Barbara Kramer

  • 15

    Catalog books

  • 14

    Works

  • 1995 to 2019

    Strongest span

Who This Author Is

Barbara Kramer writes concise, accessible biographies and profiles aimed at young readers. Her titles present notable figures from literature, sports, science, film and activism—offering clear narratives, key milestones and engaging context that help readers connect with each subject’s life and accomplishments.

Across series such as People to Know and Countdown to Space, Kramer balances factual detail with readable storytelling. Her work ranges from short, focused portraits like Amy Tan and Sally Ride to longer treatments such as Nampeyo and Her Pottery, designed to introduce readers to influential lives and creative achievements.

Best Place To Start

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Biographical books for young readers • Profiles of notable figures • Clear, chronological storytelling

Genres and themes: Biography • Children's nonfiction • Historical figures • Inspirational lives

Who this author is best for: Good for curious young readers and classroom use—readable bios that introduce notable people and their achievements.

Start with a single short biography that matches the reader's interest (e.g., a scientist, artist, or athlete) and move on from there.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Alice Walker: Author of the Color Purple (People to Know)

    Enslow Pub Inc • 1995 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1995 • 128 pages.

  2. Tipper Gore: Activist, Author, Photographer (People to Know)

    Enslow Pub Inc • 1999 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1999 • 112 pages.

  3. John Glenn: A Space Biography (Countdown to Space)

    Enslow Pub Inc • 1998 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1998 • 48 pages.

  4. Ron Howard: Child Star & Hollywood Director (People to Know)

    Enslow Pub Inc • 1998 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1998 • 112 pages.

  5. Sally Ride: A Space Biography (Countdown to Space)

    Enslow Pub Inc • 1998 • quick commitment

    You teach middle-school science and want a short Sally Ride classroom biography | You collect illustrated astronaut biog…

  6. Amy Tan: Author of the Joy Luck Club (People to Know)

    Enslow Pub Inc • 1996 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1996 • 112 pages.

  7. Nampeyo and Her Pottery

    Univ of New Mexico Pr • 1996 • standard commitment

    It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.

  8. Toni Morrison: Nobel Prize-Winning Author (African-American Biographies)

    Enslow Pub Inc • 1996 • quick commitment

    You want a short biographical overview of Toni Morrison’s Nobel Prize recognition | You need a classroom-friendly profil…

  9. Ken Griffey Junior: All-Around All-Star (The Achievers)

    Lerner Pub Group • 1996 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1996 • 64 pages.

  10. Toni Morrison

    Enslow Publishing, LLC • 2013 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 2013.

How The Picks Compare

  • Tipper Gore: Activist, Author, Photographer (People to Know) is the easier short commitment, while Alice Walker: Author of the Color Purple (People to Know) asks for more reading time up front.
  • Alice Walker: Author of the Color Purple (People to Know) gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while Tipper Gore: Activist, Author, Photographer (People to Know) leans later in the catalog.

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