Gateway Biographies
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Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson
From Wrestler to Hollywood Hero
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson first became famous as a wrestling superstar, but he's become much more than his wrestling persona. Now a leading actor in movies and television, Johnson had humble beginnings in California. His interest in sports led him to football, where he became a top player in high school and college. Johnson thought he was destined to play professionally, but an injury sidelined that dream and led him into the wrestling ring instead. He followed in his father's and grandfather's wrestling footsteps and became "The Rock"—a world famous wrestling persona.
From there, Johnson crossed over into acting, where he was a natural star. He became famous in the acting world for his roles in the movie franchises The Mummy and Fast & Furious. He's a huge action star and has also tried out comedy and animated roles. Johnson even conquered television and became especially well known for his role in Ballers. Find out more about Johnson's incredible life, his wrestling heritage, and his ability to capture the attention of fans around the world.
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Iconic Supreme Court Justice
by James Roland
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Delve into the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman justice appointed to the US Supreme Court. Ginsburg endured great adversity-from anti-Semitism to gender discrimination-to achieve her Supreme Court appointment. Follow her journey to Supreme Court Justice, and learn how she became a national spokesperson for treating people equally under the law. This revised edition uses primary and secondary sources, including quotes and childhood stories, to reflect on the experiences and accomplishments of one of the United States's most influential people. A detailed timeline and further information section make this title a valuable resource for young readers eager to learn about this iconic figure.
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(1)
Muhammad Ali
The Greatest
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Muhammad Ali was known for his battles in the boxing ring as well as his achievements outside of it. Follow his journey from amateur to heavyweight champion, and learn how he advocated for peace and justice as an activist.
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(1)
David Karp
The Mastermind behind Tumblr
by Karen Latchana Kenney
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
What's more popular than Tumblr? This microblogging site has taken the Web by storm since its founding in 2007. Not much can top it when it comes to capturing its fans' imaginations, except for perhaps its creator, David Karp. Karp developed Tumblr after he tried to start a blog and found the process daunting. With most platforms, a blogger faces a huge, empty text box that begs to be filled with words. It was intimidating for a guy who'd never blogged before. Karp had the idea for tumblelogging-creating short blog posts-and built Tumblr as a platform. It lets users easily post both text and images, making Tumblr highly visual and expressive. Creating a different way to blog came naturally to Karp, who never does things by the book. At fifteen, he dropped out of school. At seventeen, he moved to Tokyo, holing up with a computer and fine-tuning his tech skills. He returned to the states to build a business-but to do that, he stretched the truth. He used a deep voice on the phone with potential clients so they wouldn't guess how young he was. He didn't tell anyone how little experience he had. Yet people could see he had a good thing going with Tumblr. The company quickly found support and grew into what it is today: a groundbreaking site for connection and creation. And as the mastermind behind it, Karp is sure to remain a figure to watch.
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(13)
John Green
Star Author, Vlogbrother, and Nerdfighter
by Eric Braun
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On June 2, 2014, more than 1,200 fans wildly cheered the arrival of author John Green at the premiere of The Fault in Our Stars-the blockbuster movie based on his young adult novel of the same name. While he did not write the screenplay or have a starring role in the movie, John commanded just as much star power as the film's talented actors. The Fault in Our Stars book-John's fifth novel-sold more than 7 million copies, and John landed a coveted spot on Time magazine's 2014 list of the 100 Most Influential People. Even before The Fault in Our Stars made John a household name, he had built up an enormous following among teens. In 2007, after penning his first two YA novels, he cofounded the YouTube channel Vlogbrothers with his brother, Hank Green. The brothers began posting videoblogs as a communications experiment-and soon, they found themselves interacting with legions of fans who call themselves Nerdfighters. The channel grew in popularity and now has more than 2 million followers. Follow John's journey from shy student to powerhouse social media engager and best-selling YA author. Learn how he turned quirkiness and talent into a winning formula that has earned him millions of fans around the world.
