Read Who Was Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on April 3, 2026
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The Who Was? book series has become a beloved staple in children’s literature, captivating young readers with its engaging blend of biography, storytelling, and historical context. Designed for readers aged 8 to 12, the series presents the lives of influential figures-ranging from historical leaders and inventors to entertainers and cultural icons-in a way that is both accessible and compelling. Unlike traditional biographies, which can sometimes feel dry or academic, Who Was? books bring characters to life with vivid narratives, anecdotes, and illustrations that make history tangible. This series not only educates but also inspires, encouraging children to explore the stories of people who have shaped the world around them.
Contents
List Of Who Was Books In Order
| Who Was George Washington? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was Abraham Lincoln? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was Leonardo da Vinci? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was Joan of Arc? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was Albert Einstein? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was Marie Curie? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was Christopher Columbus? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was Benjamin Franklin? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was William Shakespeare? (2002) | Details |
| Who Was Harriet Tubman? (2003) | Details |
More On Who Was Books In Chronological Order
1. Who Was George Washington? (2002)
This was the first book in the Who Was? series, and it’s all about the man who became America’s first president, George Washington. It takes you through his journey from his early life, growing up in Virginia, to leading the Continental Army and ultimately helping shape the nation. The book sheds light on his leadership, his character, and the monumental challenges he faced while forming a new country. It’s an inspiring start to the series!
2. Who Was Abraham Lincoln? (2002)
Abraham Lincoln is a towering figure in American history, and this book dives into his remarkable life. It covers his humble beginnings in a log cabin, his self-education, and his rise to become one of the most revered U.S. presidents. The book doesn’t shy away from the struggles Lincoln faced, especially during the Civil War, and how he navigated those difficult years, ultimately freeing the slaves and preserving the Union. A truly transformative figure!
3. Who Was Leonardo da Vinci? (2002)
Leonardo da Vinci was not just a painter, he was a visionary-an inventor, scientist, and mathematician! This book takes you into his world where art meets science. From his famous works like the Mona Lisa to his incredible sketches of flying machines, the book highlights how da Vinci was centuries ahead of his time. It also explores his curious nature, how he questioned everything, and his genius mind that combined so many different fields of knowledge.
4. Who Was Joan of Arc? (2002)
Joan of Arc, the young French peasant girl who led an army and changed the course of history, is the subject of this book. It tells the story of how she believed she was divinely chosen to lead France to victory during the Hundred Years’ War. Her bravery, determination, and deep faith in her cause shine through. This book offers a glimpse into her short but incredible life, one that still inspires people around the world today.
5. Who Was Albert Einstein? (2002)
Albert Einstein is arguably one of the most well-known scientists in history, and this book takes you through his life from his quirky childhood to his world-changing theories. You’ll get a peek into his life in Germany, his escape to America, and of course, his revolutionary ideas like E=mc^2. The book does an amazing job of showing how Einstein’s curiosity and imagination led him to become a pioneer in modern physics, and how his legacy still affects our world.
6. Who Was Marie Curie? (2002)
Marie Curie, a trailblazer for women in science, is the subject of this book. It covers her incredible journey from growing up in Poland to becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. It also dives into her groundbreaking work in radioactivity and how her discoveries changed the field of science forever. Marie Curie faced many obstacles, but her perseverance, dedication, and love of science made her an icon.
7. Who Was Christopher Columbus? (2002)
Christopher Columbus is famous for ’discovering’ America (although, of course, it was already inhabited!), and this book explores his life and voyages across the Atlantic. It covers his early life in Italy, his determination to find a new route to Asia, and his eventual journeys that brought him to the Americas. The book also looks at the controversy surrounding his legacy, giving a balanced view of both his achievements and the challenges they brought.
8. Who Was Benjamin Franklin? (2002)
Benjamin Franklin was the quintessential Renaissance man, and this book showcases just how much he achieved. From founding the first American library to his experiments with electricity, Franklin was involved in so many fields-science, politics, philosophy, and diplomacy. The book highlights his wit, his inventions, and his contributions to American independence. It’s a fun read that shows how Franklin’s curiosity and inventiveness helped shape the world we know today.
