A memoir is a type of nonfiction book or writing. The word comes from "mémoire," which means memory in French.
In a memoir... wait for it... the author shares their memories! They remember experiences from a certain period in their life. Often, the author observed or played a role in a historical event.
What's the difference between a memoir and an autobiography? Britannica Library says "the memoir focuses on events and other people instead of concentrating only on the life of the writer." But as with all Reading Challenge categories, it's open to your interpretation!
Boy from Buchenwald by Robert Waisman with Susan McClelland
The powerful story of Holocaust survivor Robbie Waisman, who was 14 when he was freed from a concentration camp.
Dreamer by Akim Aliu, Greg Anderson Elyseé, Karen de la Vega and Marcus Williams
In this graphic novel, Akim Aliu shares his experiences as the only Black kid on his high school hockey team.
Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and Liz Amini-Holmes
Olemaun was determined to learn to read, even though it meant leaving her home in the high Arctic.
Freddie the Flyer by Fred Carmichael, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail and Audrea Loreen-Wulf
Since he was little, Fred Carmichael dreamed of flying airplanes. He became the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic, and even got an airport named after him.
How I Survived Four Nights on the Ice by Serapio Ittusardjuat and Matthew K. Hoddy
Serapio's snowmobile broke down on a trip back from a fishing camp. Trapped on the Arctic sea ice, he used traditional skills and knowledge to survive.
The Stone Thrower by Jael Ealey Richardson and Matt James
Author Jael Richardson tells the inspirational story of her dad, football player Chuck Ealey.