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Pope Francis
First Pope from the Americas
by Stephanie Watson
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On March 19, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina became Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. His election to the papacy was notable in many ways. He became the first pope from the Americas, the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years, the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope to choose the name Francis. Pope Francis was not the person that most people expected to ascend to the papacy when Pope Benedict XVI resigned from the role in late February 2013. While serving as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cardinal Bergoglio was known for his dedication to helping the poor and admired for his modest lifestyle. After his inauguration, Pope Francis retained many of his humble ways. People around the globe eagerly watch to see what changes he might bring about in the Catholic Church. Follow Pope Francis's journey to the papacy, from his days as a young chemist to his studies of theology. Learn more about his beliefs and hobbiesincluding his interests in soccer and tango dancing. Find out the true story behind the man who became the 266th pope.
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Joe Biden
From Scranton to the White House
by Heather E. Schwartz
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Former Vice President Joe Biden played an essential role in the Obama administration. Follow his career from Delaware's longest-serving senator to his race back to the White House.
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King Charles III
Claiming the British Crown
by Mari Bolte
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
As the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Charles was named heir to the British throne in 1969. When his mother died in 2022 after a seventy-year reign, Charles became the oldest person in history to take the crown. Known as the hardest-working royal, Charles spent his years as heir making an impact and speaking out on many issues. He has always voiced his opinion on political matters, and he took a great interest in environmentalism long before it was a popular issue.
Despite his activism and public service, Charles often found his personal life, including his divorce from Princess Diana and his decades-long romance with now-wife Camilla Parker Bowles, a topic of tabloid gossip. His decades of championing causes dotted with personal controversy leave the people of the British Commonwealth wondering what kind of king he will be. Learn more about his life, his background, and his career as a representative of the British monarchy.
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(5)
Colin Kaepernick
From Free Agent to Change Agent
by Eric Braun
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick drew positive and negative attention for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police violence against minorities in 2016. Two years later, he made headlines again when he became a spokesperson for Nike. Explore Kaepernick's football career and his work as an activist.
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(10)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Political Headliner
by Anna Leigh
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
American politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever to serve in the US Congress. Learn about her young life, her work as an activist, and her career in the House of Representatives.
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(2)
Albert Einstein
Relativity Rock Star
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Albert Einstein rewrote the rules of physics and changed how scientists see space and time forever. Learn how a boy who struggled in school became one of history's most renowned scientists.
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(6)
Martin Luther King Jr.
Walking in the Light
by Jon M. Fishman
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Martin Luther King Jr. was an influential and inspiring leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. His life, work, and death are brought to life for readers like never before.
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(3)
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Star Astrophysicist
by Jill Sherman
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
In addition to speaking about challenging scientific topics for a variety of news sources, Neil deGrasse Tyson is director of a New York planetarium, hosts a science podcast, and has a following of more than three million on Twitter. Learn about the personal and professional life of Neil deGrasse Tyson, arguably the most famous astrophysicist in the modern world.
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(13)
Jennifer Lawrence
Star of The Hunger Games
by Katherine Krohn
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On March 17, 2011, social media channels buzzed with excitement. Fans of The Hunger Games had hotly debated which actors would bring their beloved characters to life in the upcoming movie. The movie's director, Gary Ross, had finally selected the lead character, Katniss. His pick: Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer started acting professionally in 2004 at age fourteen. But she quickly proved her major talent. For the 2008 movie The Burning Plain, she earned a best new young actress award at the Venice Film Festival. And for her performance in the 2010 movie Winter's Bone, Jennifer received nominations for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. The Hunger Games's author, Suzanne Collins, celebrated the selection of Katniss. "I never thought we'd find somebody this amazing for the role," she said. And Jennifer-who is a huge fan of the books-was thrilled to play such a complex character. Did she pull it off? Fans will be the judge!
