Blue Banner Biographies
ebook
(1)
Carson Wentz
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Carson Wentz learned to be patient. In high school, his older brother was the starting quarterback. Carson didn't get to start until his senior year. At North Dakota State University, he waited three years before starting for the Bison. Yet all that waiting helped. He spent the time learning to lead. He trained and reviewed plays. In practice, he became the toughest quarterback the Bison faced. When Carson became a quarterback for the Eagles he no longer had to wait. He became a starter right away. And Eagles' fans only had to wait one year for their team to win its first-ever Super Bowl.
ebook
(0)
Sam Darnold
by Marylou Morano Kjelle
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Sam Darnold was born into a family that loves sports, and Sam began playing football when he was just six years old. He shattered records and gained recognition as a quarterback at both San Clemente High School and the University of Southern California. But Sam had always dreamed of "going pro" and playing for an NFL team. When the New York Jets drafted him at number 3 in the first round of the 2018 draft, Sam's dream came true. Now Sam is working towards another goal: taking the Jets all the way to the Super Bowl-and winning!
ebook
(2)
Joel Embiid
by Kerrily Sapet
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Joel Embiid grew up in Cameroon-an African country with only two basketball courts. He didn't play basketball until he was 15 years old. Soon after, he left home to follow his
unlikely dream of playing professional basketball half a world away. Today, Embiid is an NBA star with the Philadelphia 76ers. At 7'0" tall, he dominates as one of the NBA's best "big men." His journey to the NBA wasn't easy. He suffered injuries and personal losses along the way. Those difficulties helped Joel Embiid become a star off the court too-helping and inspiring others to achieve their dreams.
ebook
(1)
Joel Embiid
by Kerrily Sapet
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Joel Embiid grew up in Cameroon-an African country with only two basketball courts. He didn't play basketball until he was 15 years old. Soon after, he left home to follow his unlikely dream of playing professional basketball half a world away. Today, Embiid is an NBA star with the Philadelphia 76ers. At 7'0" tall, he dominates as one of the NBA's best "big men." His journey to the NBA wasn't easy. He suffered injuries and personal losses along the way. Those difficulties helped Joel Embiid become a star off the court too-helping and inspiring others to achieve their dreams.
ebook
(2)
Jimmy Garoppolo
by Kerrily Sapet
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Jimmy Garoppolo started playing football when he was in sixth grade. At age 12 he was 6'2", and one of the biggest, strongest players. He played as a running back until coaches spotted his ability to throw. When Jimmy started playing quarterback, everything changed. He dominated the field in high school and college before being drafted by the New England Patriots. As Tom Brady's backup, he learned from the legendary quarterback. After being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, he became a starting quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo wins fans by working to be a star on and off the field-helping others and his team to be their best.
ebook
(3)
Jimmy Garoppolo
by Kerrily Sapet
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Jimmy Garoppolo started playing football when he was in sixth grade. At age 12 he was 6'2", and one of the biggest, strongest players. He played as a running back until coaches spotted his ability to throw. When Jimmy started playing quarterback, everything changed. He dominated the field in high school and college before being drafted by the New England Patriots. As Tom Brady's backup, he learned from the legendary quarterback. After being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, he became a starting quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo wins fans by working to be a star on and off the field-helping others and his team to be their best.
ebook
(1)
Charlie Puth
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Charlie Puth did not grow up dreaming of being a pop star. Instead, he wanted to do what he loved most: write music. This young man who learned to play the piano at the age of four, had a clear talent for writing and composing, which led him to study jazz and classical music during his school years. He later earned a degree in music production and engineering. After graduating from the Berklee School of Music, he thought he would make his living helping others record music, but an invitation to record a song he had written for Wiz Khalifa with the rap artist changed all that. Today Charlie is one of the country's most popular pop performers.
ebook
(1)
Charlie Puth
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Charlie Puth did not grow up dreaming of being a pop star. Instead, he wanted to do what he loved most: write music. This young man who learned to play the piano at the age of four, had a clear talent for writing and composing, which led him to study jazz and classical music during his school years. He later earned a degree in music production and engineering. After graduating from the Berklee School of Music, he thought he would make his living helping others record music, but an invitation to record a song he had written for Wiz Khalifa with the rap artist changed all that. Today Charlie is one of the country's most popular pop performers.
