Today's Superstars

At age 17, Maria Sharapova defeated Serena Williams to win the Wimbledon title. Since that life-changing victory, she has become one of the world's most popular tennis players. Her successes on the court and her dazzling beauty have made her the world's highest-paid female athlete. Today, Sharapova continues to win championships and capture the attention of sports fans everywhere.

While most athletes choose to specialize in just one sport, Shaun White has managed to build successful careers in both snowboarding and skateboarding. Since going pro at the age of 13, he has won a wide variety of awards, including gold medals at the 2006 Winter Olympics and at the 2007 Summer X Games. White's dedication to two sports has shown him to be a truly amazing athlete.

As one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Will Ferrell knows what is funny. From his early days as a standout cast member on Saturday Night Live to his recent work in such blockbuster films as Elf and Anchorman, he has been getting laughs from audiences around the globe. Still appearing in movie after movie, Will Ferrell continues to be one of the most beloved comedians of our time.

After winning the American Idol title in 2005, Carrie Underwood skyrocketed to superstardom almost overnight. In just a few short years, she went from small-town girl to Grammy-winning recording artist with millions of fans around the globe. As her career moves forward, Carrie Underwood continues to be one of the most popular singer-songwriters around.

Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas are three of the most popular entertainers in the world. The three brothers from New Jersey have won awards and sold millions of albums. They have also starred on the big screen and in the hit TV movie Camp Rock. Along the way, they have earned a huge group of loyal fans. Get an inside look at this talented trio's rapid rise to stardom.

Born on the island of Barbados, Rihanna has become a worldwide pop phenomenon. From her 2005 debut album, Music of the Sun, to her hit 2007 album, Good Girl Gone Bad, she has sold millions of records, performed sold-out concerts, and worked with superstars like Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake. A model and fashion designer as well as a pop star, Rihanna continues to reveal new talents.

The pressure to perform can make or break a pro quarterback. Eli Manning not only had to prove he could win. He had to win a Super Bowl just like his older brother, Peyton. This book tells the story of a young leader who stepped out of his brother's shadow and into the spotlight. Readers get an inside look at Eli Manning's journey to stardom in the National Football League.

As a child, Derek Jeter dreamed of playing baseball for the New York Yankees. By the time he was 22, he was one of the biggest stars on the team. From being voted Rookie of the Year to winning four World Series championships with the Yankees, this superstar is an inspiration on and off the field. Today, Jeter continues to be one of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball.

This high-interest/ low reading level series gives readers an exciting, close-up look at some of today's hottest sports stars. Each book takes readers behind the headlines to reveal not only the early lives and inspirations, but the hard work and determination that got these young stars where they are today.

In the world of entertainment, Will Smith has just about done it all. He achieved success as a rapper in his days as the Fresh Prince, and then became a household name with his hit TV series. From there, he has risen to become one of the biggest movie stars in the world, appearing in Independence Day, Men in Black, and many others. Follow Smith's journey from class clown to one of Hollywood's top actors.