Influential Lives
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Cristiano Ronaldo
International Soccer Star
by David Fischer
Part of the Influential Lives series
Even though he was born with an otherworldly athletic gift, Cristiano Ronaldo's early life was anything but easy. A poor kid from Portugal, he was expelled from school at age fourteen and then diagnosed with an abnormal heart condition. But through hard work and an intense desire to succeed, he soon blossomed into one of the greatest soccer players in the world. When he transferred to Real Madrid for a record-breaking salary, Ronaldo transformed himself into a worldwide celebrity, reinventing the ideal of an international sports icon. Sports fans will be inspired by this soccer superstar's rags-to-riches story.
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Hillary Clinton
Former First Lady and Secretary of State
by Anne C. Cunningham
Part of the Influential Lives series
Hillary Clinton is arguably one of the most polarizing political figures in American history. She burst into the national spotlight during her husband's presidential campaign, when she managed to both impress and offend the American public. Since then, Clinton has proven herself a capable public servant, with successful terms in the US Senate and as secretary of state. But controversy continually threatens to undermine her accomplishments, and it often seems that her ambitions get the best of her. This biography tells the story of the rise of remarkable woman, from her humble Midwestern beginnings to a historic run for the White House.
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Edward Snowden
Whistleblower in Exile
by Adam Furgang
Part of the Influential Lives series
In June 2013, the news organization The Guardian first published articles revealing the shocking revelations that the National Security Agency (NSA) was conducting mass surveillance on all American citizens in secretive bulk-data collection programs. Hundreds of thousands of top-secret documents were leaked from the NSA by a computer programmer named Edward Snowden. This enlightening biography examines the life of Edward Snowden, his reasons for leaking classified documents, his ongoing controversy as a whistleblower, and the revelations and changes in data collection laws that resulted from the massive disclosure.
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Gal Gadot
Israeli Actor and Model
by Kathy Furgang
Part of the Influential Lives series
Introduce your readers to the woman behind the cape, tiara, and wrist bands. Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot has a life as fascinating as the Amazonian princess she plays on the big screen. This captivating biography examines the influential life of former Miss Israel and combat trainer in the Israeli Defense Forces. From her Hollywood acting debut in Fast and Furious films to her domination of the DC Extended Universe, Gal Gadot has charmed audiences around the world by being an inspirational superhero on-screen and a dedicated activist and mother off-screen.
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Chris Rock
Comedian and Actor
by Philip Wolny
Part of the Influential Lives series
The greatest entertainers of our time often combine talent, instincts, hard work, and perseverance. Chris Rock has drawn on all four to become one of the most revered, respected, and consistently successful comedians of the last two decades. This book explores his roots, highs and lows, and recent work, including his milestones in stand-up, television, and film, and his maturation as a directorial talent. Vivid imagery, memorable quotes, a career timeline, and more round out this fascinating narrative of striving for success and maintaining creative integrity, making it a compelling biography for comedy fans and casual readers alike.
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Charles Schulz
Cartoonist and Writer
by Michael A. Schuman
Part of the Influential Lives series
Cartoonist Charles Schulz died in 2000, but his work, most notably the Peanuts comics, is as alive as ever. His comic strip continues to run in newspapers around the world, the classic television specials are aired annually, and somewhere at this moment a high school drama club is performing the stage play You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This entertaining biography tells the story of a shy, awkward teenager who went on to create some of the most beloved and iconic characters in modern history.
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Jeff Bezos
Tech Entrepreneur and Businessman
by Adam Furgang
Part of the Influential Lives series
What happens when a young executive at an investment firm quits his job to start an online bookstore? If he's Jeff Bezos, he ends up changing the world. This informative biography of technology entrepreneur Jeff Bezos describes the rise of Amazon.com and the way Bezos changed the Internet, retail, book publishing, television, and the way we organize our homes. It also explores Bezos's business ventures outside Amazon, including his aerospace company Blue Origin and his purchase of The Washington Post. Readers will be inspired by the insights of this genius, who continues to change the way we live.
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Kevin Hart
Comedian, Actor, Writer, and Producer
by Susan Kauffman
Part of the Influential Lives series
Kevin Hart is a well-known comedian and actor who has starred in television shows and movies for nearly two decades. More than a funny man, however, Hart works hard behind the camera and on stage as well. This lively and enlightening text will help readers understand the business behind the man and will allow them to understand the comedian better. Full-color photos from throughout Hart's life, along with quotes from the personality himself, will allow readers and fans a glimpse into his life. The glossary helps to understand new terminology, while Further Reading encourages deeper exploration into comedy.
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Donald Trump
Real Estate Mogul and President
by Sara Mcintosh Wooten
Part of the Influential Lives series
For years, Donald Trump was a real-estate magnate known for his overblown, opulent lifestyle. His brash but entertaining antics made him a best-selling author and host of the long-running television reality shows The Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice. But the stakes grew higher in 2016 when he shocked many by beating out a huge field of contenders to secure the Republican Party nomination for president. This compelling biography traces the businessman's privileged childhood through his successes and failures, to the most important race of his life.