ebook
(2)
Sam Darnold
by Marylou Morano Kjelle
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Sam Darnold was born into a family that loves sports, and Sam began playing football when he was just six years old. He shattered records and gained recognition as a quarterback at both San Clemente High School and the University of Southern California. But Sam had always dreamed of "going pro" and playing for an NFL team. When the New York Jets drafted him at number 3 in the first round of the 2018 draft, Sam's dream came true. Now Sam is working towards another goal: taking the Jets all the way to the Super Bowl-and winning!
ebook
(2)
Jared Goff
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
For Jared Goff, throwing a football was always easy. He was so good at it that he became the first true freshman starting quarterback in University of California Berkeley history. But when he became a pro football player in 2016, it suddenly wasn't as easy. In his first year with the Los Angeles Rams, the team lost all seven games he started. Jared didn't give up. He didn't blame others. He just worked harder while never forgetting how to have fun. It all paid off as the Rams had a winning record in his second season. The future looks very bright for this gifted young quarterback.
ebook
(1)
Carson Wentz
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Carson Wentz learned to be patient. In high school, his older brother was the starting quarterback. Carson didn't get to start until his senior year. At North Dakota State University, he waited three years before starting for the Bison. Yet all that waiting helped. He spent the time learning to lead. He trained and reviewed plays. In practice, he became the toughest quarterback the Bison faced. When Carson became a quarterback for the Eagles he no longer had to wait. He became a starter right away. And Eagles' fans only had to wait one year for their team to win its first-ever Super Bowl.
ebook
(3)
Jared Goff
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
For Jared Goff, throwing a football was always easy. He was so good at it that he became the first true freshman starting quarterback in University of California Berkeley history. But when he became a pro football player in 2016, it suddenly wasn't as easy. In his first year with the Los Angeles Rams, the team lost all seven games he started. Jared didn't give up. He didn't blame others. He just worked harder while never forgetting how to have fun. It all paid off as the Rams had a winning record in his second season. The future looks very bright for this gifted young quarterback.
ebook
(5)
Aaron Judge
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
The New York Yankees have reserved a section of the stands. Fans there wear black robes, hold gavels, and stand at the order, "All Rise." They are waiting for a home run from "The Judge." They usually don't have to wait long. At 6'7" and 280 pounds, Aaron Judge is one of the biggest Major League Baseball players in history. No one hits the ball as hard. No one hits it as far. No one hit as many home runs as a rookie as Aaron. Yet he remains humble and feels blessed for the opportunity to play baseball. He tries to show it by being friendly to every fan he meets. These days he has a lot of fans.
ebook
(1)
Derek Hough
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Most people know Derek Hough from his numerous wins on Dancing with the Stars. But this talented performer also acts, choreographs, sings . . . It seems there is nothing he cannot do. After starting dance classes as a child in Utah, Derek moved to England with ballroom dance champions Corky and Shirley Ballas to study dance, music, and theater. After becoming a world champion himself, he performed the lead role in the musical Footloose in London before joining the cast of the popular American television show. He holds the record for the most wins of any professional dancer on the series.
ebook
(2)
Le'Veon Bell
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Le'Veon Bell faced some tough challenges. He had a single mom. Money was tight. Yet his hardest challenge was how easily football came to him. It was so easy, he didn't have to work to win games. As a high school player, he realized top schools weren't looking at him. He knew he had to change his strategy. He began working harder at the game. It paid off. He was chosen by Michigan State University. Today he plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his family's favorite team. He's one of the best running backs in the country.
ebook
(0)
Jason Derulo
by Joanne Mattern
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Biography of star pop singer Jason Derulo. Blue Banner Biographies are up-to-date, well-written, and colorful. Series titles include people in the news from sports, entertainment, movies, and music. Students read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension and read on-level text with purpose and understanding. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade and junior high level students.
ebook
(1)
Russell Wilson
by Cliff Mills
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Russell Westbrook grew up loving the game of basketball. But he never imagined that he would actually play professionally. But his hard work and determination made it possible. As a young boy, he would practice the sport for hours at a time. As a high school freshman, he would play among the seniors on his team. His natural talent and his drive to succeed led him to play as a freshman on his college team as well. Two years later, he decided to enter the NBA draft-and his life would never be the same.
ebook
(2)
Ben Simmons
by Kerrily Sapet
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Even before Ben Simmons played his first NBA game, people were comparing him to some of the game's greatest players-from Shaquille O'Neal to LeBron James. Ben has been smashing basketball records and racking up awards since he was young, growing up in Australia. In 2016, his childhood dream came true when the Philadelphia 76ers picked him first in the NBA draft. But it isn't just Ben's size, speed, and strength on the basketball court that makes him a star. He also works hard to be a role model, to help others, and to share his love of the game.