9. Who Was William Shakespeare? (2002)
William Shakespeare’s works have influenced countless generations, and this book helps us understand the man behind the masterpieces. It covers his life in England, his time writing plays and poetry, and how he became one of the most famous writers in history. The book delves into his plays, like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, and how his works continue to impact literature and theater even today. It’s a fantastic read for anyone curious about the Bard!
10. Who Was Harriet Tubman? (2003)
Harriet Tubman’s story is nothing short of heroic. This book highlights her incredible bravery in escaping slavery and then dedicating her life to helping others do the same via the Underground Railroad. The book explores her early life in slavery, her daring missions, and her role in the Civil War. It also sheds light on her later work as a nurse and a suffragist. Harriet Tubman’s life was filled with courage, determination, and compassion.
Background On Who Was Books
The Who Was? series is published by Penguin Workshop and has gained widespread acclaim for its unique approach to biography. Each book is carefully crafted to introduce a historical or contemporary figure in a format that is digestible for young readers. The series covers a staggering range of personalities, from U.S. presidents like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington to cultural icons such as Beyoncé and Walt Disney.
What sets the Who Was? series apart is its combination of simplicity and depth. The text is straightforward and easy to follow, but it never underestimates the intelligence of its readers. Illustrations, sidebars, timelines, and fun facts are seamlessly woven into the narrative, helping children contextualize the life story and understand the historical era in which the individual lived. This design transforms learning into an interactive experience, making history feel alive rather than confined to dates and names in a textbook.
Reading Order Explained
One of the most appealing aspects of the Who Was? series is its flexibility in reading order. The books are not sequential in the way a novel series might be; instead, each title stands alone. Children can start with any figure that sparks their curiosity-whether it’s Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, or Steve Jobs-without needing prior knowledge from other books in the series.
That said, there are thematic groupings within the series. For example, readers interested in political leaders can choose to explore multiple U.S. presidents, while those fascinated by artists or athletes can follow related titles within that category. Some educators even recommend reading the books alongside history or social studies curricula, using the series as a supplement to better understand significant historical periods. While there isn’t a strict “must-read order”, exploring books thematically or chronologically by the subjects’ lifetimes can provide a richer, more cohesive experience.
What I Like About The Series?
The charm of the Who Was? series lies in its ability to make learning feel like an adventure. Personally, I appreciate several aspects of the books:
- Narrative Style: The books strike a perfect balance between storytelling and factual information. They read like stories, yet every anecdote serves to illuminate the life and character of the individual.
- Illustrations and Layout: The illustrations break up text-heavy sections, making complex concepts or historical events more understandable and visually engaging for young readers.
- Accessibility: The series makes biographies approachable for children who might struggle with longer, denser historical texts. Its clear language encourages independent reading while fostering curiosity about history, science, and culture.
- Diversity of Subjects: The series introduces readers to a wide range of people from various backgrounds, professions, and time periods. This diversity encourages empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of global perspective.
- Inspirational Value: Many of the figures in the series overcame incredible obstacles or made groundbreaking contributions to society. Reading about their resilience, creativity, and perseverance can inspire children to pursue their own passions.
Should You Read Who Was Books In Order?
Given that each book is a standalone biography, there is no strict necessity to read them in order. In fact, the series’ design encourages readers to choose topics based on their personal interests, which can make reading feel more engaging and self-directed. However, for readers or educators who prefer structure, there are benefits to a more organized approach:
- Chronological Reading: Following the historical timeline of notable figures can help children understand the progression of history and the interplay between different events and individuals.
- Thematic Reading: Grouping books by category-such as inventors, leaders, artists, or activists-can deepen understanding of a particular field or historical movement.
- School or Curriculum Integration: Reading in order of relevance to classroom topics can enhance comprehension and retention.
Ultimately, the series’ greatest strength is its flexibility. Whether read randomly or strategically, the books provide valuable insights and encourage lifelong curiosity.