English language teaching (ELT) textbooks, especially reading textbooks, often include biographical reading passages (Tomas, Kostka, and Mott-Smith 2013) with accompanying pre-reading questions, post-reading comprehension questions, vocabulary exercises, and prompts for writing or discussion. Teachers often begin reading lessons by providing background information, vocabulary instruction, and pre-reading activities. Students then read the textbook passage and answer comprehension questions. Unfortunately, lessons built solely on these routines frequently resemble reading-comprehension test-preparation activities. With relatively little effort on the part of the teacher, however, biography-based reading lessons can become more engaging, foster deeper understanding of the text, and provide valuable language practice with speaking, listening, and writing--in addition to reading. This article shows how stand-alone biographies, like those found in English-language textbooks, can be enhanced with integrated-skills practice. The article details how to build content-based units of instruction around biographies, and it describes courses developed around a series of biography-focused units. Sample activities and resource materials are shared as well.