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(1)
Sonia Sotomayor
First Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice
by Lisa Tucker McElroy
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
When President Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States, the country celebrated. Not only would the Supreme Court welcome its third woman justice but also its first Hispanic member. Many Americans saw the appointment of the first Hispanic justice as an important step in the civil rights movement.
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David Karp
The Mastermind behind Tumblr
by Karen Latchana Kenney
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
What's more popular than Tumblr? This microblogging site has taken the Web by storm since its founding in 2007. Not much can top it when it comes to capturing its fans' imaginations, except for perhaps its creator, David Karp. Karp developed Tumblr after he tried to start a blog and found the process daunting. With most platforms, a blogger faces a huge, empty text box that begs to be filled with words. It was intimidating for a guy who'd never blogged before. Karp had the idea for tumblelogging-creating short blog posts-and built Tumblr as a platform. It lets users easily post both text and images, making Tumblr highly visual and expressive. Creating a different way to blog came naturally to Karp, who never does things by the book. At fifteen, he dropped out of school. At seventeen, he moved to Tokyo, holing up with a computer and fine-tuning his tech skills. He returned to the states to build a business-but to do that, he stretched the truth. He used a deep voice on the phone with potential clients so they wouldn't guess how young he was. He didn't tell anyone how little experience he had. Yet people could see he had a good thing going with Tumblr. The company quickly found support and grew into what it is today: a groundbreaking site for connection and creation. And as the mastermind behind it, Karp is sure to remain a figure to watch.
ebook
(4)
Amanda Gorman
Inspiring Hope with Poetry
by Dr. Artika R. Tyner
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Poet Amanda Gorman delivered her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the 2021 presidential inauguration, winning wide acclaim. Read about Gorman's early life, her children's and poetry books, and what she plans to do next.
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Jimmy Carter
A Presidential Life of Service
by Eric Braun
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Jimmy Carter served as the 39th US president from 1977 to 1981. In 2002 he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Read about Carter's journey from a peanut farm in Georgia to the White House.
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The Sunrise Movement
The Climate Revolution Generation
by Heather E. Schwartz
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
The Sunrise Movement is a youth-led organization fighting the climate crisis and building a fairer future. Climate change is harming our planet and could cause food and water scarcity, severe weather, and more. The Sunrise Movement is working to stop climate change by protesting, proposing policies, and helping elect leaders who will fight alongside them. They are also working to create millions of jobs that will help protect the environment.
In 2017 the Sunrise Movement was created by eight young activists: Sara Blazevic, Michael Dorsey, Victoria Fernandez, Dyanna Jaye, Matthew Lichtash, Stephen O'Hanlon, Varshini Prakash, and Evan Weber. The founders came from different backgrounds, but all of them were determined to create a better future. Learn about the activists, how they created a movement, and much more.
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Soccer's Greatest Scorer
by Leslie Holleran
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Cristiano Ronaldo has won soccer's coveted Ballon d'Or five times, as well as more than thirty trophies and many other awards. He's also the top goal scorer in history. Many would argue that he's the best soccer player of all time.
Ronaldo was born in 1985 on the island of Madeira, near Portugal. He and his friends played soccer on the street because they didn't have a local field. As a child, Ronaldo had notable talent, even though he hated losing so much that he earned the nickname crybaby. He was recruited to an elite soccer academy at a young age, and his skill and fame grew from there. Follow Cristiano Ronaldo's journey, from soccer-loving child to award-winning, international superstar.
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Joe Rogan
UFC Announcer and Political Podcaster
by Mari Bolte
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Joe Rogan has entertained millions of people throughout his career. After showing early promise in his stand-up comedy acts, Rogan found success in acting and hosting reality television programs. He used his growing fame and influence to promote his passions, including mixed martial arts. Eventually, Rogan brought his voice to a new medium: podcasting. His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, quickly became one of the most popular, controversial, and talked-about podcasts of all time. Learn more about his life, background, and enormous influence.
