ZonderKidz Biography

Story of Olympic gymnast and motivational speaker Dominique Dawes. She knew what she wanted-a gold medal in the Olympics-and she worked to make it happen, winning her first at age 19. With her personal motto, "Determination, dedication, and desire," Dominique went on to win two more Olympic gold medals in gymnastics. And today she carries her message to kids and adults as a motivational speaker with a passionate message-Never give up on your dreams!

When love walks in the room ... Awards, fame, wealth ... Bono has it all. But the biggest rock star in the world has something more important, something that has guided every step of his success: faith in God. From growing up in Ireland during deadly times to performing on the largest stages in the world, Bono's beliefs have kept him grounded and focused on what truly matters. Whether using his voice to captivate an audience or to fight for justice and healing in Africa, Bono is a champion of the lost and a hero to those who long for harmony.

"I floated toward one of the windows as Atlantis sailed high over the coast of Africa, unprepared for the incredible view that was about to unfold right before my eyes." Being an astronaut wasn't enough. Dr. David C. Hilmers has launched into space four times as part of NASA space shuttle crews. But God had more planned for Dr. Hilmers. The beauty of the Earth from orbit reminded Hilmers of his first dream to become a doctor. He went to medical school, became a pediatrician, and has since launched into countless missions and disaster relief trips around the world. Dr. Hilmers' extraordinary life and work as a missionary will inspire you to reach even higher than the stars.

Embracing the Race Trevor Bayne became the youngest race car driver to ever win the Daytona 500. Throughout his high-speed career, from his early start driving go-karts to his incredible win at NASCAR's biggest race, Trevor attributes all his success to God-both on and off the track. His amazing story, from start to finish, will inspire young and old, racing enthusiasts or not, as they read the incredible story of a boy unafraid to share his faith and a man who gives all the glory to God.

His Message Would Be Heard Around The World. No one guessed he would change the world. A simple country farm boy once prayed that God would use him...and prayed...and prayed. And God did use him, beyond what he ever imagined. He grew into a man who would lead millions of people to Christ, a man who would be known as the greatest evangelist of our time. Come read the story of Billy Graham and follow his life from his days as a boy, who wasn't so great in school, to a man who would teach the world the greatest lesson of all: how to know and live for Christ.

No athletic scholarships, ignored by the NBA draft, waived by team after team, yet Jeremy Lin remained positive and never doubted God's plan. Finally picked up by the New York Knicks, a teammate's injury placed Lin on the court after weeks on the bench. Since then, Lin has captivated the sports world with his incredible basketball skills as a New York Knick and now a Houston Rocket. This is his remarkable story.

Linspired reveals the inside story of the remarkable and meteoric rise of Jeremy Lin, superstar of the New York Knicks the first Asian-American-born player of Chinese/Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA. Discover the journey of the underdog who beat the odds to reach his current stardom and catch the attention of the sports world with both his incredible basketball skills and his on and off-court example of faith, persistence, and hard work. After receiving no athletic scholarship offers out of high school and not being drafted by an NBA team after graduating from Harvard, Lin signed a deal with his hometown team of the Golden State Warriors. After only his first year of play he was waived by the Warriors, but he was picked up by the Houston Rockets. Again, he was let go, on Christmas Eve, 2011. In spite of this disappointment, Lin always remained positive and trusted that God had a plan for his life and talents. Soon after, Lin was picked up when the New York Knicks needed a guard. After weeks of sitting on the bench, a teammate's injury placed Lin on the court, and since then he has captivated sports fans throughout the world with his tremendous skill and humble response.

"Everything in life belongs to God. Our purpose has already been mapped out." -David Luiz One of the rising stars in international soccer, David Luiz has been impressing crowds since he was a boy. But it is his faith, not his fame, that drives him to greater success and keeps him "defending the goal." David made his debut in professional soccer as a left fullback when he was just 19. He was then picked up by Portugal's Benfica team and named player of the year for the 2009-2010 season. As a star defender and vice-captain for the Brazilian National team, David shines both on and off the field, inspiring athletes around the world with his incredible soccer skills and his unwavering faith. David currently plays for England's Chelsea Football Club, one of the premier club teams in the world, and he is expected to play for Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.

