It surprises me that only a few of the Nobel Peace Prize recipients are represented in picture books for children. I was able to find these nine people who changed the world and, in doing so, received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Some the picture books are biographies, others are their own books reflecting their philosophies but presented to children. Perfect, right? I hope it inspires a new generation of activists who believe they can change the world. Because I know that they can.
9 People Who Changed The World:
Great Picture Book Biographies of Nobel Peace Prize Winners
Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli
In 2004, Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.
Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to mobilize and combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. Today more than 30 million trees have been planted throughout Mama Miti’s native Kenya. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
I have three other picture book biographies on Wangari Maathai on Top 10: Best Picture Books for Spring and Planting a Garden.
Twenty-Two Cents: Muhammad Yunus and the Village Bank by Paula Yoo
Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to create economic and social development from below.
Muhammad founded Grameen Bank where people could borrow small amounts of money to start a job, and then pay back the bank without exorbitant interest charges. These micro-loans changed the lives of millions of impoverished people by loaning the equivalent of more than ten billion US dollars. [picture book, ages 6 and up]
Muhammad Yunus is included on this list of Great Biographies for Kids By Paula Yoo.
For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story by Rebecca Langston-George
Malala Yousafzai received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for for her struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. She is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, winning at age 17. Her story includes the bravery of her father, Zuayddin Yousafzai, who believed girls deserved the same educational opportunities as girls. Malala blogged for the BBC about the school closings in Pakistan. It was an act of defiance that would have violent repercussions, but nothing would stop Malala from advocating for education for girls. She is the voice for equal education for children everywhere. [picture book, ages 8 and up]
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack H. Obama, illustrated by Loren Long
Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
He pens a letter to his daughters that references role models and the trait they inspire: Georgia O’Keefe, Albert Einstein, Jackie Robinson, Sitting Bull, Billie Holiday, Helen Keller, Maya Lin, Jane Addams, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Neil Armstrong, Cesar Chavez, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington. This love letter to his daughters is also a gift to all readers with a message of inspiration, diversity, and inclusion. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
God’s Dream by
Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu received the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent opposition to South Africa’s brutal apartheid regime.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s message of forgiveness and compassion to children is
As easy as sharing, loving, caring.
As easy as holding hands, laughing.
As easy as knowing we are family
because we are all God’s children.
This lovely picture book celebrates diversity and points to a path towards joy, inclusion and understanding. It’s a simple message that will resonate with children and adults alike. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Mother Teresa by Demi
The more you give away, the more you receive.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She helped the poor while living among them. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, and through this organization, built homes for orphans, nursing homes for lepers and hospices for the terminally ill in Calcutta, and also did aid work in other parts of the world.
I never knew that Mother Teresa was born in Skope, Yugoslav Macedonia. Her life is detailed in this gorgeously illustrated picture book, from the moment she knew her calling, at age 12, to her death at age 87. Her many gifts included a facility in learning languages, leadership and organizational skills, but most importantly, her capacity to love and assist selflessly. [advanced picture book, ages 8 and up]
My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, illustrated by AG Ford
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent campaign against racism. He was killed by a white racist four years later.
Martin Luther King III (“Marty”) was five years old when his father gave his famous speech in Washington D.C., “I have a dream …” Though he was terrified when his father was arrested, he learned that his father went to jail to help others who are less fortunate. Marty marched alongside his father; his father’s courage made him feel safe. When Marty was in third grade, he would be a recipient of his father’s and other’s Civil Rights Movement work; he would be going to a new desegregated school. Marty’s father gave his life for his dream of kids attending the same schools, not being judged by the color of their skin. In this loving memoir, Marty shows us another side of the Civil Rights Movement icon: that of devoted and playful father making the world better for his kids as well as all children. Marty was only 10 years old when his father was killed. He, too, is a human rights advocate and community activist. [picture book, ages 6 and up]
The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams by Tanya Lee Stone
Jane Addams was the second woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. She founded the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom in 1919, and worked for many years to get the great powers to disarm and conclude peace agreements.
Focusing on Jane Addams’ vision of a community center to meet the needs of the poor, this picture book reveals that Jane dreamed of living “right in the midst of horrid little houses” to find a way to help the poor. Jane’s creation of a settlement house, Hull House, tackled and solved issues that poor immigrants faced. A safe place for children to play was met with the first playground in Chicago. Long working hours for parents was solved with morning kindergarten and after-school clubs. No running water in houses compelled her to build a public bath.