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Deion Sanders
From Multisport Superstar to Coach Prime
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Deion Sanders made history as a professional football and baseball player, becoming the first person to compete in a Super Bowl and a World Series. But he wasn't just known for his incredible moves. He released music and TV shows and even coached football. Now he is the famous Coach Prime at the University of Colorado Boulder. But Sanders wasn't born with fame or skill—he had to make his own luck.
Sanders grew up in Florida playing football and baseball, and by high school his athletic abilities earned him the nickname Prime Time. After taking his talents to Florida State University, Sanders was drafted by NFL and MLB teams. On top of sports and business endeavors, Sanders made a name for himself with his big personality. Learn more about Deion Sanders, from his early sporting days to his return to the spotlight as famous Coach Prime.
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Adele
Music Megastar
by Leslie Holleran
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Adele is known for her emotional songs and powerful voice. For a while Adele's music career was in danger. She was having problems with her voice and had surgery. Fans wondered if they would still love listening to her. But Adele's voice came back stronger than ever! With 15 Grammy awards, Adele is at the top of her music game.
Raised by her music-loving mother, Adele grew up attending concerts. She later auditioned for a competitive arts school. The school's music director was amazed by Adele's singing and accepted her into the program. Before Adele graduated, she made a demo of her songs. A record label representative heard her songs and loved them. Soon Adele signed with the record label and released her first album. Learn more about Adele's rise to frame, what inspires the singer-songwriter, and more.
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Deb Haaland
First Native American Cabinet Secretary
by Matthew J. Martinez
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
In 2021, Deb Haaland made history as the first Indigenous cabinet secretary. Serving as Secretary of the Interior, Haaland has championed climate and the rights of Native peoples. Discover Haaland's early life, her political career, and more.
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US Women's National Soccer Team
Winning On and Off the Field
by Heather E. Schwartz
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
The US Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) is among the best soccer teams in the world. Over the years, the team won gold medals at both the Olympics and the FIFA Women's World Cup four times. As the team's success grew, fans started coming out in record numbers to watch them play. But even though the USWNT made many accomplishments, the team also faced challenges.
For many years after the women's national team first began in 1985, it was underfunded. The USWNT had worse equipment and facilities and received less payment than the men's national team. More than once, players of the USWNT took a stand. Until finally, in 2021, the US Soccer Federation made an agreement guaranteeing that the women's and men's teams would receive equal pay. Follow the journey of the USWNT on and off the field.
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Harry Styles
Chart-Topping Musician and Style Icon
by Heather E. Schwartz
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Harry Styles is a well-known singer, actor, and style icon. At a young age, he already loved performing. He'd dress up in costume and imitate other famous singers. Then in 2010, he auditioned for The X Factor. Although he didn't make it as a solo performer, he joined four other singers to form One Direction. The band went on to produce multiple bestselling albums.
Styles found even more success as a solo artist, producing albums that hit the top of the Billboard chart and going on worldwide tours. He also starred in movies and modeled in gender-fluid clothing. And in 2021, he won his first Grammy Award. Learn more about Styles' singing career, how he takes a stand for causes he believes in, and more.
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Sonia Sotomayor
From the Bronx to the US Supreme Court
by Liz Sonneborn
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Associate justice Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic person and third woman to serve on the US Supreme Court. She has been breaking barriers since reading detective novels and watching legal dramas first inspired her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. Her motivation carried her from high school debate club to working as an assistant district attorney to finally becoming a judge in 1992.
Sotomayor's outgoing relationship with the public, straightforward language, and efforts toward achieving gender and racial equality have made her popular across the US. Many people call her the People's Justice. She is known for her career as much as her books, TV appearances, and inspiring speeches. Follow Sotomayor's journey to the US Supreme Court to find out more about her life and career.
