Top 10 Circulated Biographies of the ’24-’25 School Year

This is the first time I decided to take a look at the most checked out books of the year in our K-3 biography section. Bio circulations are much lower than in other parts of the library (something I want to try to boost next year), and I was curious about which had the most student interest. When you see #1, you won’t be surprised.

Previously . . .

Top 10 Circulated Fiction of the ’24-’25 School Year

Top 10 Circulated Nonfiction of the ’24-’25 School Year

Top 10 Circulated Graphic Novels of the ’24-’25 School Year

The Unexpecteds: 6 Sneakily Popular Books

Top 10 Circulated Picture Books of the ’24-’25 School Year

#10. Who Was Roberto Clemente? by James Buckley Jr.

We have a pretty big group of Who Was books that used to get checked out a lot for student biography projects in 4th grade. But since our school switched over to K-3rd, this section has seen a lot less traffic. But there are a couple Who Was books on this list, beginning with this one.

#9. I Am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

I’ve been steadily adding books from the Ordinary People Change the World series, and a lot of them are the most checked out biograpahy books we have. I think the illustrations and PBS Kids tie-in definitely help.

#8. Who Is Wayne Gretzky? by Gail Herman

Never would have guessed this one would be on the list, but here it is. Maybe it’s because his decades-old goals record was broken in 2025?

#7. Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier

I attribute this to the power of the Caldecott medal and a great cover. And once kids pick it up, the inside is even better.

#6. I Am Jim Henson by Brad Meltzer

Another Ordinary People . . . title. Henson still has fans.

#5. Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson

An award winner that grabs your attention.

#4. I Am Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Brad Meltzer

The third Ordinary People . . . book on this list.

#3. Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by Bryan Collier

A go-to book for kids who want to learn more about Rosa Parks.

#2. Sing with me : the story of Selena Quintanilla by Diana López, illustrated by Teresa Martinez

Famous singers always seem to do well in our biography section, and there aren’t many books for kids about Selena.

#1. Taylor Swift: Superstar! by Shana Corey, illustrated by Chloe Quinn

Of course, right? There have been a bunch of Taylor Swift bios pop up in the last two years, and, based on the demand for this book, I’d be smart to get a few more for our collection.

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