Serena Williams
Tennis Star
by Kristen Rajczak Nelson
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Serena Williams is considered one of the best female athletes of all time. At age seventeen, she became the first African American woman to win a Grand Slam tournament in forty-one years. Readers will discover that in addition to her prowess on the tennis courts, Williams has also made her mark on the world through charity work with her organization, the Serena Williams Fund, and UNICEF. A Words to Know section prepares readers for any unfamiliar vocabulary they may find in the text, and colorful photographs and direct quotations from Williams help students connect with this extraordinary athlete.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Supreme Court Justice
Part of the Junior Biographies series
What does it mean to be fair and honest and uphold the law even in the most difficult cases? Just ask Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This informative biography about Ginsburg's life tells how she became the second female appointed to the United States' highest court. Through accessible text, it explores her youth growing up in a low-income, working-class Brooklyn neighborhood and her difficult first years as a lawyer in a field dominated by men. Direct quotes, color photographs, and fun facts enhance this fascinating story of the woman who became one of the most respected names in the world of law.
Pope Francis
Priest of the People
Part of the Junior Biographies series
This book explores the life of Pope Francis, a Roman Catholic pope of many firsts. He is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and even the first from the Southern Hemisphere. This thoughtful and insightful book discusses the pope's early life as Jorge Mario Bergoglio and his work as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before studying to become a priest. The book's focus will be on his concern for and work with the poor, and his outreach to people of different faiths.
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Rihanna is known world over as a music icon, but she is more than just a pop princess. Over the past ten years, Rihanna has worked hard to break stereotypes, develop a definitive style, and maintain creative control of her music. In the process, she's won dozens of awards, including eight Grammys. Young readers will learn about the musician and businesswoman's life through easy-to-follow text accompanied by dynamic full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Rihanna herself.
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Ariana Grande was just eight years old when she set her sights on the stage. More than just a talented singer, Ariana is an astute businesswoman who knew what she had to do to make her creative dreams come true. What really makes this pop star stand out is her dedication to philanthropy. After the tragedy in Manchester, she helped raise over 13 million dollars for the victims with her One Love Manchester Benefit concert. Young readers will learn more about the singer's life and careers through easy-to-follow text accompanied by engaging full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Grande herself.
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
Part of the Junior Biographies series
In recent years, the prime minister of Canada has made a name for himself on the international political stage, becoming known for his dynamic personality and influential leadership style. This fact-filled book explores the life the young leader, beginning with his early years as the son of Canada's fifteenth prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, and examining how his education and early days in politics helped him find his own voice. Vivid color photographs enhance the engaging text, and direct quotes from the prime minister give readers a clearer picture of one of today's most compelling political figures.
Alexander Hamilton
Founding Father and Treasury Secretary
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Though a renowned Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton's fame has recently received a boost from the hit musical Hamilton. He was chosen as the subject of that work because of his extraordinary biography. He was raised by a single mother in the Caribbean, volunteered to be a soldier in the American Revolution, rose to become the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and tragically killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. This accessible book presents Hamilton's life story to young readers through engaging text and includes surprising facts, relevant quotes from Hamilton himself, and striking historical images.
Shawn Mendes
Singer-Songwriter
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Shawn Mendes was only fifteen years old when he became an online singing sensation. Within a few years, he quickly progressed to become an international superstar. Readers meet Shawn through well-researched, accessible information on his life and accomplishments. The high-interest text is enhanced with full-color photographs, a timeline, and direct quotes from Shawn himself. This book invites leisure reading, as well as supports the social studies curricula. It is aligned with the Common Core English Language Arts standards for reading informational texts, and with the College and Career Readiness anchor standards.
Part of the Junior Biographies series
At age ten, Elon Musk taught himself to write computer code. Two years later, he used that code to write and sell a video game to a magazine. What does a young entrepreneur like that do when he grows up? Musk went on to be one of the wealthiest investors and business people in the world. This engaging book describes Musk's childhood growing up in South Africa and his moves to Canada and the United States as a young adult. Full-color photographs and direct quotes from Musk himself accompany this intriguing look at the founder of Tesla and SpaceX.
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Drake began his career as an actor, but his fame skyrocketed when he focused his talents on music. The multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, and rapper is one of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B today. Young readers will learn about Drake's career and life through highly accessible text accompanied by a variety of nonfiction text features, including dynamic full-color photographs, fact boxes, and direct quotes from Drake himself.
