Beyoncé: A Who Was? Illustrated Biography (Who Was? Illustrated Biographies)
Who Was? Illustrated Biographies Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This full–color Who Was? Illustrated Biography follows Beyoncé Knowles-Carter from her Houston childhood through global superstardom. Readers watch her overcome stage fright, form Destiny’s Child, launch an award-winning solo career, and use her platform for social justice and philanthropy. The book balances exciting career milestones—Grammy wins, the historic 2018 Coachella performance—with personal moments of family, creativity, and resilience, giving middle-grade readers an inspiring portrait of modern musical royalty.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Beyonce Giselle Knowles
Kelendria "Kelly" Rowland
Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter
Celestine "Tina" Knowles-Lawson
Mathew Knowles
Discussion points
What obstacles did Beyoncé overcome and how?
How does Beyoncé use her success to help others?
Which performance or song from the book interested you most and why?
How did family support influence her journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Play age-appropriate Beyoncé songs after reading a chapter to connect text to real music and prompt conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Beyoncé keeps practicing after early losses like Star Search.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist after school setbacks or sports defeats.
Example Lesson: Use talents to uplift others
Explanation: She funds scholarships and disaster relief.
Real-World Application: Kids can volunteer or help classmates with their skills.
Example Lesson: Value teamwork
Explanation: Destiny’s Child succeeds through collaboration.
Real-World Application: Encourages cooperative projects and group study habits.
Example Lesson: Stay true to your identity
Explanation: Albums celebrate her Southern and Black heritage.
Real-World Application: Children appreciate and express their own backgrounds.