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Vladimir Putin
Russian Prime Minister and President
by Susan Nichols
Part of the Influential Lives series
Vladimir Putin is one of the most recognized politicians in the world. Currently, he is the President of the Russian Federation, and he is regularly featured by magazines like Time and Forbes as one of the world's most influential and powerful individuals. This captivating biography traces Putin's early years, his education, and his career in the Soviet KGB. Readers will follow his rise in politics and the current role he plays in both Russian and international politics, as well as the way he is regarded in the United States.
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Mike Pence
Vice President of the United States
by Amanda Sales
Part of the Influential Lives series
This biography paints a picture of an intriguing and complex individual who rose from a small-town Midwestern boy to a major player in world politics. From his early days as an altar boy to hosting a popular radio program to obtaining a seat in Congress and then becoming Governor of Indiana, Mike Pence has filled numerous roles, all leading to his most important one yet as running mate of Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Readers will follow the journey of the staunch Christian, conservative, and Republican who became the Vice President of the United States.
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Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan
Top Couple in Tech and Philanthropy
by Lita Sorensen
Part of the Influential Lives series
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are a shining example of a young couple who are not only successful in their careers, he as a tech entrepreneur and she as a pediatrician, but who also serve as role models for socially conscious philanthropy. This accessible volume highlights Zuckerberg's accomplishments creating the social network that changed the world, Chan's desire to serve a greater good, and the couple's "Giving Pledge," a promise to give away most of their income to charity and research. Readers will be inspired by two bright stars who want to make the world a better place for their children.
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Misty Copeland
Principal Ballerina
by Erin Staley
Part of the Influential Lives series
Misty Copeland is probably the most famous ballerina in the world. She didn't begin dancing until age thirteen, but she quickly surpassed all her peers to be declared a prodigy. Her hard work and talent have landed her the career of a lifetime. Through engaging text and quotes from the dancer, readers will learn about Copeland's life, hardships, and accomplishments. Full-color photos from throughout Copeland's life will give readers insight into the dancer's personal life and career. The glossary helps readers learn new vocabulary, while Further Reading encourages deeper exploration into the world of dance.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda
Composer, Actor, and Creator of Hamilton
by Kat Harrison
Part of the Influential Lives series
Born in New York City to Puerto Rican immigrant parents, Lin-Manuel Miranda's creativity was influenced by the vibrant city. He began writing his first musical while he was in college and has since gone on to win a Pulitzer Prize, two Grammys, an Emmy, three Tonys, and many other accolades. He is possibly the best-known name in modern theater. Through lively text and bright photos, readers will learn about Miranda's life, education, and accomplishments, as well as Hamilton, New York City, and Broadway. Quotes from Miranda will allow readers a firsthand look into the mind of America's most famous modern composer. The Glossary helps readers understand vocabulary, and Further Reading will encourage deeper research.
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Jimmy Kimmel
Late-Night Talk Show Host
by David Fischer
Part of the Influential Lives series
Born in Brooklyn, Jimmy Kimmel grew up in Las Vegas, in a stereotypical Italian family. As a teenager he was a practical joker. He dropped out of college to work at radio stations, and then got his big break as a TV game-show host. This led to The Man Show, a frat-boy comedy that turned him into a household name. In 2003, he began hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! and transformed into a worldwide celebrity. Today he is an influencer in popular culture and national politics. This biography examines how Kimmel has reinvented the perception of the late-night talk show host.
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Shonda Rhimes
TV Producer, Screenwriter, and Showrunner
by Naida Redgrave
Part of the Influential Lives series
Shonda Rhimes is one of the most well-known television writers, producers, and showrunners in the world. Her creations include smash hits like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Rhimes knew she wanted to write in Hollywood. Through engaging text, full-color photos, and quotes from the writer herself, readers will learn all about Rhimes's rise to fame, the hardships she has endured, and what is next for the acclaimed television creator.
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Kim Kardashian
TV Personality and Business Mogul
by Dennis Abrams
Part of the Influential Lives series
With more than 50 million followers on Twitter and an additional 92 million on Instagram, Kim Kardashian is an American phenomenon. Through ambition, drive, and a masterful use of social media, Kardashian has become a television star, successful businesswoman, and tech entrepreneur with a net worth estimated at close to 150 million dollars. Readers who think they know everything about this pop-culture giant may be surprised to learn how Kardashian turned infamy into fame to become one of the most photographed, talked about, and richest women in the world.
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Bob Dylan
Singer, Songwriter, and Music Icon
by Michael A. Schuman
Part of the Influential Lives series
Over the course of his 50-year career, musician Bob Dylan has won a Nobel Prize, has had an audience with the Pope, and has earned a multitude of accolades, from a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award to a coveted Kennedy Center honor. Not bad for a kid from a small city in northern Minnesota who just wanted to play rock and roll. His songs are legendary and his spiritual journeys have taken him all over the world. This biography explores the man, his music, and his distinctive life.
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