprehensive overview of Walker’s life, including key details, such as her development of hair care products for Black women, her innovative sales strategies, and her significant charitable contribution, enabling young readers to understand and determine the text’s central idea. Additional features like a glossary, bibliography, and index enhance the reader’s ability to effectively determine the main idea and summarize the text.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Middle School, High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Seen: Edmonia Lewis by Jasmine Wells and Bex Glendining (BOOM! Studios)
Standard Language: Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.
Bringing attention to Edmonia Lewis’ emotional journey from an early traumatic life to becoming a sculptor, Jasmine Wells highlights her resilience, talent, and immense challenges as a Black/Native American woman in the 19th century.
Bex Glendining’s artwork complements the story, capturing the essence of Lewis’ spirit and the historical context of her time with expressive linework and vibrant color palettes. The subtle use of reds and pinks brings the subject into focus on each page, capturing her strength.
The author’s chronological text structure allows readers to follow Lewis’ journey, understanding how each phase of her life contributed to her development as an artist and a person. Each milestone contributes to the development of the whole while emphasizing the details and ideas shared in the text.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Middle School, High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Young Adult
Michael Jackson in Comics! by Céka and Various Artists (NBM)
Standard Language: Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness or beauty of the text
This biography of Michael Jackson, written by Céka and illustrated by various talented artists, presents the musician’s life with sensitivity and admiration. The author recounts his life through prose, while the illustrators retell his often controversial life through vibrant, sequential art.
Each illustrator delivers dynamic images showcasing their skill and illuminating MJ’s eccentric and illustrious life. Their comic styles and color choices create emotion and a feeling of reverence, enhancing the events and stories shared with the reader.
The author’s point of view is revealed through thoughtful prose, mirrored in each illustrators’ artwork. This combination contributes to the text’s ability and effectiveness in reinforcing the reader’s connection to the narrative and the subject’s complex legacy.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
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