Visit Puffin.co.uk
Picture Books Packs
Bumper Book Packs
Explore Empathy
Book Club Questions
Draw-Along
LIVE Virtual Visits
Home > Book Lists > KS2: New Extraordinary Biographies
New Extraordinary Biographies - KS2
Collect all the 'Extraordinary Lives ' books. This series of beautifully illustrated biographies, for kids aged 7 and up, will help you to explore significant historical and cultural moments, from International Women's Day to the moon landing anniversary, with your class. Inspire today's young readers to be extraordinary too and check out the KS2: Biography Writing Resource Pack.
The Extraordinary Life of Alan Turing by Michael Lee Richardson
The man whose maths saved millions of lives. Alan Turing was a mathematician, scientist and codebreaker who helped defeat the Nazis in the Second World War with his incredible decoding of secret messages from enemy soldiers. Discover his life story in this beautifully illustrated book, from his childhood as a quiet boy who loved maths, to becoming one of the most important scientists and codebreakers in history.
The Extraordinary Life of Anne Frank
Her words have become some of the most important in modern history: discover the incredible life story of Anne Frank, whose bravery has inspired so many.
Her incredible story comes to life in this beautifully illustrated book, with narrative biography, timelines, facts and quotes.
The Extraordinary Life of Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart broke flying records, wrote best-selling books, launched a fashion label and fought for the rights of female pilots everywhere. Her disappearance, in the midst of her attempt to circumnavigate the globe, is one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries, and today she is remembered as not only the first female pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean, but for being a bold, brace and adventurous woman who fought tirelessly for what she believed.
The Extraordinary Life of Freddie Mercury by Michael Lee Richardson
Farrokh Bulsara was a young boy who loved music and was known for being quiet and kind, even when people made fun of his unusual teeth. Farrokh grew up to be Freddie Mercury, an incredible musician who could command audiences with his charisma and talent, and who would one day say that those teeth were the very reason he was able to sing with such amazing range. From his childhood in Zanzibar to the formation of rock band Queen, to their record-breaking Live Aid performance, discover the journey Freddie Mercury took to becoming one of the world's most influential musicians.
The Extraordinary Life of Greta Thunberg by Devika Jina
Greta Thunberg is an activist best known for calling attention to the devastating effects of climate change on our planet. A bold voice even against people that want to silence her, Greta has become a source of inspiration for millions of people who want to work towards tackling the climate crisis. From taking part in school strikes and owning that her Asperger syndrome is her superpower, to crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a powerful stand against carbon emissions, this is the incredible story of a schoolgirl who is changing the world.
The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson
In 1969 history was made when the first humans stepped on the moon. Back on earth, one woman was running the numbers that ensured they got there and back in one piece.
As a child, Katherine Johnson loved maths. She went on to be one of the most important people in the history of space travel. Discover her incredible life story in this beautifully illustrated book complete with narrative biography, timelines and facts.
The Extraordinary Life of Mahatma Gandhi by Chitra Soundar, Dàlia Adillon (Illustrator)
From growing up in India and studying in London to becoming a political activist in South Africa and taking on the battle for independence in India, Mahatma Gandhi's legacy has lived on well beyond his years. Read the life story of this brilliant, strong-willed and influential man in this beautifully illustrated biography, complete with timelines and facts.
The Extraordinary Life of Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is:
A campaigner
An inspiration
Discover what it took for one incredible girl to become the voice of so many, in this beautifully illustrated book that brings Malala's extraordinary story to life.
The Extraordinary Life of Mary Seacole by Naida Redgrave
Mary Seacole is now known for her medical work in the Crimean war, and as a brilliant woman who combated the racial prejudice she experienced in her lifetime. But for a long time her story was lost. From growing up in Kingston, Jamaica as the daughter of a doctress to helping soldiers in the war, discover the details of the amazing life that Mary Seacole led in this beautifully illustrated biography filled with real-life stories, timelines and facts.
The Extraordinary Life of Michelle Obama
She is a role model and feminist icon. Born and raised in Chicago, she studied and worked hard to become a lawyer, and then took to the international stage as First Lady. This beautifully illustrated biography tells the extraordinary story of Michelle Obama's life, perfect for young readers everywhere.
The Extraordinary Life of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela is known for dedicating his life to fighting for equality in South Africa and overthrowing racial segregation. He grew up hearing the elders' stories of his ancestors' fighting in the wars of resistance, and he dreamed of fighting for the freedom of his people. His childhood wish was granted when he became the first black president of South Africa, and an icon for hope, change and equality.
The Extraordinary Life of Neil Armstrong
One little boy who loved the idea of flying became the first person to set foot on the moon.
On 20 July 1969 Neil Armstrong made history, his 'giant leap for mankind'. From his childhood playing with model planes to becoming one of the most famous astronauts of all time, discover the incredible story of Neil Armstrong's life in this beautifully illustrated book, complete with narrative biography, facts and timelines.
