Books in Real-life Stories series

Bea Gormley tells the story of Pope Francis, known as the People’s Pope, who has humbly said, “My people are poor and I am one of them.”Ordained as Pope on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Known worldwide for his great humility and approachability, he is the first citizen from the Americas, the first non-European, and first Jesuit priest to be named Pope. Gormley explores Bergoglio’s, his given surname, early years, growing up as the eldest of five children of Italian immigrants in Argentina, working as a chemical technician before venturing in the priesthood as a Jesuit novice. He went from Bishop to Archbishop to Cardinal—and gained a reputation for personal humility, doctrinal conservatism, and a commitment to social justice, which stands to this day. Named Person of the Year by Time magazine in December 2013, Pope Francis remains outspoken in support of the world’s poor and marginalized people, and he has been involved actively in areas of political diplomacy and environmental advocacy.

Learn about the life of the 43rd President of the United States in this updated biography of George W. Bush, specially written for a younger audience.President George W. Bush once said, “I never dreamed about becoming president. When I was growing up, I wanted to be Willie Mays.” George W. was born July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut. He grew up in Texas but returned to Connecticut to attend Yale University. As a young man he trained as a fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard before beginning a career in business. He entered Texas politics and served as the state’s governor from 1994 to 2000. In 2001 George W. Bush won one of the closest, and most disputed, presidential elections in United States history. During his first term Bush launched a war against terrorism after the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001. In 2004 he won his second term against John Kerry. Originally published as President George W. Bush in 2005, this revised biography of the 43rd President of the United States includes eight pages of photos as well as a timeline and index.

Discover the inspiring story of Amelia Earhart - the first woman to fly solo over the Atlantic Ocean - in this fascinating kids' biography.Amelia Earhart is one of the world's most famous aviators in the history of flight and a role model for women everywhere. Follow the story of this trailblazing pilot - from her childhood adventures in Kansas, USA, to her around-the-world-flight in 1937, which ended in her mysterious disappearance over the Pacific Ocean.This biography book for kids ages 8-11 charts the major events of Amelia's life, including buying her first plane (a bright yellow bi-plane that she named "The Canary"), gaining her pilot's license in 1923, becoming the first female air passenger to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1928, and becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932, earning her the nickname "Queen of the Air".Amelia went on to become a global celebrity. She wrote best-selling books based on her flying adventures, broke many other aviation records, championed equal rights between men and women, and helped found the Ninety-Nines, an organization for female aviators. The story of a true feminist icon, DK Life Stories: Amelia Earhart is the gripping tale of a determined woman who broke the rules and followed her dreams skywards.This new kids' biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting and inspiring people. Full-color photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement age-appropriate, narrative text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes DK Life Stories the one biography series everyone will want to collect.

Discover the inspiring story of Leonardo da Vinci, the artist, inventor, and engineer of the Italian Renaissance...Leonardo was a creative genius who wanted to understand how things worked. This book traces his life, from his birth in a hilltop village near Florence, Italy, through to his work as a painter, sculptor, and engineer. Leonardo made hundreds of drawings and paintings, including the Mona Lisa - probably the most famous painting in the world. Learn how Leonardo made detailed sketches of the human body and designs of parachutes, helicopters, and armored tanks - many years before the technology existed to build them.This new kids' biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting and inspiring people. Full-color photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement age-appropriate narrative text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes DK Life Stories the one biography series everyone will want to collect.

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it takes to change the world in this comprehensive biography that tells the complete life story of internationally renowned peacemaker Nelson Mandela.Civil rights activist. World leader. Writer. Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela took on many roles, all in the pursuit of peace. Born in 1918 in South Africa, he grew up in a culture of government-enforced racism and became involved in the anti-apartheid movement at a young age. Deeply committed to nonviolent activism, Mandela directed a peaceful campaign against the racist policies of his South African government, and spent twenty-seven years in prison as a result. In the years following his emergence as a free man, he continued his efforts to dismantle the country’s apartheid system and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside South African President F.W. de Klerk. In 1994 he was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president and served until his retirement from active politics in 1999 at the age of eighty-one. He continued to promote global peace until his death in 2013, and his legacy lives on. From Nelson Mandela’s childhood to his monumental impact on race relations and nonviolent activism, this comprehensive biography shares the truth about the man behind the iconic smile: his struggles, his triumphs, and the sacrifices along the way.

The Perron family received this advice from the previous homeowner of their Rhode Island farmhouse: "For the sake of your family, leave the lights on at night!" A ghostly witch named Bathsheba led the haunting of the Perron family, physically and psychologically tormenting them. This legendary ghost story eventually became the subject of the movie The Conjuring, and continued to haunt the Perron family for years to come.