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Stacey Abrams
Champion of Democracy
by Dr. Artika R. Tyner
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Stacey Abrams is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and voting rights activist. After working in government, she founded Fair Fight Action to improve voting access. Learn about Abrams's early life and what she plans to do next.
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Patrick Mahomes
Mvp Quarterback Who Gives Back
by J. G. Minyard
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Patrick Mahomes is the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win the Super Bowl MVP award. He has led the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl five times, winning three of those.
Mahomes grew up in Texas as the son of a professional baseball player. In his teenage years, he excelled in every sport he played, including basketball, baseball, and football. He was even drafted to play baseball right out of high school. But Mahomes chose football. After several years of college football, he was drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he began making history. Follow Patrick Mahomes's journey from athletically gifted youth to NFL Super Bowl champion.
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Elon Musk
Titan of Tech and Beyond
by Percy Leed
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Elon Musk was born in South Africa but his influence has spanned the globe-and even beyond. He made a name for himself as the founder of SpaceX, cofounder of Tesla, and owner of X.com (formerly Twitter), among other business ventures. In 2025 he stepped into politics as the head of a new governmental agency under President Donald Trump.
Growing up in South Africa, Musk learned engineering skills from his father and quickly started tinkering on his own projects. Now he is putting his business and technical experience to work in government. Learn about Musk's childhood, businesses, and entry into politics.
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Nicole Aunapu Mann
First Native American Woman in Space
by Colleen Sexton
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On October 5, 2022, Nicole Aunapu Mann rode the SpaceX Dragon Endurance space shuttle and became the first Native American woman to reach space. For 157 days, Mann lived and worked on the International Space Station.
Growing up, Mann never imagined she would become an astronaut. As a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley, she did not have many examples of Indigenous people becoming astronauts. But her parents taught her the importance of hard work and curiosity. Mann's curiosity led her to a love of science and flying. She worked hard at everything from playing soccer to studying engineering and test flying airplanes for the US Marine Corps. When she joined NASA, she dedicated herself to her astronaut training. Now she helps train new astronauts and inspires Indigenous children around the world to work hard to reach their dreams. From soccer star to astronaut, launch into the career of Nicole Aunapu Mann.
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Angie Thomas
Hip-Hop Author and Voice of Change
by Keenan Jones
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Angie Thomas was a teen rapper before writing the New York Times bestsellers The Hate U Give and On the Come Up.
As a child in Jackson, Mississippi, Angie Thomas was surrounded by civil rights history. But instead of the equality her elders had fought for, she grew up amid poverty and gun violence. When she didn't see herself in books, she developed a love of hip-hop music and even wrote her own rhymes. Going to a mostly white, affluent college showed her just how different her upbringing was from that of her classmates.
As Thomas grew into adulthood, she became more and more frustrated with the frequent news stories of police officers killing Black men and boys. The Black Lives Matter movement was growing, and Thomas channeled her anger into fiction. Her first book, The Hate U Give, resonated with young people across the country and became an award-winning movie. Explore Angie Thomas's journey from bullied teenager to famed YA author who inspires young Black readers and writers around the world.
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(25)
Kamala Harris
Madam Vice President
by Heather E. Schwartz
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Kamala Harris is known as a tough prosecutor. She rose to fame as California's attorney general who took on the big banks. As a United States senator, she stood up to President Trump and held his administration accountable by demanding answers.
In 2019 she launched a campaign for the presidency and dedicated it to all Americans with the slogan "Kamala for the People." Though she didn't win the nomination, she earned her place on the ticket as Joe Biden's vice-presidential pick. She made history as the first Black and Indian woman to be elected vice president. Follow her fight to the White House!
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Billie Eilish
The Rise of a Superstar
by Heather E. Schwartz
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Growing up with actor parents in Los Angeles, Billie Eilish was surrounded by creativity. After writing her first song when she was four, she took to making music with her older brother. The siblings loved to write songs to express themselves. But when a song they uploaded for her dance class went viral, Eilish started sharing more of her music with the world.
