Best autobiography for young adults
10 Inspiring Biographies for Young Adults
Being a young adult is hard! A lot is going on - changes in bodies and emotions, so many hormones, friendships, dating, the future (including parents asking every other week what you are going to do with your life). Sometimes you need to feel that there's someone like you or a bit of reassurance that you can make it. What you need is a great biography or autobiography.
We've picked 10 biographies by international and New Zealand authors who have been there and done it, whether it's overcoming health problems, standing up for what they believe in, or just putting themselves out there.
Local Heroes
Straight up by Ruby Tui and;
You Can't Stop the Sun From Shining by Sonny Bill Williams
Ruby Tui and Sonny Bill Williams are two of the biggest names in their respective rugby arenas. But more than just fierce athletes, they are also two huge figures off the field. In their autobiographies, the pair explore their challenging childhoods, how sport helped to shape their lives and how the support of key people helped them to excel.Willie Apiata VC: The Reluctant Hero by Paul Little (younger readers version available)
SAS soldier Willie Apiata was awarded the Victoria Cross, for bravery under fire, rescuing a wounded comrade in Afghanistan. This book charts his life from growing up in small-town East Coast, New Zealand, to joining the Army and his actions in conflict. But it's Apiata's humble nature that shines through - just a normal Kiwi doing his job. It's a great example of how anyone can show up and be a hero.
Impossible by Stan Walker
Since winning Australian Idol, Kiwi/Aussie singer Stan Walker has been through a lot by anyone's standards. His book is unflinching at times, covering addiction, violence and serious health issues, but it is also one of hope and a tale of never forgetting where you come from.The Boy from Gorge River by Chris Long
Chris Long grew upBecome a Readings Member to make your shopping experience even easier.
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- Autobiographies for 13 year olds
- Biographies for young readers
- Biographies for young readers
10 Contemporary Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs for Teens
Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos
In his autobiographical memoir, "Hole in My Life" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2004), award-winning children’s and young adult author Jack Gantos shares his compelling story about making a single choice that altered his destiny. As a young man of 20 struggling to find direction, Gantos seized an opportunity for quick cash and adventure, signing on to help sail a 60-foot yacht with a cargo of hashish from the Virgin Islands to New York City. What he hadn’t anticipated was getting caught. Winner of the Printz Honor Award, Gantos holds nothing back about his experiences with prison life, drugs, and the consequences of making one very bad decision. (Due to mature themes, this book is recommended for ages 14 and up.)
While Gantos clearly made a huge mistake, as evidenced by his critically acclaimed body of work, he was able to turn his life back around. In 2012, Gantos won the John Newbery Medal for his middle-grade novel "Dead End in Norvelt" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2011).
Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton
"Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board" (MTV Books, 2006) is Bethany Hamilton's story. At 14, competitive surfer Bethany Hamilton thought her life was over when she lost her arm in a shark attack. Yet, despite this obstacle, Hamilton found the determination to continue surfing in her own creative style and proved to herself that the World Surfing Championships were still within reach.
In this true account, Hamilton chronicles the story of her life before and after the accident, inspiring readers to overcome obstacles by finding and focusing on an inner passion and determination. It's a wonderful story of faith, family, and courage. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)
A movie version of "Soul Surfer" was released in 2011. Hamilton has since written a number of inspirational
Autobiography Books For Teens
Autobiography books and biographies can be a good choice for teens who aren't keen on reading, especially boys.
Try the autobiography or biography of a favourite sportsman, like the ones on this page or think about your teen's interests and check out the Book Depository to find a book he or she might like.
There are biographies and autobiographies about sportsmen and women, ballerinas, actors, singers, business people, adventurers, doctors and writers.
In fact, whoever your teen admires, there's sure to be a book to catch his or her interest. The trick is to find it!
And it is important that you try to persevere in your efforts to get your teen reading. It's really important for teens to read, both for their success at school and for the life lessons readers learn.
Of course you can't force kids to read but there are sneaky things you can do to encourage them!
If you need some ideas, you may like to have a look at my tips on how to raise a reader.
And don't discount reading aloud to teens either. Believe it or not, it can be done and there are benefits. It can even be fun, although you'll probably have trouble convincing your kids of this. Do give it a try, though. It's worth it.
All the books on this page are available as e-books for the Amazon Kindle. Kids - especially teens - love the electronic devices so, if you're keen to get (or keep) your teen reading, you may want to think about investing in an Amazon Kindle or something similar. My teens love their Kindles!
1. Mao's Last Dancer
My daughter studied this book at school in Year 7 and my sons also enjoyed reading it.
Since the book was made into a movie in 2010, many people have come to know Li's story but the book's amazing so it's worth getting hold of a copy and suggesting it to your teen.
Li Cunxin was the