Reaching New Heights Snowboarder and Olympic Gold Medalist Kelly Clark had accomplished her life's goals by the age of 18. Yet, success didn't leave her feeling fulfilled. Two years later, at an event in Salt Lake City, Kelly stood at the bottom of the pipe, listening to one snowboarder console another who had just crashed: "It's alright. God still loves you." These words led Kelly on a new journey from an Olympian snowboarder into an awesome relationship with Jesus. This story of one of the world's greatest snowboarders will encourage readers young and old to reach for the next level, knowing that God will be with them, win or lose.

He conquered the thing that nearly took his life At five years old, Cullen Jones nearly drowned. While some people might stay away from water after that, Jones conquered his fear when his mother enrolled him in a swimming class. Not only did he learn to swim, he quickly found that he was a good swimmer... and would become one of the world's best. Discover how faith, courage, and hard work led Jones to win an Olympic gold medal and set a new world record in his event. Find out what can happen when you overcome fear and strive to become all God calls you to be. Includes a personal note from Cullen Jones.

"I learned that it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not." At the age of eight, Kaká already knew what he wanted in life: to play soccer and only soccer. He started playing in front of his friends and family, but when he suffered a crippling injury, doctors told him he would never play again. Through faith and perseverance Kaká recovered, and today he plays in front of thousands of fans every year. As the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year and winner of the Ballon d'Or, this midfielder for Real Madrid has become one of the most recognized faces on the soccer field.

The revised edition of Defender of Faith describes the extraordinary true story of professional hockey player, Mike Fisher, who grew up to became one of the NHL's greatest stars, now married to country singer Carrie Underwood. He has been has been nominated for the Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the league, he's competed in the Stanley Cup finals, and he's been a former alternate captain for the Ottawa Senators. Today he plays professionally for the Nashville Predators and is an active humanitarian, using his fame to benefit others and putting his faith in Christ first-both on and off the ice.

Disciplined Life, Determined Athlete, Devoted Christian. Kids will be inspired by the compelling story of David "The Admiral" Robinson, who went from the Navy to the NBA, becoming MVP center for the San Antonio Spurs. When David Robinson became MVP center for the San Antonio Spurs, he seemed to have it all-fame, success, wealth, and a wonderful family-but he didn't feel complete until he found his faith. This is the true story of one man's disciplined life, how he excelled in academics and sports, and who isn't afraid to share his utter devotion to God.

When Jimmy Carter was a boy, he listened to his parents talk about local politics and watched them live out their Baptist faith in the community. From the fields of his family farm to traveling the world negotiating peace talks, God guided every step of Jimmy's journey. His unwavering devotion to peace and faith helped him navigate the political waters of the governorship and presidency. Discover the extraordinary life of this world-famous humanitarian and follow in the footsteps of this incredible man of God.

Ben Carson used to be the class dummy. Today he is one of the world's most brilliant surgeons.Gifted Hands Kids Edition tells the extraordinary true story of an angry, young boy from the inner city who, through faith and determination, grew up to become one of the world's leading pediatric neurosurgeons. When Ben was in school, his peers called him the class dummy. But his mother encouraged him to succeed, and Ben discovered a deep love of learning. Ben found that anything is possible with trust and determination.

Missy Franklin is one of the most talented swimmers in the world. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and currently holds the world record in the 200-meter backstroke and American records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke. She was Swimming World's World Swimmer of the Year and was awarded the American Swimmer of the Year award in 2012. Swimming with Faith: The Missy Franklin Story details her rise in fame as a swimmer and humbleness in the sport and in her personal life.