Some of the most heartening and inspirational stories are to be found in real life.

And there is a lot to be learnt from the trailblazing achievements of history’s most renowned and respected figures. But how did these inspirational figures reach their goals and what prompted them to act the ways they did?

Picture book biographies peel back history and bring to life the true stories of iconic figures for a younger generation of readers. Crossing nationalities, careers and cultures, people including Nelson Mandela and Amelia Earhart have overcome all sorts of obstacles to realise their dreams.

Here are 10 of the most inspiring picture book biographies for young readers to read and savour:

Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter

Wangari Maathai, is credited with planting over 30 million trees in Kenya. Wangari spent six years studying in America, only to return to Kenya to find a wasteland and her beloved trees gone. She started a programme to reintroduce Kenya’s trees to the land, which grew from starting in her garden, to covering the whole of Kenya. Her incredible life which culminated in her winning a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 is told here in breathtaking detail.

Just Being Audrey Margaret Cardillo and Julia Denos

Discover the inspirational woman behind the camera in this book about Audrey Hepburn’s life and charity work. As well as exploring her work on classic films including Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this picture book by Margaret Cardillo and Julia Denos follows Audrey’s childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe and her work in Africa as a Unicef ambassador. This is a great way to introduce this iconic screen legend to a younger audience and her dedication to helping and empowering others.

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words by Karen Leggett Abouraya and LC Wheatley

The iconic story of Malala Yousafzai’s story is a testament to bravery and the importance of believing in yourself that is told here with the aim of educating a younger audience about the importance of education and the power of words. A voice of a generation and an inspiration to teenagers across the globe, this picture book bring’s Malala’s commitment to fairness and equality for all to a whole new generation of readers.

Long Walk to Freedom abridged by Chris van Wyk and illustrated by Paddy Bouma

The biography of the 20th centuries most famous activists is re–told for children by Chris van Wyk. Paddy Bouma’s illustrations capture the vibrancy of life in South Africa. A great book to introduce the countries first back president to younger readers.

Amelia to Zora by Cynthia Chin-Lee and illustreated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy

You get 26 true tales of 26 pioneering women who sought to change the world around them here. From Amelia Earhart – the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic – to Zora Neale Hurston, a trail blazing author, this is a book that celebrates the achievements of 26 women who made their unique marks on history.

Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford

From Pulitzer Prize winning author Robert Coles, this is the true story of six–year–old Ruby Bridges, who defied protesters to enter a segregated, all–white school in 1960. This is a story of defiance and strength of sprit brilliantly brought to life with delicate watercolours by George Ford and Coles’ touching story–telling.

Anne Frank by Josephine Poole and Angela Barrett

This sensitively illustrated picture book follows the story of Anne Frank, her persecution at the hand of Nazi Germany and her infamous diary. However, rather than starting the story with Anne and her families decision to hide in an annex, we are taken back to Anne’s early childhood, giving us insight into her life as a normal, happy child. Follow her heartbreaking story from beginning to end in this sensitive and delicate book that brings the human cost of the holocaust to life.

Girls Think of Everything by Catherine Thimmesh and Melissa Sweet

Did you know that some of the world’s most ingenuous inventions were thought of by women? Catherine Thimmesh’s book lifts the lid of some of histories unsung, female inventors. From Mary Anderson, who invented the windshield wiper to Ruth Wakefield who invented the first chocolate chip cookie, it also features young inventors including 10-year-old Becky Schroeder, who became the youngest woman to secure a patent in American history. The book is while being beautifully illustrated throughout by Melissa Sweet.

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson

This is the true story of Henry Brown, a boy who is born into slavery in the American South. Forced to work in a warehouse, he has an idea: to mail himself to the North where he can be free. This touching story about determination and the strength of the human sprit is captured with a heartwarming sincerity.

Little People, Big Dreams: Frida Kahlo by Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Gee Fang Eng

This book is one of four in the “little people big dreams” series by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, released this year. The other editions cover the extraordinary lives of fashion icon Coco Chanel, writer Maya Angelo and pilot Amelia Earhart. This kooky volume is a quirky take on artist Frida Kahlo’s life, that took her from ordinary child to extraordinary artist. Starting with her early childhood and her early dreams of becoming a doctor that were then ended with an unfortunate accident, Kahlo refused to give up and started painting from her bedside. Expect lots of vibrant colours and sweet, cartoon style drawings, the book also comes with facts about her life at the back.

Have we missed your favourite picture book biography off the list? Let us know via twitter @GdnChildrensBks or by email childrens.books@theguardian.com and we’ll add them to this blog.