Donald Trump
Businessman and President
Part of the Junior Biographies series
From the business world to the television screen, Donald John Trump leaves a big impression wherever he goes. After making his family's New York real estate business a household name and hosting a successful TV series, he became the Republican candidate for president of the United States in 2016. Young readers will learn more about the businessman-turned-politician's life and careers through easy-to-follow text accompanied by dynamic full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Trump himself.
Hillary Clinton
Politician and Activist
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Hillary Rodham Clinton has had significant "firsts": First Lady of the United States and the first female candidate for a major political party to run for president of the United States. She has endured her share of scandals and is a celebrated former secretary of state, senator, and political activist. Young readers will learn more about the politician's life and accomplishments through easy-to-follow text accompanied by dynamic full-color photographs as well as direct quotes from Clinton herself. A Words to Know section helps readers learn new vocabulary, while Further Reading encourages deeper learning.
Jeff Kinney
Children's Book Author and Cartoonist
Part of the Junior Biographies series
One of America's bestselling children's book authors cartooned his way to fame. This accessible, easy-to-follow book about Diary of a Wimpy Kid author, Jeff Kinney, offers fascinating facts about the creator's life and work. From his time as a cartoonist for his college newspaper to his international fame as an author, Kinney has stayed dedicated to the art of storytelling. Millions of children around the world have enjoyed the antics of Kinney's lovable middle school character, Greg Heffley. It's not just doodling. Kinney's humorous work has captured the hearts of kids everywhere, and has them reading, too.
Lupita Nyong'o
Oscar-Winning Actress
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Lupita Nyong'o, born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, became a bonafide star with the 2013 movie 12 Years a Slave, for which she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Since then, she has shown depth and range in a variety of other movies, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Black Panther. Beyond film, Nyong'o is greatly admired as an advocate for women's rights as well as animal conservation. This gifted actor's path to stardom is told through engaging and accessible text, fascinating fact boxes, and inspiring quotes from Nyong'o herself.
LeBron James
Basketball Superstar
Part of the Junior Biographies series
LeBron James is unquestionably one of the biggest names in basketball history, but it's his actions off the court that make him a true superstar. In this captivating biography, readers learn how James uses his position as a respected athlete to encourage and uplift others. The inspiring text describes how young LeBron overcame a difficult childhood, achieved unimaginable success, and gave back to his community by starting a school to help kids like him. Colorful photographs, fun facts, and direct quotations accompany this revealing look at James's life and accomplishments on and off the court.
Camila Cabello
Cuban American Singer
Part of the Junior Biographies series
As a young girl, Camila Cabello would cry if anyone asked her to sing. At age fifteen, she conquered her fear of singing by auditioning for The X-Factor in front of thousands of people. It took just three minutes of bravery to launch the young singer-songwriter into stardom. This revealing biography follows the young star from her early days in Cuba and Mexico, through her breakout success with the group Fifth Harmony, to her hugely successful solo career. Fast facts, full-color photographs, and direct quotes provide a fascinating look at one of today's hottest stars.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Pro Wrestler and Actor
Part of the Junior Biographies series
At fourteen years old, Dwayne Johnson began training for the day when he would become the first third-generation wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation. But the wrestling ring wasn't enough for him. In this revealing biography, readers learn how Johnson used his strong work ethic to go beyond wrestling and find great success in Hollywood. Accompanied by full-color photographs and fun facts, the engaging text follows Johnson's life and achievements from the gym to the red carpet. Direct quotations from the Rock himself inspire readers to discover and follow their own dreams.
Jim Henson
Puppeteer and Producer
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Jim Henson created some of the most well-known and beloved characters, stories, and songs of the 20th century, making his name synonymous with children's entertainment. From Kermit the Frog to The Dark Crystal, his creative legacy has impacted children for two generations with no sign of stopping. Through vibrant, full-color illustrations, easy-to-follow text, and direct quotes, students will learn how one man used his talent for art, music, and performance not only to entertain children and adults around the world, but also to change the way kids learn.
Cam Newton
MVP Quarterback
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Heisman winner Cam Newton became a bonafide NFL star the moment he was selected first in the 2011 draft. But he has been attracting attention for his cannon-like arm since high school. Natural talent did not mean that his journey to the NFL was easy. This compelling biography takes readers through Newton's journey from aspiring athlete to MVP quarterback. They will learn about what happens in the locker room as well as Newton's interests off the gridiron. Accessible text is supported by dynamic on-the-field photographs as well as insightful quotes from the Carolina Panther himself.