Even before the release of her debut album in 2019, Eilish skyrocketed to fame. Her unique sense of style and strong point of view made the teen stand out. Winning five Grammys at just eighteen years old the following year solidified her as a fresh new force in pop music. Follow Eilish from homegrown musician to worldwide phenomenon and see what's next for the rising star.
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Fighting for Reproductive Justice
Black Women Leading a Movement
by Ngeri Nnachi
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Reproductive rights have been hot-button issues for generations, and recent legal decisions have put these arguments back in the spotlight. Groups such as the National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda and others are leading a movement to protect
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Jason Reynolds
Groundbreaking Storyteller
by Ty Chapman
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Jason Reynolds's interest in hip-hop and poetry turned into a successful writing career. Learn about the New York Times best-selling author who has received a Newbery Honor, an NAACP Image Award, and many other accolades.
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(4)
Impeachment
Donald Trump and the History of Presidents in Peril
by James Roland
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On December 18, 2019, Donald Trump became the third president in US history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. He was later acquitted by the Senate. Earlier that summer, Trump held a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. An unknown whistleblower raised concerns about the call, claiming that Trump had improperly pressured Zelensky to get involved in US politics. Over the following months, a dramatic impeachment inquiry unfolded. Fraught hearings played out on television while Democrats and Republicans traded interpretations, arguments, and even insults. Faced with suppressed information and conflicting accounts, the nation tried to discover the truth.
In over two hundred years Congress has gathered only a handful of times to debate what makes an impeachable offense. What events led to Trump's impeachment? How does the impeachment process work? What other presidents have been impeached, and why? Learn the history, mechanics, and milestone events behind impeachment, and discover how the most recent one may affect US politics for years to come.
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Stephen Hawking
Celebrated Physicist
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Stephen Hawking is one of the world's most celebrated and inspiring physicists, known for his theories on relativity, black holes, and quantum mechanics. He wrote the bestseller A Brief History of Time to explain a range of cosmology topics to the general public.
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Sergey Brin
Groundbreaking Google Founder
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Sergey Brin was born in Moscow, Russia. At age 6, he moved to the United States with his family to avoid Jewish persecution. In college at Stanford he met Larry Page, and together they co-founded Google in 1998, one of the first Internet search engines. Today Brin is one of the world's wealthiest tech entrepreneurs.
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Greta Thunberg
Climate Crisis Activist
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Appalled by government apathy regarding climate change, 15-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg started a protest in front of her country's parliament building in August 2018. She criticized leaders for not doing enough to reduce carbon emissions and stood outside with the sign Skolstrejk för klimatet (school strike for the climate). Within months, Thunberg's strikes and blunt speeches to world leaders and all adults ignited a global movement, inspiring millions of people to take action worldwide.
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Lupita Nyong'o
Actor, Filmmaker, Activist
by Heather E. Schwartz
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
After winning an Oscar for her debut feature film 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong'o went from amateur actress to A-list celebrity. Read about Nyong'o's journey and how she became a cultural icon.
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Donald Trump
Unprecedented Politician
by Percy Leed
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience!
Donald Trump has been an unusual political leader ever since he was first elected to the US's highest office in 2016.
President Trump's first term included more than twenty executive orders, three US Supreme Court justice nominations, and the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his loss to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump continued to speak out and influence politics. He maintained relationships with like-minded political leaders and used social media and news channels to impact public opinion. In his return as the Republican presidential nominee, he revived his call to "Make America Great Again." In 2024, during a close, often contentious race, he succeeded over the incumbent vice president, Kamala Harris, becoming the oldest person ever elected US president and only the second-ever US president to be elected to two nonconsecutive terms. This updated biography covers President Trump's former life as a reality TV show star and real estate developer, his political career and controversies, and how he shaped his unconventional third campaign.
