David Karp
The Mastermind behind Tumblr
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.
Never Again
The Parkland Shooting and the Teen Activists Leading a Movement
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
This biography of a movement and the teen activists behind it delves into the quest for gun safety legislation in light of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
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.
Steve Jobs
Technology Innovator and Apple Genius
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."
David Karp
The Mastermind behind Tumblr
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.
Loretta Lynch
First African American Woman Attorney General
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On April 27, 2015, a packed Senate gallery watched as Loretta Lynch became the first African American woman to be named US attorney general. Long before Lynch became attorney general, she found herself immersed in politics. When she was fourteen, her father ran for mayor of Durham, North Carolina. This inspired a passion for politics in Lynch. Upon graduation from law school, Lynch quickly rose through the ranks at a high-powered law firm, and eventually she pursued a career as a top federal prosecutor. This position gave her the professional boost she needed to become attorney general of the United States. Follow Lynch's journey from a young law student to the nation's top legal adviser.
Sonia Sotomayor
From the Bronx to the US Supreme Court
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.
The Sunrise Movement
The Climate Revolution Generation
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.
Harry Styles
Chart-Topping Musician and Style Icon
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.
Tom Brady
Gridiron G.O.A.T.
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
With seven Super Bowl wins and five Super Bowl MVP awards, Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time. Explore Brady's 23-year professional football career, his personal life, and what's next for the star.
Fighting for Reproductive Justice
Black Women Leading a Movement
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
Jason Reynolds
Groundbreaking Storyteller
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.
Stephen Curry
Basketball's Greatest Shooter
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is the NBA's best long-range shooter. Born to an NBA player, Curry and his siblings grew up playing alongside pro basketball players. Some worried that Curry's size would hold him back as a player, but in college, Curry's performance quickly slated him as one of basketball's next superstars.
Curry joined the Warriors NBA team in 2009. Ever since, his skills and stats have broken records and earned him multiple awards. In 2022 he even broke the record for most career three-pointers of all time. But Curry is not all basketball. He is also interested in business and entertainment and loves spending time with his family. Catch an inside glimpse of Curry's life, including his rise to the NBA, his off-court pursuits, and more.
Nelson Mandela
World Leader for Human Rights
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On December 5, 2013, former South African President Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95. People around the world mourned the death of this human rights activist. Thousands of South Africans waited hours to walk past his casket to pay their respects, and world leaders and celebrities attended his funeral, including Pope Francis, several US presidents, and Bono. Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa. While in law school, he joined the African National Congress. The ANC spoke out against South Africa's apartheid laws, which allowed separate treatment of people based on skin color. He began his activism in the 1940's and was arrested many times before he received a life sentence in 1964. After spending more than 25 years in jail, Mandela was released in 1990 and soon after partnered with South African President F. W. de Klerk to help end apartheid. They won the Nobel Peace Prize together in 1993. The next year, Mandela became the first African president of South Africa. After his term as president, he continued his work as a human rights advocate until he retired in 2004. After a long illness, he died in 2013. He will be remembered for his leadership for years to come.
Markus "Notch" Persson
Minecraft Mogul
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson has always loved programming. Find out how he translated his childhood passion for writing code into a multi-million dollar career as the mind behind Minecraft!
Colin Kaepernick
From Free Agent to Change Agent
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.
Steve Jobs
Technology Innovator and Apple Genius
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."
Aly Raisman
Athlete and Activist
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
US Olympian Aly Raisman is a leader on and off the mat. She is an outspoken voice against sexual assault. Learn about the most fascinating details of her life as a gold-winning gymnast.
John McCain
The Courage of Conviction
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
This timely title examines the remarkable life of John McCain, from his time as a decorated war veteran to elder statesman. Accessible text and plentiful photos cover McCain's early life, his military career, his political legacy, and his 2017 diagnosis of brain cancer. Up-to-the-minute details round out this latest look at a uniquely American figure.
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
From scoring hit after hit on the R & B and pop music charts to slaying it onscreen as an actor, Beyoncé does it all. Explore the personal and professional life of Queen Bey and follow her journey from a girl who planned to become a superstar to her life today as a Grammy-winning singer with multiple platinum albums.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Walking in the Light
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.
Pope Francis
First Pope from the Americas
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.
Nancy Pelosi
Political Powerhouse
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.
Albert Einstein
Relativity Rock Star
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.
Reshma Saujani
Girls Who Code Founder
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Reshma Saujani is an attorney and the first Indian American woman to run for US Congress. She later founded Girls Who Code to help close the gender gap in technology. This inspiring biography shares Saujani's story.
LeBron James
NBA Superstar and Activist
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Four-time NBA champion LeBron James has been a basketball superstar since high school. Learn about his journey to become an all-time NBA great and his life of activism off the court.
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Melissa Vivianne Jeffersion, known professionally as Lizzo, started singing and rapping at age 10 and performed with several musical groups in her hometowns of Houston and Minneapolis. With her strong lyrics, danceable beats, and positive message, she's become one of the biggest solo musicians in the world.
King Charles III
Claiming the British Crown
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.
Kamala Harris
Madam Vice President
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!
Patrick Mahomes
Mvp Quarterback Who Gives Back
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.
J. D. Vance
From Rural America To The White House
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience!
Although J. D. Vance hasn't been in the political sphere for long, the former US senator became the vice-presidential pick in 2024 and was elected alongside President Donald Trump.
