Memoirs / Autobiographies

Some Assembly Required: the Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen

Some Assembly Required: the Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen

By Arin Andrews

This memoir follows Arin through his adolescence as he comes out as transgender, falls in love, and grows up. Find it in the catalog.

Elena Vanishing

Elena Vanishing

By By Elena Dunkle

Elena was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa at seventeen years old. This memoir follows her struggle with her eating disorder and the ups and downs of her treatment. Find it in the catalog.

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

By Ishmael Beah

Beah recounts the story of how he became a child soldier in Sierra Leone and his eventual escape to the United States. Find it in the catalog.

I Am Malala

I Am Malala

By Malala Yousafzai

In October 2012, Malala was shot at point-blank range by the Taliban for standing up for her right to an education. After her miraculous recovery, she continues to champion for the rights of girls worldwide. Find it in the catalog.

Laughing at my Nightmare

Laughing at my Nightmare

By Shane Burcaw

Shane was born with spinal muscular atrophy, which has confined him to a wheelchair for his entire life. Written when he was twenty-one years old, this memoir captures moments and experiences throughout Shane’s life with humor and positivity. Find it in the catalog.

IraqiGirl: Diary of a Teen Girl in Iraq

IraqiGirl: Diary of a Teen Girl in Iraq

By IraqiGirl

Hadiya is a teen blogger who writes about her life in Iraq. Find it the catalog.

A List of Things That Didn't Kill Me

A List of Things That Didn’t Kill Me

By Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki

Every summer, Rose and Windy meet up during their annual summer trip to Awago Beach. But this year, Rose’s parents are fighting more than usual, and Rose and Windy find even more drama as they search for a distraction. Find it in the catalog.

UnSlut: A Diary and a Memoir

UnSlut: A Diary & a Memoir

By Emily Lindin

When she was eleven years old, Emily was constantly called a “slut” by her classmates. This book is her childhood diary, now published with comments and notes from the author as an adult. Find it in the catalog.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

By Malcolm X

In this autobiography, Malcolm X describes how he became one of the most controversial and influential figures of the twentieth century. Find it in the catalog.

This Star Won't Go Out

This Star Won’t Go Out

By Esther Earl

Through letters, stories, and journals, this memoir tells the story of Esther Earl, a young girl with cancer. Find it in the catalog.

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance

By Simone Biles

With nineteen Olympic medals to her name, 20-year-old Simone Biles is a gymnastics superstar. This memoir chronicles Simone’s start as a gymnast and the challenges she faced along the way. Find it in the catalog.