You’ve seen them—those iconic bobble-headed figures on the covers, lining the shelves of bookstores and libraries. But turning a stack of individual titles into a cohesive who was book set can feel daunting. Do you buy a pre-packaged box, or curate your own? How do you connect the stories of scientists, presidents, and artists into a learning journey that actually sticks? The goal isn’t just to collect books; it’s to build a library that sparks a genuine, lasting curiosity about history.
This guide provides a practical framework for doing just that. We’ll move beyond simply buying the books and focus on how to strategically build and use a who was book set to unlock a deeper understanding of the world for your young reader.
At a Glance: Building Your Collection
- Understand the “Why”: Learn what makes the Who Was? format uniquely effective for readers in grades 3-7.
- Curate with Purpose: Get strategies for selecting books based on a child’s interests, from U.S. Presidents to trailblazing artists.
- Boxed Set vs. DIY: Weigh the pros and cons of buying pre-packaged sets versus building a custom collection.
- Create Thematic Journeys: Discover how to group books to create mini-courses on topics like the American Revolution or the Space Race.
- Go Beyond the Pages: Learn to use the series’ built-in tools—timelines, sidebars, and bibliographies—to deepen comprehension.
The Anatomy of a Who Was? Biography
Before building a set, it’s crucial to understand what makes each book tick. These aren’t just simplified histories; they are engineered for a specific developmental stage. Aimed at readers aged 8-12, each 112-page book hits the sweet spot between picture books and dense nonfiction. The design acknowledges that a third-grader can handle complex ideas but still benefits from visual aids and a clear, linear narrative.
Every book in the series follows a consistent structure:
- Engaging Narrative: The story focuses on the person’s life, including their childhood struggles, key achievements, and lasting impact. The biography of Frederick Douglass, for example, doesn’t just list facts; it tells the powerful story of his secret journey to literacy and his escape from slavery.
- Rich Illustrations: Over 100 black-and-white illustrations and maps break up the text, helping readers visualize historical settings, key events, and the people involved.
- Contextual Sidebars: Two-page spreads dive deeper into related topics. A book on an astronaut might have a sidebar explaining the physics of liftoff; one on a president might explain the branches of government. This builds a web of knowledge around the central figure.
- Timelines: A clear timeline places the person’s life in the context of world events, helping readers understand cause and effect.
This thoughtful structure is the foundation of the series’ success. If you’re looking for a broader overview of the collection’s educational philosophy and full range of titles, you can Learn about the Who Was series and its approach to making history accessible.
How to Curate Your First Who Was Book Set
The sheer number of titles can be overwhelming. Instead of grabbing books at random, a little planning can turn a simple collection into a powerful educational tool. The best approach is to start with your reader’s existing interests and build from there.
Start with a Spark: The “Anchor Book” Method
Choose one “anchor” book based on a topic your child already loves. This becomes the nucleus of your first mini-set.
- Loves space? Start with Who Was Neil Armstrong?.
- Fascinated by presidents? Begin with Who Was Abraham Lincoln?.
- A budding artist? Try Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?.
From that anchor, you can branch out. Let’s say your anchor is Neil Armstrong. Your next selections could build a “Space Race” themed set:
- The Leader: Who Was John F. Kennedy? (He set the goal of landing on the Moon).
- The Scientist: Who Was Albert Einstein? (His theories laid the groundwork for modern physics).
- The Pioneer: Who Was Amelia Earhart? (Connects to the broader theme of aviation and exploration).
This method transforms a collection of books into a narrative, showing how different people and ideas connect across history.
Thematic Sets: Creating Mini-Courses for Young Readers
Grouping books by theme is the most effective way to use a who was book set. It helps readers see the bigger picture and understand that history isn’t just a series of disconnected events.