Emma Watson
Actress and Activist
Part of the Junior Biographies series
You may know her from the Harry Potter movies as Harry's pal, Hermione Granger, but Emma Watson has come a long way since the hit films shot her to fame as a young child. In her post-Potter years, Emma has acted in serious films, graduated from an Ivy League university, and become a serious activist. This compelling book about Emma's life provides an inspiring look at how her career and education inspired her to speak out for women's rights around the world, eventually being named a United Nations Women Goodwill ambassador. The straightforward, engaging text is supplemented by full-color photographs, quotes from the actress, and fun facts.
Kate Middleton
Duchess of Cambridge
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was born in Berkshire, England, to a middle-class family. She had no aspirations to be royalty. Now married to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, "Kate" is a mother, an activist, and a style icon. Young readers will learn about her early life in England, the issues that are important to her, and how she became the subject of a modern-day fairy tale. Easy-to-follow text is supported by full-color photos and quotes from the duchess herself. A Words to Know section helps readers learn new vocabulary, while Further Reading encourages deeper learning.
Stephen Curry
Basketball's MVP
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Born Wardell Stephen Curry II on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, Stephen Curry may be the best shooter in NBA history. He is an NBA champion, an MVP, and a player at the top of his game, and he uses his stardom to give back to the community. Readers will be fascinated by the story of this tremendous athlete, told with simple text and supplemented with color photos. A Words to Know section helps prepare readers for vocabulary in the text, and quotes from Curry himself allow readers to connect with this basketball star.
Squanto
Native American Translator and Guide
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Squanto's name is legend in American history, but behind the legend was a real man who lived an exciting life of kidnap, escape, exploration, and diplomacy. One of the last of his people and one of the first to travel the world, Squanto was so much more than just a translator to the Pilgrims. Through accessible text, full color illustrations, and direct quotes, young readers will learn about the fascinating man and his crucial role in American history.
Zendaya
Actress and Singer
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Zendaya is one of the hottest stars in Hollywood as well as a staple of fashion-forward style. With hit movies such as Spiderman: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman now on her resume, she's come a long way since shooting commercials as a young girl. The accessible text provides fun facts about the woman behind the stylish exterior, such as her early career aspirations to be a teacher or a basketball player. With color photographs and quotes from Zendaya herself, readers will find out about all facets of the life and career of this popular star.
Robert Munsch
Portrait of an Extraordinary Canadian
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Young readers may be amazed to learn that Canada's bestselling author (30 million books so far) started off in Pennsylvania and struggled in school. A solitary daydreamer, raised in a large, boisterous family, he found solace in books at an early age. Considered a slow learner by the nuns who taught him, his creative gifts were eventually recognized by a sympathetic librarian who encouraged him to keep reading.
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Give your readers a fascinating biography about one of the most honored and respected actresses in Hollywood. This accessible, easy-to-follow book about Viola Davis provides an engaging timeline of the actress's life. Viola's early years helped shape the roles she chose as an adult. Playing everyday Americans such as wives, mothers, and hired help got her noticed by moviegoers and critics alike, and led to her becoming the only African-American woman to be nominated for three Academy Awards. The engaging text is accompanied by dynamic, full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Viola herself.
Jefferson Davis
Leader of the Confederacy
by Kristen Rajczak Nelson
Part of the Junior Biographies series
The president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, was reluctant to take office. He had a military background and would have rather have taken a post on the battlefield. In this compelling biography, readers are introduced to Davis as a historical figure to learn from, rather than simply a character on the losing side of the Civil War. From his family life to his political career, the story of Davis's life is included in age-appropriate detail with historical context. The engaging content gives readers a chance to see the divided nation through another lens, encouraging further research of a complex time in U.S. history.
Alicia Keys
Singer-Songwriter
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Raised just a few blocks from Broadway, Alicia Keys began playing classical piano when she was seven years old. At twenty-two, she became famous for combining the music of her city and her classical training into a sound all her own. In this compelling biography, readers learn about the inspiring life and work of Keys, a fifteen-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer. Keys is also an actress, author, and global activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Accessible text is accompanied by compelling full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Keys herself.
