Reading Order
Ordinary People Change The Worldseries.seoTitleShort
Start with I Am Abraham Lincoln and continue through all 33 books in the listed reading order.
About This Series
The 'Ordinary People Change The World' series, penned by bestselling author Brad Meltzer, is a captivating collection of children's biographies that brings historical figures to life through engaging storytelling. Each book in the series showcases the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals who overcame challenges to make a significant impact on the world, all while featuring a tone that is both inspiring and accessible for young readers. With 33 titles, the series provides a rich tapestry of stories that are not only educational but also entertaining.
This series is worth reading because it empowers children by highlighting the achievements of ordinary people who have changed the course of history. Themes of resilience, courage, and the importance of believing in oneself resonate throughout each narrative, making it ideal for children aged 5 to 12. Parents and educators will find these books valuable for sparking discussions about perseverance and social justice, while young readers will be inspired by the colorful illustrations and relatable storytelling.
To fully appreciate the journey these remarkable figures take, it's recommended to read the series in order, starting with Book 1, 'I Am Abraham Lincoln.' This not only allows readers to build a foundation of understanding about these historical icons but also enhances the continuity of themes and lessons presented in the subsequent books. Although each book stands alone, beginning with the first ensures a cohesive experience.
Thought leaders like Anthony Scaramucci have endorsed the series for its ability to teach vital life lessons through the lens of history. Readers who are passionate about inspiring narratives and wish to introduce their kids to the lives of great figures will find this series a perfect addition to their library. The 'Ordinary People Change The World' series is not just informative; it's a heartfelt celebration of human potential, making it a must-read for families looking to inspire the next generation.
Start Here
Start with I Am Abraham Lincoln
Book 1 by Brad Meltzer • Published 2014
Told in Lincoln’s own voice, this picture book shows Abraham as a boy who hates seeing animals and people bullied. From defending a turtle to speaking out against slavery, his story invites young readers to see how sm...
Complete List
Ordinary People Change The World reading order
Ends with I am Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- 1
Book 1:I Am Abraham Lincoln
Brad Meltzer • 2014
Told in Lincoln’s own voice, this picture book shows Abraham as a boy who hates seeing animals and people bullied. From defending a turtle to speaking out against slavery, his story invites young readers to see how sm...
- 2
Book 2:I Am Amelia Earhart
Brad Meltzer • 2014
Young Amelia Earhart builds a homemade roller coaster in her backyard, crashes hard and gets back up smiling. Through playful art and simple text, this biography follows her from daring kid to record breaking pilot, e...
- 3
Book 3:I Am Rosa Parks
Brad Meltzer • 2014
This child friendly biography introduces Rosa Parks as a girl who stands up to bullies and unfair rules long before the Montgomery bus boycott. Her story focuses on quiet strength, fairness and the idea that even a sm...
- 4
Book 4:I Am Albert Einstein
Brad Meltzer • 2014
Albert Einstein appears here as a curious, slightly odd kid who cannot stop asking questions. A simple childhood moment with a compass sparks his lifelong fascination with how the world works, encouraging young reader...
- 5
Book 5:I Am Jackie Robinson
Brad Meltzer • 2015
Jackie Robinson tells his own story as a kid who loved sports but hated unfair rules. From childhood games to breaking baseball’s color barrier, the book highlights his courage, restraint and belief that standing up t...
- 6
Book 6:I Am Lucille Ball
Brad Meltzer • 2015
This playful biography presents Lucille Ball as a girl who loves making people laugh, even when adults tell her to be serious. Following her from stage flubs to television fame, it shows how hard work and a willingnes...
- 7
Book 7:I Am Helen Keller
Brad Meltzer • 2015
Told in a warm first person voice, this picture book traces Helen Keller’s journey from a frustrated child who cannot see or hear to a determined student who learns language with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan...
- 8
Book 8:I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.
Brad Meltzer • 2016
Martin Luther King Jr. describes his childhood in the segregated South, his discovery of nonviolent protest and his dream of a fairer America. Simple scenes and gentle humor help young readers grasp big ideas about eq...
- 9
Book 9:I Am George Washington
Brad Meltzer • 2016
From a boy who loved the outdoors to a leader carrying the weight of a new country, George Washington shares his story in kid friendly language. The book touches on honesty, responsibility and the hard choices he face...
- 10
Book 10:I Am Jane Goodall
Brad Meltzer
Use the reading order above to move through the series in the intended sequence.
- 11
Book 11:I Am Jim Henson
Brad Meltzer • 2017
This biography introduces Jim Henson as a creative kid who loved drawing, puppets and making his friends laugh. It follows him through the birth of the Muppets and children’s television, celebrating imagination, colla...
- 12
Book 12:I Am Gandhi
Brad Meltzer • 2017
Told from Mahatma Gandhi’s point of view, this picture book traces his journey from shy student to leader of a nonviolent movement against British rule in India. The focus stays on peaceful protest, moral courage and...
- 13
Book 13:I Am Sacagawea
Brad Meltzer • 2017
Sacagawea tells how she was kidnapped as a child, later joined the Lewis and Clark expedition and helped guide the explorers across unfamiliar land. Written for young readers, her story emphasizes resilience, practica...
- 14
Book 14:I Am Harriet Tubman
Brad Meltzer • 2018
Harriet Tubman recounts her escape from slavery and her brave journeys back into the South to lead others to freedom on the Underground Railroad. The story keeps the focus on bravery, faith and the determination to he...
