Young people who read biographies and autobiographies often find that the people they read about can be models for their own lives. Since they are in the process of "becoming" themselves, reading about others can provide a glimpse of their potential.
Biographies range from picture books to longer works that fall into two categories: authentic biography, a well-documented look at someone's life; and fictionalized biography where the author personalizes the story, sometimes with invented dialogue. Both are important for young readers.The most popular kinds of biographies are those written about sports figures. But they may not be a suitable choice in all cases. Often they tell a "glitzy" story about a player or official, suggesting goals that are unrealistic or virtually unattainable for most young people.
There are some, however, that give a positive insight. An area I found intriguing was stories about the physically handicapped athlete. For example, there are three biographies about Major League pitcher Jim Abbott. Also available is "The Will to Win: The Curt Brinkman Story," which tells a story of a brave man who exhibits much courage from a wheelchair.
Two biographies where realistic goals seem to be honestly stated feature ice skaters who endured strict discipline and many sacrifices to become champions.
"MICHELLE KWAN: HEART OF A CHAMPION," (Scholastic) is an autobiography that tells of Kwan's many achievements, her disappointment at losing the national title in 1997 and her return a month later to enter the World Championships. Peggy Fleming pays Kwan a fine tribute in the foreword when she says, "Her priorities are always straight."
"BOITANO'S EDGE" (Simon & Schuster) is more than an autobiography by Brian Boitano; it is an encyclopedia of figure skating. Besides the wonderful story of this athlete who was hooked on ice skating at the age of 8, it has sections on how figure skating got its name, the basic moves, the history of the skate, trainers and a hand-written list of Boitano's "goals to work on." I particularly enjoyed the section on "etiquette of practice sessions" and the detailed notes on judging, which include scoring tips and a comprehensive glossary of terms.
Other recent biographies that I found outstanding for young readers are those about three men who were real heroes as they followed their dreams.
"BASHER FIVE-TWO. THE TRUE STORY OF F-16 FIGHTER PILOT CAPTAIN SCOTT O'GRADY" (133 pages; Doubleday $16.95). When his F-16 was shot down over Bosnia in June 1995, U.S. Air Force Capt. O'Grady was thrown into the national spotlight. Millions of people held their breath as a search was started for this man. He became a national hero when he was found and returned to the United States. Capt. O'Grady's "Return With Honor" was a best seller, and this one with a 16-page photo insert is made very readable for readers age 10 and up.
Two stories of Charles A. Lindbergh are good reads for youngsters.
"GOOD-BYE, CHARLES LINDBERGH," written by Louise Bordent (Simon & Schuster/ Margaret McElderry Books, $16) is an illustrated version of a true story. It is a simple rendition of this exciting time in 1927 when a pilot flew across the Atlantic Ocean.
"THE TRUE STORY OF CHARLES A. LINDBERGH: AN AMERICAN HERO" (Barry Denenberg, 251 pages, Scholastic paperback, $5.99). Denenberg's book is a good example of a biography that has been researched carefully. Dozens of references are cited, and it includes more than 100 black-and-white photographs. This biography was listed as an American Library Association "Best Books for Young Adults" Award winner.
"BLACK WHITENESS: ADMIRAL BYRD ALONE IN THE ANTARCTIC" (Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop, Atheneum, $16). Burleigh's poetic text is a good base for the sensitive paintings that illustrate the cold and dark time that this explorer stayed alone on Antarctica for almost six months in 1934. This picture book would be appropriate for those readers wanting the basic facts and could lead them to a more in-depth study of an American hero.
Marilou Sorensen teaches children's literature at Brigham Young University. Her e-mail address is (marilou.sorensen@worldnet.att.net).