Oprah Winfrey
Businesswoman and Actress
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Most of the world recognizes this celebrity by just her first name: Oprah. Through the course of her thirty-plus-year career in the spotlight, she has gone from talk show underdog to America's first female African American billionaire. This inspiring and captivating biography looks at how Winfrey overcame a difficult youth to go on to become a successful businessperson, talk show host, actress, and philanthropist. This easy-to-read account utilizes directs quotes, color photographs, and fun facts as it illuminates how Winfrey earned her great cultural influence by uniting and educating people through book clubs, by encouraging activism, and by participating in charitable programs.
Chadwick Boseman
Superstar of Black Panther
Part of the Junior Biographies series
As a child, Chadwick Boseman excelled at many things. From basketball to painting to writing, he did everything well. Which dream would he choose to follow? A chance acting class made the answer clear. This engaging biography traces Boseman's path from a multitalented youngster to a professional actor. With engaging text and fun facts, readers learn how hard work and dedication eventually landed him the lead role in the cinematic phenomenon Black Panther. Full-color photographs and well-researched information enhance this fascinating look at Boseman's life and accomplishments. Direct quotations from the star himself encourage readers to discover and follow their own dreams.
Taylor Swift
Singer and Songwriter
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Musician Taylor Swift has written music that puts her heart on the page, but even at a young age, Swift was clearly more than a lovelorn songwriter. This vibrant biography offers a glimpse into the musical celebrity's life, her childhood, her rise to fame, and her impressive accomplishments along the way. Readers will learn about her staunch stance on how she is photographed, her support of other female musicians, and her giving spirit. Quotes straight from Swift's lips further inspire the fan and budding musician alike.
China Anne McClain
Actress, Singer, and Songwriter
by Kristen Rajczak Nelson
Part of the Junior Biographies series
China Anne McClain started singing and acting from a young age. A talented musician, who with her sisters formed the pop group McClain, China has also appeared in major motion pictures as well popular television shows. In 2014, she won an Image Award for her work as a young African American actress. Through simple text and colorful photos, readers will be enthralled by McClain's success story. A Words to Know section in the beginning of the text helps students learn new vocabulary, and direct quotations allow readers to relate to the young star on a deeper level.
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Emma Stone is one of the most sought-after actresses today. After moving to Hollywood at the age of fifteen, she hit it big with comedies like Superbad and Easy A. Since then, she has branched out, starring on Broadway and earning an Oscar nomination for the musical film La La Land. Readers will learn fascinating facts about the star, including how she used acting to overcome panic attacks as well as her work on behalf of cancer-fighting charities. Quotes, fact boxes, and a timeline support the absorbing information in this high-interest volume.
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Sharon Draper is a celebrated educator and author. Her readers, from elementary school children to young adults, connect with her characters, who often face real-world challenges such as addiction (in 1995's Tears of a Tiger) and cerebral palsy (in 2010's Out of My Mind). Full of fascinating details, full-color photographs, and insightful quotations from Draper, this simple yet informative text will show readers how a love of books from an early age inspired a young girl to become a writer and teacher who has touched the lives of millions of young people around the world.
Pharrell Williams
Singer and Songwriter
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Pharrell Williams is a Grammy Award-winning singer, rapper, and record producer. Famous record producer Teddy Riley discovered Williams's group, the Neptunes, in the early 1990s during a high school talent show. Since then, Williams has worked with such chart-topping acts as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Beyonce. He has launched a clothing line, authored children's picture books, and founded a charity to help underprivileged schools. This cool biography uses vibrant photographs, simple text, and direct quotations from Williams himself to tell the story of his ascension to fame.
Meghan Markle
American Royal
Part of the Junior Biographies series
Actress Meghan Markle is set to marry Prince Harry of Britain in May 2018. As a biracial actress, she faced a fair deal of struggles conforming to Hollywood's expectations of how she should look, dress, and speak. After landing a role in the hit show Suits in 2011, Meghan started to use her fame to speak out about equality. This biography explores Meghan's path to royalty and the challenges she faced on her journey. Age-appropriate text supports full-color photographs to catch the reader's eye, while quotes from Meghan illustrate her character. This book is extremely high-interest material because of Markle's May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, and how her background represents a change to traditions of the Monarchy and Old England.
Part of the Junior Biographies series
In 2015, Misty Copeland was named principal ballerina of the American Ballet Theatre, the first African American to earn the title in the ballet company's history. She has danced all over the country, on Broadway, and on television, but she had to break many barriers to do it, including racism and poverty. Through simple text and vivid photographs, readers will appreciate Copeland's struggles and will learn about her dedication to promoting diversity in ballet. A Words to Know section helps readers with new vocabulary, and quotations by Copeland shed light on this talented woman.