Born in Middletown, Ohio, Vance went through many hardships in life. His mother had a drug addiction, and Vance experienced a rotating door of father figures growing up. His grandparents helped raise him and his older sister. Then after graduating from high school, Vance went to the Marine Corps, earned a degree from Yale Law School, and got into politics. Learn more about Vance's life and career, from writing his 2016 memoir to making waves at the 2024 Republican National Convention and being elected vice president.
Christina Hammock Koch
Artemis Astronaut
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Discover the life story of NASA astronaut Christina Hammock Koch.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised in North Carolina, Christina Hammock Koch dreamed about traveling to space since childhood. She visited NASA's space camp throughout her high school years, which furthered her conviction. In college she studied electrical engineering and physics and then made her way to NASA as an engineer. But she wanted a more varied experience. She joined the Antarctic Research program, a challenge that expanded her horizons.
She went back to NASA as an engineer and spent time in Maryland, Greenland, and Alaska before applying to the space program in 2012. She was admitted, and in 2019 she achieved her dream of traveling to space. She made history by being part of the first all-women spacewalk. Her next goal: Going to the moon!
Deb Haaland
First Native American Cabinet Secretary
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.
Simone Biles
Greatest of All Time
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Simone Biles discovered gymnastics on a chance day-care trip to a gym when she was six years old. Ten years later, she became the first Black woman to win the all-around world championship title. A two-time Olympian, Biles has won more world championship medals than any gymnast before her and has four official skills named after her. But Biles's fans celebrate her courage as much as her gravity-defying moves. She's spoken out about her abuse by USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, having ADHD, and her struggles with mental health leading up to and during the 2021 Olympics. Learn more about Biles's life and career, and discover how she became one of gymnastics' most accomplished and celebrated athletes of all time.
Malala Yousafzai
Shot by the Taliban, Still Fighting for Equal Education
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On October 9, 2012, Malala Yousafzai was on her way home from school in Swat Valley, Pakistan, when she was shot in the head by members of the Taliban. Though she was only fifteen years old, the Taliban targeted her because she wrote blog posts and appeared on television defending girls' right to education in Pakistan. Malala survived the attack and went on to write a book, earn a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, and meet President Barack Obama. She has become the face of the campaign for universal education and has inspired students worldwide to value their right to go to school. Malala was well known before the attack due to her outspoken support of education, but her near death catapulted her to international recognition. Now Malala lives in the United Kingdom, gives interviews, and attends school. She also continues to receive threats from the Taliban. Read more about Malala's childhood, what she has done after surviving the Taliban attack, and why she thinks education should be available for all children everywhere.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Revolutionary Playwright, Composer, and Actor
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Playwright and Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda is best known as the mind behind the smash-hit musical Hamilton. This title explores Hamilton and Miranda's other works, as well as his life off-stage.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Political Headliner
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.
Joe Biden
From Scranton to the White House
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.
Prince William & Kate
A Royal Romance
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On April 29, 2011, the whole world watched as Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton exchanged marriage vows. This royal wedding was one of the most anticipated events in England in recent years. Ever since the couple officially announced their engagement in November 2010, every detail of the wedding has captured headlines around the globe. Why all the excitement? William is second in line to become Britain's king. William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales is the firstborn child of Charles and Diana, Prince and Princess of Wales. And through marriage to William, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton-known as Kate-turned from a commoner into a princess. If William becomes king one day, Kate will be the Queen Consort. Follow the couple's royal romance from their first meeting at the University of St. Andrews, through the ups and downs of their relationship, to the romantic wedding ceremony at London's Westminster Abbey.
Ivanka Trump
A Brand of Her Own
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Ivanka Trump may have come to fame as the daughter of prominent businessman, TV personality, and President Donald Trump - but she has plenty to be proud of on her own. In establishing herself as a well-known fashion and jewelry designer, Ivanka quickly proved that she could contribute to her family's legacy. She has overseen million-dollar deals, cofounded the luxury hotel company Trump Hotels, and pioneered a rapidly growing lifestyle brand. Now she juggles many roles as a mother, real estate executive, entrepreneur, and political spokesperson. Follow Ivanka's journey from teen model to dynamic businesswoman and learn how she stepped out of her father's shadow and into the spotlight.
Elon Musk
Titan of Tech and Beyond
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.
Donald Trump
Unprecedented Politician
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.
Judy Blume
Tales Of A Timeless Children's Author
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Discover the person behind books such as Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Superfudge, and many more.
Growing up in the 1950s, Judy Blume had a big imagination. She made up stories and read everything she could get her hands on. When she entered her first writing class in the 1960s, she wanted to write books that showed the real struggles kids face. And she did, publishing over twenty-six novels throughout her career.
Kids loved Blume's books. But her life wasn't always easy. Blume was married and divorced twice before marrying her current husband. She moved from New Jersey to New Mexico to Florida and New York City. The 1980s brought censorship and book bans. While she no longer writes for publication, she owns a bookshop in Key West, Florida. From behind the counter, she still proudly fights against book bans.
Deion Sanders
From Multisport Superstar to Coach Prime
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.
Nicole Aunapu Mann
First Native American Woman in Space
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.
Angie Thomas
Hip-Hop Author and Voice of Change
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.
Donald Trump
Unprecedented Politician
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
Sonia Sotomayor
First Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice
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.