What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedWho Was/Is . . . ?
Jim Gigliotti and others; various illustrators · Book
If you loved Who Was/Is . . . ?, start with Biography (1987) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Who Was/Is . . . ? across media.
What hooked you in Who Was/Is . . . ? was the way legendary lives become relatable stories of personal growth and discovery.
Films on the same thread
Kiki's Delivery Service
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1989
Explores: Finding your place, Self-discovery, Female empowerment.
Just as Who Was/Is . . . ? highlights the formative years of historical figures, this film captures the intimate, challenging journey of a young witch finding her unique identity.
Hidden Figures
Film · 2016
Explores: Racial segregation, Women in STEM, Gender equality.
If you appreciated the focus on real-world impact found in Who Was/Is . . . ?, you will value this biographical drama that honors the brilliant minds behind historic NASA achievements.
Whisper of the Heart
Yoshifumi Kondo · Film · 1995
Explores: First Love, Following Your Dreams, Self-Discovery.
Like the inspirational life stories in Who Was/Is . . . ?, this narrative focuses on the personal dedication required to pursue one's creative passion and define a meaningful future.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Film · 2001
Explores: good vs evil, orphaned protagonist, self-discovery.
Much like the subjects in Who Was/Is . . . ?, Harry discovers his own extraordinary potential, proving that even an ordinary life can lead to an incredible, world-changing destiny.
Series on the same thread
Biography
Series · 1987
Shares a thread with Who Was/Is . . . ?: Historical Figures.
If you enjoy the concise, informative profiles in Who Was/Is . . . ?, this documentary series expands on that format by providing deeper looks into the lives of influential people.
Who Do You Think You Are?
Alex Graham · Series · 2010
Explores: Ancestry, Self-Discovery, Family Secrets.
While Who Was/Is . . . ? explores legendary lives, this show turns the focus to your own curiosity about heritage by tracing the personal, historical roots of famous individuals.
American Masters
Susan Lacy · Series · 1986
Explores: American Culture, Artistic Achievement, Historical Impact.
Fans of the educational tone in Who Was/Is . . . ? will find these detailed portraits of artists and thinkers to be a natural step forward in their biographical exploration.
Bill Nye the Science Guy
Bill Nye · Series · 1993
Explores: Scientific Method, Hands-on Learning, Science Communication.
You value the accessible, educational spirit of Who Was/Is . . . ?, and this series mirrors that commitment to making complex subjects engaging and understandable for a curious audience.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe · Podcast · 2026
Explores: untold historical anecdotes, curiosity-driven learning, American cultural history.
Like the quick, memorable snapshots in Who Was/Is . . . ?, this podcast delivers bite-sized historical anecdotes that highlight the fascinating details behind the lives of influential, often obscure, figures.
How I Built This with Guy Raz
Guy Raz | Wondery · Podcast · 2026
Explores: failure and resilience, innovation processes, corporate origin stories.
If the human element of success in Who Was/Is . . . ? interests you, this podcast provides an intimate look at the resilience and failures that define great entrepreneurial lives.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What age group is Who Was/Is . . . ? written for?
The Who Was/Is . . . ? biography series is specifically designed for readers between the ages of 8 and 11. The content and reading level are curated to ensure these legendary lives are accessible and engaging for children within this developmental range.
What is the primary focus of the Who Was/Is . . . ? series?
The primary focus of Who Was/Is . . . ? is to provide biographies that unlock the stories of legendary lives. Each book in the series aims to educate readers about significant historical figures through detailed accounts of their personal and professional journeys.
Who is responsible for creating the Who Was/Is . . . ? books?
The Who Was/Is . . . ? series is a collaborative effort featuring writing by Jim Gigliotti and various other authors. The biographical narratives are further complemented by work from a variety of illustrators who contribute to the visual presentation of these historical accounts.
Is Who Was/Is . . . ? a series of biographies?
Yes, Who Was/Is . . . ? is a collection of biographical books. Each volume concentrates on a different legendary figure, offering readers a factual look at their life and impact. The series is structured to help young readers explore history through the lens of individual achievements.