Books with author Vanessa Oswald

Hip-hop culture has shaped many facets of popular culture, including the worlds of music, politics, and business. The hip-hop movement began with New York City residents with few resources and has now turned into a billion-dollar worldwide industry. Readers will learn about the four elements of hip-hop: rapping (MCing), disc jockeying (DJing), graffiti art, and B-boying (break dancing). They'll learn how these foundational components evolved to construct what hip-hop is recognized as today. A list of essential hip-hop albums and annotated quotes from music critics and famous hip-hop artists are also included in this all-encompassing look at the history of hip-hop.

Surrealism was a cultural movement started in France in the 1920s, which is best known for producing stunning visual artwork and inspirational writings, among other artistic achievements. Through well-researched main text, readers will learn about the lives of influential Surrealists such as Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, and others who contributed to this essential period of art history. In addition, informative sidebars; annotated quotes from artists, historians, and other experts; and bold examples of renowned Surrealist artwork provide extra insight into this captivating topic, which will stimulate the minds of young artists and art lovers.

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.

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.

Monarch butterflies are among the most recognized butterflies in the world due to their unique coloring. They also go on a migration journey that can be more than 2,000 miles long. Readers will explore the life of the monarch butterfly and learn fun facts. Age-appropriate text is paired with eye-catching photographs that hold readers' attention. Engaging diagrams and a useful glossary present this elementary life science topic in a way that is easy for young readers to understand.

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.

From the small screen to the big time, Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key have made waves across the United States and the world. Branching out beyond comedy, the two have been involved in hit feature films, and their innate ability to combine comedy with a sharp sense for social commentary has put them on the path toward continued success in an industry that has not had many African American superstars. Inspire your readers with this biography of two giants in comedy.

The black arts movement was led by African Americans between the 1960s and 1970s, and included artists of all kinds, such as poets, writers, actors, musicians, painters, and dancers. The main goal was to encourage black artists to make art that would tell the meaningful stories of black people and their experiences and struggles throughout history. Readers dive deep into this movement as they explore the main text that features annotated quotes from artists and historians. Sidebars and a timeline provide additional information. Historical images including primary sources give readers an up-close look at this pivotal cultural period.

The emergence of indie rock as a genre has helped categorize artists who belong to independent record labels. These musicians, due to their refusal to appeal to the mainstream, have boycotted the corporate rock scene to maintain more creative control. Readers learn about the debate behind whether indie bands later picked up by major labels should still be considered "indie" and why some see them as "sell outs." Detailed sidebars, an essential albums list, and annotated quotes from artists and critics are also included to expose readers to the musicians responsible for the inception and continuance of indie rock.

Monarch butterflies are among the most recognized butterflies in the world due to their unique coloring. They also go on a migration journey that can be more than 2,000 miles long. Readers will explore the life of the monarch butterfly and learn fun facts. Age-appropriate text is paired with eye-catching photographs that hold readers' attention. Engaging diagrams and a useful glossary present this elementary life science topic in a way that is easy for young readers to understand.