One of the best ways of learning about people who have made an impact is by reading their biographies or autobiographies. Such books can be inspiring since they are about real people.
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
What happens when you return from school? A lovely snack waiting for you? For Malala Yousafzai, 15, a bullet was. She was shot in the head on the bus back home because she had stood up in favour of girls education. Times were bad in the Swat Valley in Pakistan since the Taliban had taken over and banned free movement of women. After that October 9, 2012, attack, not only did Malala survive but she also went on to become the global ambassador of peace and also the world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution has been done entirely in black-and-white comic strip images. It tells the story of a young girl from age six to 14 living in Tehran and contrasts her home life and public life. At home, the atmosphere is committedly Marxist while publicly she is a witness to political regression. It’s humorous and satirical, and it will open your eyes to people’s struggles across the world.
No Summit Out of Sight by Jordan Romero
Jordan Romero climbed Mount Everest at 13 becoming the youngest person to do so. Well, he didn’t just stop there. By 15, he went on to become the youngest person to scale the summits of the highest mountains of every continent! At 17, he wrote his memoir, an inspiring story for not just mountain climbers but also children and adults across the world.
Being Jazz by Jazz Jennings
“Being Jazz: Life as a (Transgender) Teen” is about being bullied, being rejected and discriminated against for the choices you make. Jazz transitioned to being a girl when she was five and was most amply supported by her parents. She freely writes about the physical, social, and emotional issues that she faces. Jazz is a pioneering voice for the trans community.
Like a Girl by Apama Jain
This collection of “Real Stories for Tough Kids” is about 56 different women from across India. You will read about Teesta Setalvad, Dipa Karmakar, Chand Bibi, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, and several more. Each of them has had a unique struggle and has overcome it. Each of them is inspiring.
Steve Jobs by Karen Blumenthal
What could possibly happen to a child who was given up for adoption and had dropped out of college? if he was Steve Jobs, he could, by the age of 20, create Apple in his parents garage along with a friend! We know him for his cutting-edge products, but Steve had not had it easy in life. In this biography, you get to read everything that made the man- his work schedule, his relationship with his family, his perseverance for perfection.
Ugly by Robert Hoge
Robert Hoge was born with short twisted legs and a tumour the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face. A surgery gave him a new nose made out of one of his toes, but he never looked like any of his friends Stares, bullying, and rejection were part of his life but he refused to be cowed down. He was a prankster and fun lover, and wanted to play sports like the other kids.
Picture Credit : Google