Jane’s other accomplishments are in the back notes of this picture book. It included a founding member of both the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She also worked for women’s suffrage and spoke out against war. [picture book, ages 6 and up]
To Dare Mighty Things: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt by
In 1906, Theodore Roosevelt was the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize. It was awarded to him for settling the war between Russia and Japan.
Roosevelt’s accomplishments included leading the Rough Riders in Cuba, breaking up large business trusts, conserving America’s natural resources, and creating the Panama Canal. As a sickly boy with a great interest in the natural world, Teddy Roosevelt strengthened his body so that he could pursue his myriad of interests. Ignoring doctor’s orders to live a quiet life or die an early death, Teddy lived without regrets, until he died at sixty-one. No one — Presidents included — would disagree:
“I don’t think any President ever enjoyed himself more than I did. Moreover, I don’t think any ex-President ever enjoyed himself more.” [picture book, age 6 and up]
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Top 10: Best African-American Picture Books (ages 4-12)
Top 10: Best Picture Books for Spring
Books for Kids To Celebrate MLK Day
Chile: Children’s Books, Nobel Laureate Poets, Art and More
Best New Children’s Authors: Waterstones Children’s Book Prize
I loved The House that Jane Built–very touching. There are several books out on Malala. I liked Jeanette Winter’s dual book which includes her, Malala, Brave Girl from Pakistan; Iqbal: Brave Boy from Pakistan. Such courageous people!
Hi Maria,
I will have to find Jeanette Winter’s book! Sounds great and I loved her book on Jane Goodall!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…9 People Who Changed The World: Nobel Peace Prize Picture Books
Great books about some incredible people!
MaryAnne recently posted…Charley Parkhurst: A Historical Figure You Need to Know
Thanks MaryAnne!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Save 25% on Summer Bridge Workbooks!
Want to check out Queen of the Diamond….
Hi Barbara Ann,
I need to read that too!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Wonderful Diversity Mysteries for Ages 8-18
As always, a great list of books. I have to check out some of these and maybe at some point actually write about some of the ones we have already read.
Hi Michelle,
I can relate … I have a giant pile of books to write up too!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Wonderful Diversity Mysteries for Ages 8-18
My husband and I are a good literary balance — he loves everything nonfiction, especially biographies, and his influence has added several picture book biographies to our shelves. I’m a devoted fiction reader and only delve into nonfiction in special circumstances (I couldn’t resist Stacy Schiff’s “The Witches: Salem, 1692”), but the great thing about picture book bios is I learn a lot of tidbits along the way when I read aloud to children. Picture bios are a win-win in a household library!
Visiting from the Kid Lit Blog Hop.
Hi Julie,
That is a great balance of genres!! I do love picture book biographies too! It’s a fun way to learn about amazing people and I always learn something interesting. I hope that it also inspires my kids to dream big.
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Wonderful Diversity Mysteries for Ages 8-18
I wish more kids were exposed and learned to appreciate biographies at a younger age. Some of these look particularly interesting. Stopping by from the Kid-Lit Blog Hop.
Thanks so much Jennifer! I think biographies through picture books are wonderful windows to learn about interesting people and how they overcame great obstacles to do something no one thought they ever could.
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Wonderful Diversity Mysteries for Ages 8-18
I love these book ideas. Pinned!!
Mother of 3 recently posted…Spring Themed Book Bag
Thanks so much for sharing Mother of 3! I really appreciate it!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Wonderful Diversity Mysteries for Ages 8-18
I love Mama Miti and The House that Jane Built. Love this theme. Thanks for these other suggestions.
Books4Learning recently posted…Fairy Tale Spotlight: Little Red Riding Hood (Modern & Fractured Tales)
Thanks so much for your kind words Books4Learning!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…These Girls Can Climb: Rock Climbing Prodigies
What an interesting list. Maybe some nonfiction children’s writers will be stopping by and take notice.
Cheryl Carpinello recently posted…Meet YA Author R. M ArceJaeger
Hi Cheryl,
I hope so! Thanks so much for your kind words!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Can You Spot Him? A real life Halibut Jackson
I always enjoy your book selections and this list is exceptional. Thank you for sharing these great books about such inspiring individuals.
Thanks so much for your kind words Stacie!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Diverse Children’s Book Linky