Books in Blue Banner Biographies series

Taylor Swift gave up going to slumber parties at age ten to sing at karaoke contests, fairs, and festivals. When she was eleven, she sang for thousands of people at a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game. Taylor lived on a farm in a place where country music was not very popular. She often felt alone, isolated from the people around her. It would have been easy to give up on her dream of being a country music singer. But Taylor was determined to do what it took to have people notice her as a singer. She went door-to-door in Nashville handing out CDs of her singing and asking for record deals. Still, the big break eluded her. Read about how hard work and firm belief in herself helped the tall blond from the East mold herself into one of the top singers and songwriters in country music.

Growing up in Southern California, Stacy Ann Ferguson s meteoric career in entertainment began when she was eight years old, starring on the television program Kids Incorporated. As a teenager, she formed her own singing group, Wild Orchid. When their record label declined to release their third album, Stacy turned to drugs to medicate her frustration. That detour into drug addiction nearly derailed her bright future. Through determination and therapy, Stacy got clean. Weaving together her singing, dancing, and acting talents, she was soon back on stage. Known worldwide as Fergie, Stacy is a singer, songwriter, and television and film actress. A solo artist and member the Black Eyed Peas, she has voiced commercials, created music videos, and designed fashion bags. Read how this all-American girl overcame her demons to walk the red carpet at the Grammy Awards and travel the world on concert tours.

Joanne Kathleen Rowling (a.k.a. J. K. Rowling) had always wanted to be a writer. In fact, she never knew what else she wanted to do with her life. She wandered from job to job before she thought up Harry Potter and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She was ecstatic when Bloomsbury Press offered to publish her book for a few thousand dollars. But the success of the book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, took everyone by surprise. Since then she has gone on to publish six more books in the series and they have all been made into major motion pictures. Faced with almost overnight fame and fortune, Jo (as she likes to be called ) still stays grounded. She readily admits that the most important thing to her is spending time with her husband and raising their children. Interest Level: Grades 4-8 Reading Level: Grades 4-5 32 Pages 6" X 9" Full-color laminated covers Side-sewn, reinforced library binding Full-color photos throughout Chronology Further reading Works consulted Discography or Filmography as applicable.

If it seemed like Britney Spears appeared on the music scene and instantly became a smashing success, it was just an illusion. In reality, Britney worked for years to create the kind of stardom she has received. A down-home country girl, Britney has talent, confidence, and strong values. As a child actress, she appeared on Star Search, starred in the Disney Channel's New Mickey Mouse Club (with Justin Timberlake and J. C. Chasez of 'N Sync), and made countless commercials. But at age 15, Britney was itching to do the singing/dancing solo routine. With the chart-topping success of her debut album/single . . . Baby One More Time, Britney began capitalizing on her brush with fame. All across the world, Britney Spears is a dedicated performer who is responsible for her own success.

From the day he was born, Peyton Manning was all about football. His father, Archie Manning, was one of the NFL’s star quarterbacks, and Peyton and his brothers dreamed of playing in the NFL as well. For a while, it seemed like nothing would prevent the Manning brothers from achieving their dream of playing football together. However, things did not go exactly as they planned. Although Peyton has had many advantages, his life has also included sadness and disappointment. In this new book for young adults, readers will find out how he overcame these challenges and went on to become one of the most famous and popular quarterbacks in both his college career and in the NFL. They will also learn why Peyton is a terrific role model, helping others through his PeyBack Foundation. Read all about Peyton Manning, a star both on and off the field!

For a kid who grew up pitching baseballs for five years on his high school varsity team, it s surprising that Brett Favre would spend his college and professional careers playing football. Favre is considered one of the best football players in NCAA history. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991 and by the Green Bay Packers one year later, he has become one of the most notable football players in the NFL. Life hasn t been easy for this successful quarterback. An addiction to prescription painkillers, deaths of family members, destruction from hurricanes, and his wife s battle with cancer prove that even the greatest heroes have their struggles. Yet despite family tragedies and more than seventeen years worth of multiple injuries, Favre has managed to stay strong mentally and physically. Read the story of a legend, from birth through his tearful NFL retirement!

Lindsay Lohan is a lot more than just Hollywood’s latest “It Girl”—she’s a multi-talented performer who is taking Hollywood by storm. Bitten by the acting bug early, Lindsay began appearing in commercials when she was just three and since then has made a name for herself in TV, film and music. Although it may seem like Lindsay has it all, she’s also had to overcome her share of heartbreaks and setbacks, including dealing with her parents’ bitter divorce and being the subject of rumors in the press. But through it all, Lindsay has remained grounded, good-humored and ready to prove she’s got what it takes to become one of her generation’s brightest and most enduring stars.