ebook
(1)
James Harden
by Joanne Mattern
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
James Harden wanted to be a basketball player from the time he could bounce the ball. However, this future star faced many challenges. He had to overcome poor health and a lazy attitude. He had to learn to listen to his teammates and become a leader. He even struggled with being the center of attention as a celebrity star. Through it all, James Harden worked hard and learned from his mistakes. He became one of the best basketball players in the world and a true MVP.
ebook
(2)
Donovan Mitchell
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Donovan Mitchell is built like a running back. At 6'3 and 215 pounds, he's shorter than many top basketball stars. Yet he makes the most of his size, guarding the net against many larger players. He might have been a pro baseball player like his dad. But an injury shifted his focus. Leaving his home for New Hampshire when he was 16, he worked hard to achieve his dream. His rookie season he became a top scorer for the Utah Jazz and led his team to the playoffs.
ebook
(0)
Maren Morris
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Maren Morris practically grew up as a country music performer. Her parents discovered her talent for singing when Maren was just nine years old. They then began supporting her in every way they could. They bought their daughter a guitar and encouraged her to explore her deep love for country music. After performing at various venues around her home state of Texas, Maren decided to move to Nashville to find a job as a songwriter. After writing songs for stars like Tim McGraw and Keely Clarkson, Maren decided to record the next song she wrote herself. That's song, "My Church," helped launch Maren's career as one of the most popular country stars today.
ebook
(3)
Aaron Judge
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
The New York Yankees have reserved a section of the stands. Fans there wear black robes, hold gavels, and stand at the order, "All Rise." They are waiting for a home run from "The Judge." They usually don't have to wait long. At 6'7" and 280 pounds, Aaron Judge is one of the biggest Major League Baseball players in history. No one hits the ball as hard. No one hits it as far. No one hit as many home runs as a rookie as Aaron. Yet he remains humble and feels blessed for the opportunity to play baseball. He tries to show it by being friendly to every fan he meets. These days he has a lot of fans.
ebook
(1)
The Weeknd
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
The Weeknd began his career under an air of mystery. This talented, young musician revealed neither his name nor his face with his first mixtape. Not even most record executives knew who the Weeknd was at this time. But that didn't stop them for trying to find out. When a label finally signed him, the Weeknd began performing live shows. He slowly began sharing his identity and experiences with the world through his music. And the world responded. He has worked with such superstars as Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, but the Weeknd has clearly become a star in his own right. Today he is one of the most popular artists in the pop music industry.
ebook
(0)
Ben Simmons
by Kerrily Sapet
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Even before Ben Simmons played his first NBA game, people were comparing him to some of the game's greatest players-from Shaquille O'Neal to LeBron James. Ben has been smashing basketball records and racking up awards since he was young, growing up in Australia. In 2016, his childhood dream came true when the Philadelphia 76ers picked him first in the NBA draft. But it isn't just Ben's size, speed, and strength on the basketball court that makes him a star. He also works hard to be a role model, to help others, and to share his love of the game.
ebook
(6)
Jennifer Hudson
by Joanne Mattern
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
From the time she was a baby, music was the most important thing in Jennifer Hudson's life. After years of singing in church choirs, Jennifer burst onto the national stage as a contestant on American Idol. Viewers were stunned and angry when Jennifer was voted off the show, but her days on Idol were just the beginning. Jennifer would go on to become an award-winning actress and singer, as well as a motivation to millions after a public battle with her weight. On her way to becoming a star, she endured an unspeakable tragedy, proving that she can handle anything life throws at her. Learn about Jennifer Hudson and her inspiring life in the story of one of today's brightest stars.
ebook
(1)
Donovan Mitchell
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Donovan Mitchell is built like a running back. At 6'3 and 215 pounds, he's shorter than many top basketball stars. Yet he makes the most of his size, guarding the net against many larger players. He might have been a pro baseball player like his dad. But an injury shifted his focus. Leaving his home for New Hampshire when he was 16, he worked hard to achieve his dream. His rookie season he became a top scorer for the Utah Jazz and led his team to the playoffs.
