Ellen Degeneres
Groundbreaking Television Star
Part of the People in the News series
Beloved comedian and daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has received much recognition for her work, including numerous Emmy and People's Choice awards. Her groundbreaking choice to be open about her sexuality at a time when being gay was widely condemned and her LGBT+ advocacy work since then also earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Through detailed main text enhanced by engaging sidebars, full-color photographs, and a thorough timeline, readers will be inspired by Ellen's impact, both on Hollywood and society as a whole.
Jennifer Hudson
Singer, Actress, and Voice for Change
Part of the People in the News series
Few celebrities have had a journey like Jennifer Hudson. Although Hudson rose to fame after her seventh-place finish on American Idol, it was her turn as Effie White in the blockbuster film Dreamgirls that put her on the map as a vocal powerhouse. In the
Prince Harry
Royal Rule-Breaker
Part of the People in the News series
Prince Harry's life has taken him far from the traditional path many members of the British royal family followed before him. From the death of his mother at a young age and his tumultuous early adult years to his military service and charity work, his journey from precocious prince to activist has inspired many people around the world. Readers explore his life story, including his marriage to American actress Meghan Markle. Detailed main text, fact-filled sidebars, annotated quotes, and vibrant photographs offer a compelling biographical treatment. How did Prince Harry become known as a royal rule-breaker? Readers will enjoy finding the answer.
Gal Gadot
A New Kind of Action Hero
Part of the People in the News series
Gal Gadot has become a major star and role model after being cast as the superhero Wonder Woman in a film franchise that has inspired women around the world. The Israeli actress has earned her spot as one of Hollywood's biggest action stars. Readers explore her many fascinating life experiences, from being crowned Miss Israel to her time serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Readers will learn about her early modeling and acting career. Additional fun facts about Gadot are presented through detailed sidebars, while annotated quotations provide a unique perspective on her rise to fame, and full-color photographs create a vibrant learning experience.
Lady Gaga
Born to Be a Star
Part of the People in the News series
Lady Gaga is an icon to her fans, and many of them look to her for inspiration in their daily lives. How did she become such an important figure in pop culture? Readers will discover the answer to this question as they explore her life from her rise to the top of the pop charts to her leading role in the critically acclaimed film A Star Is Born. Lady Gaga's life, career, and advocacy for mental health awareness are presented to readers with the help of informative sidebars, annotated quotations, and full-color photographs of her most iconic looks.
Mark Zuckerberg
Shaping Social Media
Part of the People in the News series
Mark Zuckerberg is perhaps best known as the creator of Facebook, but this tech mogul was working with computers long before the rise of social media. Today, the young CEO lives a relatively quiet life and has pledged to give much of his money to charity. In this captivating exploration of Zuckerberg's career and personal life, readers will find the real story of his inspiring, though and at times controversial rise to fortune and fame. Informational sidebars, full-color photographs, and annotated quotes give readers a behind-the-scenes look into what continuously drives Zuckerberg to achieve success.
LeBron James
Basketball's King
Part of the People in the News series
LeBron James overcame adversity to become a superstar athlete while he was still in high school. After joining the NBA, he won multiple championships and awards, and he is widely considered one of the best basketball players in history. Sports fans will be interested to learn about James's early life and the challenges he overcame throughout his career. Full-color photographs and a timeline of important dates highlight James's rise to success.
Ellen Degeneres
Part of the People in the News series
Ellen DeGeneres is a stand-up comedian, actor, author, and TV host whose daytime talk show won an unprecedented fifteen Emmy Awards just in its first three seasons. She made television history in 1986 as the first female comedian to be invited by Johnny Carson to the famed "couch" after her first performance on his show, and in 1997 when she revealed her homosexuality to Oprah Winfrey on the air. This profile offers insight into Ellen DeGeneres' life and the career ups and downs that led to her success.
