The Ordinary People Change the World Series
By Brad Meltzer
Friendly biographies introduce young readers to history’s heroes through curiosity, courage, fairness and perseverance.
inspiring · educational · engaging
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Average 3.8, from 5 readers
What is The Ordinary People Change the World series by Brad Meltzer about?
Beginning in 2014, Brad Meltzer’s Ordinary People Change the World series presents accessible picture-book biographies of notable figures, from Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart and Rosa Parks to Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela and Taylor Swift. Each volume starts with its subject as a child, then traces the qualities and choices that shaped a remarkable life, gradually broadening from American history to global culture, science and public life. Lively, conversational text and comic-style illustrations suit ages 5–9, especially curious or reluctant readers. Some books touch on racism, war, persecution, illness and death, handled sensitively.
Genres
About the author
Brad Meltzer is an American author who writes exciting books for children and adults. He is best known for the Ordinary People Change the World series, including I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln. Created with illustrator Chris Eliopoulos, these colourful books show how famous people were once children, too, and inspire readers to be brave and kind.
All the books in The Ordinary People Change the World series
I am Helen Keller
by Brad Meltzer
How did a girl who couldn’t see or hear find her voice?
Published: 2015
I Am Amelia Earhart
by Brad Meltzer
Could a determined girl defy expectations and make history high above the clouds?
I am Abraham Lincoln
by Brad Meltzer
How did a curious farm boy become the leader who fought to unite a divided nation?
I am Rosa Parks
by Brad Meltzer
One quiet refusal on a Montgomery bus makes Rosa Parks’ brave voice impossible to ignore.
I am Albert Einstein
by Brad Meltzer
How did a question-filled child grow into a world-changing scientist?
I am Jackie Robinson
by Brad Meltzer
Could one determined boy break baseball’s biggest rule and change American history?
I am Lucille Ball
by Brad Meltzer
How did a determined young dreamer become television’s boldest comedy trailblazer?
I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Brad Meltzer
How can one brave voice challenge unfairness and inspire a whole world to stand together?
I am Jane Goodall
by Brad Meltzer
Can one curious girl change what the world believes about chimpanzees?
I am George Washington
by Brad Meltzer
How did a curious woodland explorer become the brave leader of a new nation?
I am Sacagawea
by Brad Meltzer
How could a young mother, carrying her baby, help explorers reach the Pacific?
I am Gandhi
by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos
How can one peaceful protest turn a young Indian’s anger into world-changing courage?
I am Harriet Tubman
by Brad Meltzer
How did a determined girl become a fearless leader who changed history?
I am Neil Armstrong
by Brad Meltzer
How did a determined farm boy become the first person to step on the Moon?
I am Sonia Sotomayor
by Brad Meltzer
How did a Bronx girl overcome challenges to reach America’s highest court?
I am Billie Jean King
by Brad Meltzer
Can one determined tennis player change the rules for every girl who follows?
I am Marie Curie
by Brad Meltzer
A curious Polish girl battles barriers—and uncovers secrets that change science forever.
I am Walt Disney
by Brad Meltzer
How did a determined young dreamer turn drawings into worlds loved by millions?
I am Leonardo da Vinci
by Brad Meltzer
How did a curious boy’s birdwatching lead to flying machines, masterpieces and astonishing discoveries?
I am Anne Frank
by Brad Meltzer
One brave girl’s secret diary reveals hope, dreams and courage in history’s darkest days.
I am Benjamin Franklin
by Brad Meltzer
How did a curious boy become an inventor, scientist and Founding Father?
I am Frida Kahlo
by Brad Meltzer
How did a bus accident transform Frida’s pain into bold, unforgettable art?
I am Oprah Winfrey
by Brad Meltzer
How did a girl who loved reading grow into a voice that inspired millions?
I am Muhammad Ali
by Brad Meltzer
How did a determined young athlete become a champion who challenged the world?
I am Malala Yousafzai
by Brad Meltzer
When speaking up for school becomes dangerous, can one girl help change the world?
I am Dolly Parton
by Brad Meltzer
How did a mountain girl’s voice grow powerful enough to change children’s lives?
I am I. M. Pei
by Brad Meltzer
How did a curious Chinese boy grow up to reshape skylines across the world?
I am John Lewis
by Brad Meltzer
How did a determined Alabama child become a powerful voice for justice and change?
I am Temple Grandin
by Brad Meltzer
How did Temple’s different way of thinking help her change the world for animals and autistic people?
I am Mister Rogers
by Brad Meltzer
How did a shy boy’s puppet stories grow into a safe place for millions?
I am Ruth Bader Ginsburg
by Brad Meltzer
How could a determined Brooklyn girl challenge unfair rules and change the law?
I am Jesse Owens
by Brad Meltzer
How can a poor boy’s love of running challenge the world’s unfair beliefs?
I am Stephen Hawking
by Brad Meltzer
How did a boy with big questions become a brilliant explorer of black holes?
I am Sally Ride
by Brad Meltzer
How did a maths-loving girl become the first American woman to reach space?
We are The Beatles
by Brad Meltzer
How did four young musicians turn practice, mistakes and teamwork into Beatles history?
I am Simone Biles
by Brad Meltzer
How did a determined child become a champion—and find courage to pause?
I am Princess Diana
by Brad Meltzer
From a difficult childhood to princess and champion of kindness, what changed Diana’s life?
I am Teddy Roosevelt
by Brad Meltzer
How did a sickly nature-lover become a president who transformed America’s wild places?
We are the Wright Brothers (Ordinary People Change the World)
by Brad Meltzer
Can two curious brothers turn a toy helicopter into a machine that truly flies?
I am Taylor Swift
by Brad Meltzer
How did a determined young dreamer transform her songs into a worldwide voice?
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