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Barbie
From Doll to Cultural Icon
by Liz Sonneborn
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Barbie changed what a doll could be. Before her, many dolls were baby dolls. Girls would care for these dolls and practice being mothers. But Barbie let girls imagine other futures. The iconic doll had many careers, inspiring girls to dream of new possibilities for themselves and for women.
In the early 1950s, Ruth Handler was watching her daughter, Barbara, and her friends play with paper dolls. The dolls resembled women. Handler saw how the girls imagined themselves as the dolls. But paper dolls were flimsy and delicate. Handler thought the kids' imaginations could take off even more if they had durable dolls. This led her to create Barbie dolls. These days about two Barbies are sold every second. Barbie has her own movies and TV series. The 2023 blockbuster “Barbie” dominated the box office. Learn more about Barbie and her impact.
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Lionel Messi
Soccer's Golden Striker
by Leslie Holleran
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Lionel Messi dominates soccer. Claiming every major trophy in soccer, Messi is one of the sport's most decorated players. He has an Olympic gold medal, a World Cup win, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and more. Messi has also claimed eight Ballon d'Or awards and was named the world's top male soccer player multiple times.
In 1987 Leo was born in Rosario, Argentina. He began playing soccer at a young age. At 13 years old, Leo and his family moved to Spain so he could play for FC Barcelona's youth teams. He worked his way up to the pro team. Messi led Barcelona and the Argentina national team to many titles. In 2023 Messi signed with Inter Miami CF, bringing his amazing play to the United States. Learn more about Lionel Messi and how he became soccer's golden striker.
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Donald Trump
Unprecedented Politician
by Percy Leed
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Donald Trump has been an unusual political leader ever since he was first elected to the US's highest office in 2016.
President Trump's first term included more than twenty executive orders, three US Supreme Court justice nominations, and the first years
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Bob Dylan
Celebrated Singer-songwriter
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Bob Dylan is known as the voice of his generation.
Growing up in the mining town of Hibbing, Minnesota, Bob Zimmerman was different from other kids. He loved musical artists such as Robert Johnson and Woody Guthrie. Young Bob taught himself to play piano and guitar, and he and his friends played in his garage and at school talent shows. Bob wrote stories and poems too. His two passions-music and storytelling-led him to a growing musical style called folk. But he also felt trapped in his small, isolated town.
At the age of twenty-nine, Bob moved to New York City to chase his dream of becoming a folk singer. Most artists with this ambition didn't make it. But Zimmerman, who soon changed his name to Bob Dylan, wasn't most artists. In 1962 Dylan released his first album. Over time he would record thirty-eight more. Follow Bob Dylan's journey from small-town Minnesota to the international stage as a folk musician and Civil Rights Movement icon, as well as the incredible songs and revolutionary lyrics that have helped shape American musical history.
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Steve Jobs
Technology Innovator and Apple Genius
by Matt Doeden
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On October 5, 2011, the news of the death of technology innovator Steve Jobs rocked the world. The failing health of the Apple cofounder and Pixar CEO was no secret. Jobs had given up his role as Apple's CEO just a few months prior because of his struggle with pancreatic cancer. But his death still drew a huge reaction. From Apple employees and fans to political and business leaders, people honored Jobs's passing by reflecting on his prolific life that greatly influenced the way technology is used. In 1976, Jobs founded Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak. As the leaders of Apple, they developed concepts-such as navigating by using a mouse to click screen icons-that shaped the way we use and interact with computers. Jobs's forward-thinking engineering also influenced pop culture, bringing us a music revolution with the iPod, the ultimate communication device with the iPhone, and some of the first computer-animated films through Pixar. Called by some "the da Vinci of our time," Jobs used his innovation and vision to help advance technology like no other. He lived his life following a simple premise: "The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."
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Nancy Pelosi
Political Powerhouse
by Anna Leigh
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Nancy Pelosi is the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House-and she's done it twice. Learn how the most powerful woman in US politics is redefining leadership for future generations.