Barack Obama
A Life of Leadership
Part of the People in the News series
Before Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States, he was a community organizer, civil rights lawyer, and senator. Readers trace his groundbreaking path to the White House and his unique position as the first African American president as
Katy Perry
Purposeful Pop Icon
Part of the People in the News series
For the past decade, Katy Perry has been a visible part of the pop music scene. However, fans may be surprised to learn that despite the themes of some of Perry's early songs, she grew up in a conservative family. This and other fun facts about Perry's life are presented to readers alongside annotated quotes from the famous singer and those who know her best. With the release of her album Witness, Perry has shifted her focus to songs that explore deeper emotions and issues. Full-color photographs and a detailed timeline give readers a glimpse at the real Katy Perry.
Serena Williams
Tennis Ace
Part of the People in the News series
Many people know that Serena Williams has triumphed on the tennis court, challenging racist and sexist attitudes as she rose to the top of her sport. However, it may surprise readers to discover that she is also a humanitarian, an actress, and a fashion icon. With motivational quotes from Williams and a timeline of her milestones thus far, readers will enjoy learning more about this inspiring woman who is more than just a sports star.
Elon Musk
Space Entrepreneur
Part of the People in the News series
Elon Musk has created plans for many futuristic enterprises, including a high-speed transportation system in California, solar power for private residences, and a human colony on Mars! He aims to change the way we live on Earth as well as make it possible to sustain life on other planets. Readers will learn about this influential figure in today's economy-including his early life and the projects, he has had a hand in-through accessible text and a biographical timeline. Full-color photographs and inspirational quotes from Musk create an engaging reading experience for fans of technology and business.
Kelly Clarkson
Music and Television Trailblazer
Part of the People in the News series
Kelly Clarkson may have risen to prominence as a star on a talent show, but she has proven herself to be more than just a reality star. Clarkson was the winner of the first season of American Idol, and she has been living up to that honor ever since. Read
Justin Timberlake
Musical Megastar
Part of the People in the News series
Justin Timberlake is one of the most famous names in pop music. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation for his music by exploring his beginning in The Mickey Mouse Club to his time as a member of the popular boy band *NSYNC and his decision to create mus
George Clooney
Part of the People in the News series
This biography provides readers with a look at the life of Oscar-winning actor George Clooney. Chapters include coverage of his childhood, his experiences breaking into acting, and his more recent activities with acting, directing, and producing. Clooney's interest in ending genocide brought the issue to the forefront of news for a long time, using his fame as a platform for civil change.
Spike Lee
Part of the People in the News series
Spike Lee is the mastermind behind movies such as Malcolm X and Chi-Raq. His work often explores race, identity, culture, and politics within the sphere of the black community. This compelling biography profiles the life and career of Shelton Jackson Lee, the most prominent African-American filmmaker in the United States.
Halle Berry
Part of the People in the News series
This volume provides readers with a balanced biographical overview of actress Halle Berry. Chapters discuss her early life experiences as a biracial child, her first acting roles, and her rise to stardom as an Oscar winner. The book also discusses Berry's public relationships and divorces, and her experiences as a mother.
Taylor Swift
Superstar Singer
Part of the People in the News series
Taylor Swift has changed her image since she got her start in music, turning from country music sweetheart to pop princess. Best known for her empowering songs about coming of age, Swift has captured the hearts of teens around the world and presents a positive role model for young girls. Full-color photographs, a biographical timeline, and anecdotal sidebars help readers get to know the real Swift.
The Creators and Cast of Glee
Part of the People in the News series
Glee was a hit musical comedy series that ran on the Fox network from 2009 to 2015. The show explored issues of race, sexuality, and identity through the focal lens of a high school glee club. In its first season the show was nominated for nineteen Emmy awards. This informative volume profiles the lives and careers of the cast as well as the show's creators and producers.