The Extraordinary Life of Rosa Parks by Sheila Kanani
Rosa Parks, the woman known for refusing to give up her seat on the bus, triggered a great shift in the fight for civil rights. Raised in Alabama, Rosa Parks knew all about the racism of her society from an early age. Discover how she became the brilliant activist we know today, in this beautifully illustrated biography which includes timelines and facts to bring her extraordinary story to life
The Extraordinary Life of Serena Williams by Shelina Janmohamed
Serena Williams began playing tennis when she was just a child, and is now an Olympic champion who's won more Grand Slam singles titles than anyone else. Throughout her life she's battled many things, from life-threatening illnesses and sports injuries to sexism and racism in the tennis world. Now she's an icon in sport, fashion and activism, an inspiration to every young person who has dared to dream big.
The Extraordinary Life of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking was:
A physicist
A cosmologist
One of the cleverest people who ever lived.
Discover more about the life of a man who is known for his incredible contribution to science in this beautifully illustrated book.
The Extraordinary Life of Steve Jobs
The story of a modern creative genius. Ever heard of the iPhone? Steve Jobs, raised in California, was the co-founder of Apple, creator of the iPhone. He also played a major role in making Pixar what it is today. His technology transformed the way we live, and gave us objects we now cannot imagine living without. Get ready to discover his incredible story and the secrets of his success in this real-life account of his life and work.
More reading lists
Spring 2021 Buzz Books
KS2/KS3 Diary of a Wimpy Kid series
Featured teaching resources
KS2 Resource Pack: Wonder – #ChooseKind
KS2 Resource Pack: Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World
KS2 RESOURCE PACK: Little Leaders
Join the Puffin Schools Newsletter
By clicking SIGN UP, I consent to you using my details to send me Puffin Schools newsletters and confirm that I have read and understood Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy.
Who makes Puffin Schools?
Puffin Schools has been created by the children's publisher Puffin to help bring together all the inspiring content we create for schools into one place.
What ages are the books on Puffin Schools for?
The books on this website will range from those for EYFS through to primary and up to lower secondary school. You can discover our full range of books at puffin.co.uk
What is Puffin?
Puffin is an imprint of Penguin Random House, the world's number-one publisher representing a vibrant community of publishing houses marked by unparalleled success. Through our world of stories, Puffin aims to open up the world to every child. Our mission is to inspire children to feel they can be and do anything, and to create readers for life.
Puffin started out as a non-fiction publisher, with its first title appearing in 1940. As the most iconic and well-known children's book brand in the UK today, we are always on the lookout for innovative ways to tell the world's favourite stories and for brilliant new debut talent and brands that connect with today's young readers, from newborn up to twelve years old.
We publish a diverse and wide range of fiction, non-fiction, picture books and children's classics. Our list includes some of the world's favourite authors, illustrators and licensed brands, such as Eric Carle, Helen Oxenbury, Nadia Shireen, The Snowman, Doctor Who, Roald Dahl, Tom Fletcher, Jeff Kinney, Rick Riordan, Robin Stevens, and Jacqueline Wilson to name but a few.
What's the connection between Ladybird, Puffin and Penguin?
Ladybird, Puffin and Penguin are imprints of Penguin Random House UK. Across their extensive list, we believe there is a story for every child, everywhere.
You can find information about books for all ages at penguin.co.uk
Where can I buy Puffin books from?
All the books featured on this website can be purchased in the usual way: as well as being available on the high street and online, you can find lots of brilliant offers via school-specific suppliers and wholesale retailers.
How do I get in contact with a member of the Puffin Schools team?
Whether you've got a brilliant idea for a lesson, a photograph of something incredible you've done at your school or just have a question, please email puffinschools@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible .
How do I get free posters and display kits for my school?
If you'd like to receive free posters and bookmarks for your school, please email puffinschools@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk with 'Classroom Display' in the subject line and include your school address and the age of children you teach. We endeavour to respond to as many requests as possible when kits and materials are available.
What's happened to Puffin Virtually Live?
The Story-Makers Show was known as Puffin Virtually Live up until March 2019. The content and ambition of the show remains the same: to give every pupil the opportunity to engage with authors and illustrators in their own classroom using the power of the internet.
We've re-named Puffin Virtually Live so that it's easier for new teachers to discover it as part of Puffin Schools and to acknowledge that the show now premieres on show day, rather than being streamed live.
What's happened to my Puffin Virtually Live account?
Your account for Puffin Virtually Live has been deactivated as it is no longer a feature of the Puffin Schools website.
If you were registered for the newsletter, you will now receive the Puffin Schools newsletter, which is filled with all the latest information about accompanying resources and upcoming shows.
If you do not wish to receive it any longer then please unsubscribe.
Which video platform is The Story-Makers Show hosted on?
You can watch The Story-Makers Show on the Puffin Schools site. However, please be aware that it uses a YouTube player and that you should check your school's permissions to ensure that YouTube isn't blocked.
Penguin Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Cookie Policy
©1995 - 2021 Penguin Books Ltd. Registered number: 861590 England.
Registered office: 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 2SA UK.
We use cookies on this site and by continuing to browse it you agree to us sending you cookies. For more on our cookies and changing your settings click here.