- 15
Book 15:I Am Neil Armstrong
Brad Meltzer • 2018
From a boy building model airplanes to an astronaut stepping onto the Moon, Neil Armstrong’s life is framed as a series of small, brave steps. This biography highlights curiosity, practice and the teamwork behind one...
- 16
Book 16:I Am Sonia Sotomayor
Brad Meltzer • 2018
Sonia Sotomayor shares how growing up in a Puerto Rican family in the Bronx, managing diabetes and loving books led her toward the law. The book shows her path from neighborhood kid to Supreme Court Justice, stressing...
- 17
Book 17:I Am Billie Jean King
Brad Meltzer • 2019
Billie Jean King tells how a competitive California kid with a borrowed racket became a champion who fought for equal treatment in sports. The story weaves tennis highlights with her push for women’s rights, showing t...
- 18
Book 18:I Am Walt Disney
Brad Meltzer • 2019
Walt Disney appears as a restless boy who loves drawing more than anything. From sketching farm animals to building an animation studio and a theme park, this book focuses on imagination, persistence and learning from...
- 19
Book 19:I Am Marie Curie
Brad Meltzer • 2019
Marie Curie narrates her journey from a curious child in Poland who loved science to a pioneering physicist who discovered new elements. The story simplifies complex ideas, emphasizing hard work, careful experiments a...
- 20
Book 20:I Am Strong
Brad Meltzer • 2019
This sturdy board book introduces toddlers to Rosa Parks as a symbol of quiet strength. Using simple words and bright art, it connects her decision to stay seated on a bus with everyday moments when little readers can...
- 21
Book 21:I Am Unstoppable
Brad Meltzer • 2019
A board book adaptation of the Amelia Earhart biography, this title shows the trailblazing pilot as a determined child who keeps trying new things even after she falls. It encourages very young readers to see persiste...
- 22
Book 22:I Am Brave
Brad Meltzer • 2019
Designed for little hands, this board book uses Martin Luther King Jr.’s story to explain what it means to be brave. Short text and friendly art link his marches and speeches to small, kid sized acts of standing up fo...
- 23
Book 23:I Am Caring
Brad Meltzer • 2019
Centering on Jane Goodall, this board book celebrates caring for animals and the environment. Toddlers see her gentle work with chimpanzees and are invited to practice kindness toward pets, people and the natural worl...
- 24
Book 24:I Am Leonardo da Vinci
Brad Meltzer • 2020
Leonardo da Vinci tells kids about his love of taking things apart, sketching machines and studying nature. The book moves from his childhood experiments to his paintings and inventions, encouraging readers to mix art...
- 25
Book 25:I Am Benjamin Franklin
Brad Meltzer • 2020 • 1 recommendation
From printing apprenticeships to kites in thunderstorms, Benjamin Franklin’s life is presented as one long series of questions and experiments. This biography highlights his inventions, writing and public service whil...
- 26
Book 26:I Am Anne Frank
Brad Meltzer • 2020 • 1 recommendation
Anne Frank recounts her childhood, her family’s decision to hide from the Nazis and her time in the Secret Annex, all in an age appropriate way. The emphasis stays on her love of writing, her hopes for the future and...
- 28
Book 28:I Am Frida Kahlo
Brad Meltzer
Use the reading order above to move through the series in the intended sequence.
- 29
Book 29:I Am I.M. Pei
Brad Meltzer • 2021
Architect I. M. Pei tells how a boy who loved building toy structures grew up to design famous buildings like glass pyramids and striking museums. The story underlines patience, precision and the idea that good design...
- 30
Book 30:I Am Oprah Winfrey
Brad Meltzer
Use the reading order above to move through the series in the intended sequence.
- 31
Book 31:I Am Malala Yousafzai
Brad Meltzer • 2022
Malala Yousafzai shares how she grew up in Pakistan loving school, even when extremists tried to shut classrooms down. The book gently covers the attack that nearly killed her and her recovery, focusing more on her co...
- 32
Book 32:I Am Muhammad Ali
Brad Meltzer • 2022
From a stolen bicycle to Olympic gold and heavyweight titles, Muhammad Ali’s life is told with humor and heart. Young readers see his quick wit, refusal to back down and decision to stand by his beliefs, even when it...
- 33
Book 33:I Am Dolly Parton
Brad Meltzer • 2022
Dolly Parton appears as a girl from the Smoky Mountains who loved singing more than anything. This biography traces her journey to Nashville and beyond while highlighting generosity, creativity and the way she uses he...
- 37
Book 37:I am Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Brad Meltzer • 2024
Ruth Bader Ginsburg recounts how a book loving girl from Brooklyn became a lawyer battling unfair laws and eventually a Supreme Court Justice. The story emphasizes hard work, careful reasoning and her quiet but firm i...
Guru Endorsements
Thought Leaders Who Read This Series
Quick Answers
Ordinary People Change The World FAQ
What is the best order to read the Ordinary People Change The World series?
The recommended reading order is the numbered order shown on this page, starting with I Am Abraham Lincoln.
How many books are in the Ordinary People Change The World series?
There are 33 books currently listed in the Ordinary People Change The World series on GurusReads.
Where should I start with the Ordinary People Change The World series?
New readers should start with I Am Abraham Lincoln, the first book in the reading order.
Is the Ordinary People Change The World series complete?
Based on the publication years we have, the series appears possibly ongoing and spans releases from 2014 to 2024.