Steve Jobs
Computer Visionary
Part of the People in the News series
Steve Jobs is a controversial figure who is regarded with awe by some and disgust by others, but he inarguably changed the faces of technology and entertainment with his involvement in Apple and Pixar. This volume presents both sides of the debate, citing Jobs's proponents and detractors, allowing readers to come to their own conclusions about his actions. Detailed sidebars, a fact-filled timeline, and full-color photographs augment the engaging discussion.
Denzel Washington
Part of the People in the News series
Denzel Washington is one of Hollywood's best-known actors and personalities. His role in the 2001 film Training Day earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. This entertaining biography explores the life and career of Denzel Washington. Chapters cover his early life, his rise to fame, and his pioneering work on the silver screen. Readers will appreciate the biography of this sensible, beloved, hardworking icon.
Jennifer Lopez
Part of the People in the News series
This book details the life of superstar Jennifer Lopez. Lopez was the first Latin actress to be paid one million dollars for a motion picture, and she went on to become the highest-paid Latin actress in Hollywood history. In 2012, Lopez received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, often regarded as one of the highest honors an entertainer can receive. Readers will learn about Lopez's childhood in the Bronx, her evolution from talented dancer to movie actress to singer, and her foray into television as an American Idol judge.
Michelle Obama
First Lady, Author, and Activist
by Kristen Rajczak Nelson
Part of the People in the News series
In 2011, Michelle Obama said, 'There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.' Since leaving the White House, she has continued to live by those words. Readers explore the most current examples of her activism, but they also take a look into her past to see how her impressive educational and professional background made her a unique and historic First Lady. Detailed sidebars, vibrant photographs, and annotated quotes allow readers to trace her journey from her childhood in Chicago to her time in the White House and the release of her highly-anticipated memoir.
Neil Patrick Harris
Part of the People in the News series
Former teen idol Neil Patrick Harris can be described as something of a Renaissance man, someone who is intelligent and accomplished in a variety of areas, and who can act, sing, dance, play music, and perform live. Harris's career has spanned more than twenty years. During that time, he has gone from playing the baby-faced do-gooder Doogie Howser in the late 1980s and early 1990s to playing the phenomenal cad Barney Stinson in the hit show How I Met Your Mother. Neil Patrick Harris is widely admired not just for his many talents, but also for his openness and honesty about his own life and his willingness to be frank about his homosexuality. This has made him a role model to others who have struggled with their own sexual identity. Above all, Harris's ability to integrate his identity and skills into his many projects has made him one of Hollywood's most versatile stars. Supporting social studies and biography assignments, this informative edition presents readers with an overview of Neil Patrick Harris's career and personal life.
Robert Downey Jr.
Superhero Superstar
Part of the People in the News series
Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most famous and influential actors in Hollywood. Since 2008, he has been at the center of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the road to his role as Iron Man was difficult. Readers discover how he has become an inspiration to those who are struggling with personal demons, especially substance abuse, and how he overcame those struggles to return to the spotlight. Through sidebars, annotated quotations, and full-color photographs, this book allows readers to gain a deeper appreciation for Robert Downey Jr.'s acting skills and personal resilience.
Beyoncé
The Reign of Queen Bey
Part of the People in the News series
She is one of the most iconic performers of her generation. From her early days in Destiny's Child to her career as a highly successful solo artist, she has created numerous hit albums, starred in many films, and performed for legions of passionate fans who often refer to her as Queen Bey. This book examines Beyonce's relationship with her family, her career as a performer and businesswoman, and how she has channeled her fame into activism. Fact-filled sidebars, annotated quotations, and full-color photographs add extra insight to this fascinating biography.
Dwayne Johnson
Part of the People in the News series
Establishing himself as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in the sport, Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock, has been the face of World Wrestling Entertainment for over a decade. Johnson is also emerging as an actor, starring in several action and comedy films, such as the popular The Fast and the Furious franchise. In 2013, the financial magazine Forbes listed Johnson as number twenty-five on its list of the one hundred most powerful celebrities. All this success belies Johnson's humble beginnings. This compelling edition provides a balanced biography of this jack-of-all-trades. Chapters discuss his rocky childhood, following his grandfather's footsteps into professional wrestling, and the making of The Rock.