Here are a few sample thematic sets you can build:
| Thematic Set Name | Core Books | Learning Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Founding of America | George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Sojourner Truth | Understand the key figures and conflicting ideals present during the birth of the United States. |
| Inventors & Visionaries | Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs | Explore how creativity, science, and business intersect to change the world. |
| Voices for Change | Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Anne Frank, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller | Discover the different ways individuals have fought for justice, equality, and human rights. |
| World Explorers | Marco Polo, Ferdinand Magellan, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong | Trace the evolution of exploration, from navigating the seas to venturing into space. |
| When you present books as a thematic set, you encourage comparative thinking. After reading about both George Washington and Martin Luther King Jr., a child can have a much richer discussion about what it means to be a leader. |
Boxed Sets vs. DIY Curation: Which Path Is Right for You?
The publisher, Penguin Workshop, offers pre-packaged boxed sets, which can be a great starting point. But should you buy one of those or build your own? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.
Who Was? Pre-Packaged Boxed Sets
- Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Often cheaper per book than buying individually.
- Gift-Ready: Beautifully packaged and perfect for birthdays or holidays.
- Curated Themes: Sets are often built around logical themes like “U.S. Presidents” or “Incredible Inventors.”
- Cons:
- Less Flexibility: You might get a book or two your child has no interest in.
- Potential for Duplicates: If you already own a few titles, you might end up with copies.
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Who Was Book Set - Pros:
- Fully Customized: Every book is hand-picked to match your child’s specific interests and school curriculum.
- Grows Organically: You can add books one at a time, making it a more manageable investment.
- Perfect for Gaps: Ideal for supplementing a school topic or exploring a newfound passion.
- Cons:
- Potentially Higher Cost: Buying books individually can be more expensive.
- Requires More Effort: You have to do the research and make the selections yourself.
Decision Tree: - If you are starting from scratch and want a solid foundation on a broad topic… a boxed set is an excellent choice.
- If your child has a very specific passion (like marine biology or classical music)… a DIY set will serve them better.
- If you are a teacher building a classroom library… a mix of both can provide a broad base (boxed sets) plus targeted titles for specific units (DIY).
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Are the books historically accurate?
Yes, the series is well-regarded for its historical accuracy. The authors distill complex lives and events into a digestible format for young readers without sacrificing the core facts. The inclusion of a bibliography in each book encourages those who are interested to explore source materials further.
Why do the figures have such large heads on the covers?
The caricature-style “bobble-head” illustrations are a signature part of the series’ branding. This playful art style makes historical figures seem more approachable and less intimidating to young readers. It signals that the book will be fun and engaging, not a dry, textbook-like experience.
What reading level is the Who Was book set for?
The books are generally geared toward ages 8-12, which corresponds to U.S. grades 3 through 7. They are considered transitional chapter books, perfect for kids who have moved beyond early readers but aren’t quite ready for young adult nonfiction. The consistent format and 112-page length make them predictable and confidence-building.
Are the books only about famous Americans?
No, while there is a strong focus on significant figures in U.S. history, the series is global in scope. You’ll find biographies on individuals like Marco Polo (Italian explorer), William Shakespeare (English playwright), Leonardo da Vinci (Italian artist and inventor), and Anne Frank (German-Dutch diarist). This provides a wonderful opportunity to build sets that compare and contrast figures from different cultures and time periods.
Your First Step to Building a Better Library
Don’t just collect titles; curate a journey. The next time you’re looking to add to your child’s library, think thematically. Instead of asking “Which Who Was? book should I buy?” ask “Which story will connect with the book we just finished?”
Start small. Pick one anchor book based on a genuine interest. Read it together. Use the timeline to talk about what else was happening in the world. Then, choose the next book to answer a question that came up. Was your child fascinated by Abraham Lincoln’s friendship with Frederick Douglass? Make Douglass’s biography the next read. By following curiosity, you’re not just giving them facts—you’re teaching them how to learn. A well-chosen who was book set becomes more than a collection; it becomes a map of history, with each book a new path to explore.
