There’s an Ordinary People Change the World Story for Every Child
by Iva-Marie Palmer
Oddly (or perhaps appropriately) enough, the Ordinary People Change the World series of picture book biographies began with a fairly common observation: Brad Meltzer, who has penned a number of bestselling adult thrillers, noticed his daughter’s clothing options all featured fictional heroes, including those of the princess variety. But instead of sigh and move on, Meltzer decided that if kids were going to have heroes, why not give them some real ones? In January 2014, the series launched with I am Abraham Lincoln and I am Amelia Earhart.
During their prime read-to-me years, little kids are apt to fall in love with the characters in their favorite picture books — and these real figures are a good place to start. Each Ordinary People Change the World story is told in a kid-friendly, conversational way and the back of each book includes a timeline of the subject’s life to inspire more learning.
Here are some of the best Ordinary People Change the World books featuring some of the most interesting “ordinary” people in world history:
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Ordinary People Who Took a Stand
Kids can learn a lot from brave souls who worked to make the world more equal, even when it was at great personal risk. They’ll find much to admire in these bold thinkers and doers.
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I am Rosa Parks
Also available from: I am Martin Luther King Jr.
Also available from: I am Gandhi
Also available from: I am Harriet Tubman
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I am Billie Jean King
Also available from: I am Helen Keller
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Ordinary People from Early American History
If your child has an interest in how our country came to be our country, it’s key that they get a sense of the heroes who helped form it. So far, the early American history entries to the series include two presidents and one Native American trailblazer who guided an expedition West.
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I am Abraham Lincoln
Also available from: I am Sacagawea
Also available from: I am George Washington
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Ordinary People Who Went First
It’s hard not to be inspired by people who heard, “It’s never been done!” and pushed forward anyway. These figures rightfully wouldn’t take no for an answer and leveraged qualities like exceptional daring and hard work to be the first in their fields.
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I am Jackie Robinson
Also available from: I am Amelia Earhart
Also available from: I am Sonia Sotomayor
Also available from: I am Neil Armstrong
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Ordinary People Who Shaped Science
Scientific discovery requires a certain amount of belief in one’s own ideas and a willingness to try a new approach. These great minds may inspire kids to chart their own course.
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I Am Albert Einstein
Also available from: I am Jane Goodall
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Ordinary People Who Entertained and Delighted
Television and film wouldn’t be what they are today without the work of entertainers whose larger-than-life personalities and ideas showed us what was possible.
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I am Lucille Ball
Also available from: I am Jim Henson
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Which books in the Ordinary People Change the World series are your family’s favorites? Let us know in the comments below!