Tim Tebow
Part of the People in the News series
Tim Tebow rose to college football stardom as the Florida Gator's starting quarterback in 2007. The following year he became the youngest person to earn the Heisman Trophy. In 2010, he was drafted by the Denver Broncos and soon after traded to the New York Jets. In 2016, Tebow announced that he would be leaving professional football to pursue a career in major league baseball. This informative edition examines the life, accomplishments, and career of this multitalented athlete.
Anne Hathaway
Part of the People in the News series
Her breakout role as lovable, dorky, and endearing Mia Thermopolis in the 2001 film The Princess Diaries made Anne Hathaway a household name. Hathaway's continued success can be attributed to her performances in critically acclaimed movies such as The Devil Wears Prada, Becoming Jane, and Les Miserables for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This compelling edition provides a balanced biographical overview of the life and career of this popular actress and singer. Chapters cover Anne Hathaway's early years and include insights into her acting inspirations as well as a look at the actress's life behind the scenes.
Robert Downey Jr.
by Laurie Collier Hillstrom
Part of the People in the News series
Known today for blockbuster films like Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. has bounced back from a decades-long struggle with drug addiction to become a top player in Hollywood. This captivating volume provides an incisive biography of Robert Downey Jr. Readers will learn about Downey's upbringing in an artistic family, the trials of early stardom, his downward spiral and acting failures, his road back to recovery, and his cautious yet successful comeback.
Part of the People in the News series
Tina Fey, one of the most prominent women in comedy, is well known for her work on shows such as Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. As a writer and actress, she has changed the way people see female comedians and altered the "boys club" mentality that characterized the working environment of Saturday Night Live. Readers are presented with fascinating details about Fey's life, from the childhood experiences that inspired Mean Girls to her rise to stardom. This engaging text is enhanced with full-color photographs, detailed sidebars, and a comprehensive timeline.
Jay-Z
Building A Hip-hop Empire
Part of the People in the News series
Shawn Corey Carter, known to most of the world as JAY-Z, has made a name for himself as one of the most successful artists in hip-hop. Not only has he achieved this success with rapping, but also as an entrepreneur. Having grown up in a housing project in Brooklyn, his story is a tale of struggles and successes. Engaging main text, full-color photographs, and a detailed timeline give readers an inside look into this rap star's exciting life. Annotated quotes from JAY-Z and others provide first-person perspectives on his rise to the top of the worlds of hip-hop and business.
Stephen Colbert
Late-night Comedy Leader
Part of the People in the News series
Stephen Colbert became famous through his television show, The Colbert Report, before becoming the host of The Late Show and using his political humor to rise to the top of the late-night ratings. Readers not only learn about Colbert's early life and rise to fame, but also the ways he has made his shows successful. In-depth sidebars augment the informative text to show all the facets of Colbert's personal and professional life. Full-color photographs, a comprehensive timeline, and annotated quotes also enhance this look at one of the leaders of late-night comedy.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
From Broadway To The Big Screen
by Kristen Rajczak Nelson
Part of the People in the News series
Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of the most accomplished entertainers working today. From his Broadway hit Hamilton to Oscar-nominated songs from Moana, Miranda is fast becoming a household name. This volume, featuring annotated quotes, vibrant photographs, sidebars, and a detailed timeline, follows Miranda from his early life in New York to the stage and screen work that has earned him such great acclaim. Including stories from his childhood, the writing process of In the Heights and Hamilton, and his time working on Mary Poppins Returns, this book will spark any reader to take a shot at their dreams.
Dwayne Johnson
The Rock's Rise To Fame
Part of the People in the News series
Dwayne Johnson was a successful college football player and a superstar wrestler known as The Rock before becoming one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars. The story behind his rise to fame is sure to captivate readers and inspire them as they explore deta