ebook
(1)
Maren Morris
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Maren Morris practically grew up as a country music performer. Her parents discovered her talent for singing when Maren was just nine years old. They then began supporting her in every way they could. They bought their daughter a guitar and encouraged her to explore her deep love for country music. After performing at various venues around her home state of Texas, Maren decided to move to Nashville to find a job as a songwriter. After writing songs for stars like Tim McGraw and Keely Clarkson, Maren decided to record the next song she wrote herself. That song, "My Church," helped launch Maren's career as one of the most popular country stars today.
ebook
(0)
Le'Veon Bell
by John Bankston
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Le'Veon Bell faced some tough challenges. He had a single mom. Money was tight. Yet his hardest challenge was how easily football came to him. It was so easy, he didn't have to work to win games. As a high school player, he realized top schools weren't looking at him. He knew he had to change his strategy. He began working harder at the game. It paid off. He was chosen by Michigan State University. Today he plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his family's favorite team. He's one of the best running backs in the country.
ebook
(2)
Russell Westbrook
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Russell Westbrook grew up loving the game of basketball. But he never imagined that he would actually play professionally. But his hard work and determination made it possible. As a young boy, he would practice the sport for hours at a time. As a high school freshman, he would play among the seniors on his team. His natural talent and his drive to succeed led him to play as a freshman on his college team as well. Two years later, he decided to enter the NBA draft-and his life would never be the same.
ebook
(3)
James Harden
by Joanne Mattern
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
James Harden wanted to be a basketball player from the time he could bounce the ball. However, this future star faced many challenges. He had to overcome poor health and a lazy attitude. He had to learn to listen to his teammates and become a leader. He even struggled with being the center of attention as a celebrity star. Through it all, James Harden worked hard and learned from his mistakes. He became one of the best basketball players in the world and a true MVP.
ebook
(1)
Derek Hough
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Most people know Derek Hough from his numerous wins on Dancing with the Stars. But this talented performer also acts, choreographs, sings . . . It seems there is nothing he cannot do. After starting dance classes as a child in Utah, Derek moved to England with ballroom dance champions Corky and Shirley Ballas to study dance, music, and theater. After becoming a world champion himself, he performed the lead role in the musical Footloose in London before joining the cast of the popular American television show. He holds the record for the most wins of any professional dancer on the series.
ebook
(6)
The Weeknd
by Tammy Gagne
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
The Weeknd began his career under an air of mystery. This talented, young musician revealed neither his name nor his face with his first mixtape. Not even most record executives knew who the Weeknd was at this time. But that didn't stop them for trying to find out. When a label finally signed him, the Weeknd began performing live shows. He slowly began sharing his identity and experiences with the world through his music. And the world responded. He has worked with such superstars as Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, but the Weeknd has clearly become a star in his own right. Today he is one of the most popular artists in the pop music industry.
ebook
(1)
Saquon Barkley
by Marylou Morano Kjelle
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
When he was just 3 years old, Saquon Barkley told his father that one day he would be an NFL football player. Fast forward 18 years, and Barkley is drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. He has been called one of the most promising running backs in modern football history. But Barkley is more than just football. He is a devoted father, a loving son, and a kind person. In both football as well as life, Saquon Barkley is a giant of a man.
ebook
(1)
Saquon Barkley
by Marylou Morano Kjelle
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
When he was just 3 years old, Saquon Barkley told his father that one day he would be an NFL football player. Fast forward 18 years, and Barkley is drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. He has been called one of the most promising running backs in modern football history. But Barkley is more than just football. He is a devoted father, a loving son, and a kind person. In both football as well as life, Saquon Barkley is a giant of a man.
ebook
(1)
Pitbull
by Risa Brown
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Biography of star pop singer and entertainer Pitbull. Blue Banner Biographies are up-to-date, well-written, and colorful. Series titles include people in the news from sports, entertainment, movies, and music. Students read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension and read on-level text with purpose and understanding. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade and junior high level students.
ebook
(2)
Blake Shelton
by Risa Brown
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Biography of country singer Blake Shelton. Blue Banner Biographies are up-to-date, well-written, and colorful. Series titles include people in the news from sports, entertainment, movies, and music. Students read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension and read on-level text with purpose and understanding. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade and junior high level students.
ebook
(0)
Carli Lloyd
by Kerrily Sapet
Part of the Blue Banner Biographies series
Goooaaalll! As a pro soccer player, Carli Lloyd has scored more than 100 goals, captured two Olympic gold medals, and won two World Cup titles. She dives for plays and blasts balls into nets. Find out what it took for Lloyd to become one of the world's top soccer players.
Showing 1 to 37 of 37 results