As they become more independent, teens may listen less to their parents, but they may be inspired by others they admire.
As they prepare to head out into the big world, learning about other people’s lives, their successes, and more importantly, their failures, is a great way to prepare teens for what lies ahead. And if your teen is a bit reluctant to read, they may find it easier to immerse themselves in a real-life story rather than a work of fiction.
You are reading: Autobiography books for teenagers
Find more ways to entertain your teen during lockdown with the best YouTube channels and these discussion ideas to encourage critical thinking.
the diary of anne frank
anne frank was a jewish teenager who lived in amsterdam during the second world war. She was given a diary for her 13th birthday. For any teen with cabin fever, reading Anne Frank’s account of how she and her family hid out in a secret little annex can help them appreciate just how well that they really are. The teenager’s diary tells in some detail how her family lived and the fear of being arrested and kidnapped by the Nazis. anne and her family were sent to concentration camps, where anne died at the age of 16. For a 21st century version, teens can watch Anne Frank’s video diaries.
not all boys are blue: a memoir manifesto
jorge m. johnson is a journalist and lgbtqia+ activist. This personal story takes us through his childhood, teen, and college years in the states of New Jersey and Virginia, from being bullied at the age of five to embarking on sexual relationships. suitable for older teens as it deals with some tough topics like toxic masculinity, gender identity and consent, being black and gay, it will appeal to teens who are exploring their own sexuality, black teens looking for role models and readers who want to defend themselves and fight for equality.
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I’m malala: how one girl championed education and changed the world
Growing up in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai was taught to stand up for her beliefs. So when the Taliban took control of the area and ruled that girls couldn’t go to school, the 10-year-old girl decided to fight for her rights. she led to her being shot and nearly killed while she was riding the bus back from school. Readers can discover how she came to have such strong views, what happened the day she almost lost her life, and how she has shown that one person, even a 10-year-old girl, can make a world of difference. she will inspire readers to stand up for her rights and adhere to her beliefs.
I will always answer you
Demonstrating how some schoolwork can go beyond getting a good grade, this story tells how 12-year-old Caitlin Alifirenka’s homework assignment of writing to an unknown student in a far away place became something she it changed his life. When Caitlin first started corresponding with Martin Ganda in Zimbabwe, she began to learn about the poverty he and his family lived in, and it opened her eyes to how other people lived and helped change Martin’s future. Teens will be inspired by Martin’s determination to study his way out of poverty and Caitlin’s determination to help him.
soul surfer: a true story of faith, family and struggle to get back on the board
bethany hamilton is a professional surfer, who returned to the world of elite surfing after losing her arm in a shark attack. In this moving story, Ella Bethany describes how she survived that attack and found the determination and faith to continue the sport she loved. her books detail how she adjusted her surfing style to compensate for her injury, and how her belief in god and her willpower led her to an impressive performance at the world surfing championships. Teens will be inspired by Bethany’s faith and determination, especially young athletes battling injury or self-doubt.
being jazz: my life as a teenager (transgender)
jazz jennings already has her own very popular reality show on tlc. Jazz transitioned to life as a girl at the age of five and is now one of the most recognized activists for transgender children, adolescents and adults. In her memoir, Jazz describes how growing up in the public eye has helped shape how the public views the transgender community. she also describes the discrimination and harassment she has to endure. teens will be fascinated by how jazz navigates adolescence, having started life as a child.
the reason I jump: the voice of a child from the silence of autism
autistic teenager naoki higashida wrote this autobiography at the tender age of 13. It’s not always easy to understand why some people with autism behave the way they do, so a book written from her perspective offers rare insight that’s not only fascinating. , but it will help teens understand and accept the behavior of autistic friends and family. Ella Naoki explains why she talks loudly, what causes her panic attacks and why she likes to jump. This book will inspire teens to be more considerate and understanding of the people around them.
mud, sweat and tears junior edition
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bear grylls is the best adventurer. A former SAS soldier, he is also a survival instructor and has become famous as a writer and television presenter. In these memoirs, he describes how he learned to sail and climb from his father, and spent his teenage years practicing mountaineering and martial arts. But when he broke his back in a horrific skydiving accident, he defied expectations and learned to walk again, finally climbing Everest at the age of 23. His story will inspire teens who love the outdoors.
kian and jc: don’t try this at home!
Artists Kian Lawley and JC Caylen have 7 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Your fans will enjoy discovering how the comedy pair rose to fame and huge success online with their unique offering of pranks. This book will inspire any teen who has ever dreamed of being an entertainer, or a YouTube star!
courage to fly: a body in motion, a life in balance
olympic gold medalist simone biles somersaulted onto our screens out of nowhere when she became the darling of the 2016 rio de janeiro olympics. but the gymnast, like all successful athletes, had Spent many years honing his craft and overcoming a less than perfect start to life. taken from her drug addict mother, she was fostered and eventually adopted. making it all the more remarkable that she managed to break through in the highly competitive field of competitive gymnastics. Her story will inspire gymnasts, teens with ADHD, or those who have been fostered or adopted.
jamie vardy out of nowhere. my story
jamie vardy has gone from being an ordinary boy in sheffield to being the football player who took the underdogs leicester city to the top of the premier league and earned a place in the england team, despite the disappointment beginning of his career. his autobiography describes his childhood in sheffield, how he was kicked out of sheffield wednesday and found himself playing for £30 a match and his subsequent rise to the top of his profession. his story will inspire all football fans and athletes.
can I have your attention please?
james corden has achieved the dream of many british artists by becoming a huge success across the pond. his ride-sharing karaoke TV show has an almost cult following. however, in school, he wasn’t cool or smart; in fact, he was quite disruptive. but he never gave up, forming a boy band and attending hundreds of auditions. It was only when he co-wrote Gavin and Stacey that his life changed. his story will be particularly inspiring for teenagers who haven’t yet found the ‘thing’ about him.
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