Books in Blue Banner Biographies series

While growing up in Tappahannock, Virginia, Chris Brown would spend hours listening to the R&B music his parents played on the radio. Inspired by multitalented artists such as Michael Jackson, Chris first dreamed of becoming a professional rapper. But a funny thing happened on the way to being his hometown s first MC. Chris discovered he could sing. Even better, he found out that his singing impressed the girls in his school. Seeing how people reacted to his voice convinced him to pursue music as a career. This is the story of how a sixteen-year-old from a small country town made it to the top of the music charts. Although it may seem as if he became an overnight sensation, Chris Brown would have to endure two years of uncertainty, loneliness, and sacrifice before achieving the international success that is making his dreams come true.

Born to a humble lifestyle in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1978, Usher took the world by storm in just one decade. Starting out as a teen sensation, Usher graduated to a few movie and soap opera roles before getting back to the rhythm and blues music he is best known for. By 2004, Usher's recording "Confessions" was number one for a total of 28 weeks, a new record! He also won several Grammy awards and other music accolades that made music critics and fans alike ready to crown him the next "King of Pop."

As a Little Leaguer in San Diego, Cole Hamels was fascinated with pitching. When Cole s high school coach taught him how to throw a changeup, Major League scouts flocked to see him strike out batters by the dozens. But injuries put Cole s pitching dreams on hold several times. His high school doctor once told him he d never pitch again. Cole s hard work and stubbornness kept his pitching dream alive. Now his changeup is one of Major League Baseball s most unhittable pitches. In 2008, he was named MVP of both the National League Championship Series and World Series. He led the Phillies to their first World Series victory in 28 years. After just three seasons in the majors, baseball fans and analysts were predicting Cy Young awards in Cole s future. Find out why fans agree: The Phillies red-hot lefty is just warming up.

Even before Ben Simmons played his first NBA game, people were comparing him to some of the games greatest playersfrom Shaquille ONeal to LeBron James. Ben has been smashing basketball records and racking up awards since he was young, growing up in Australia. In 2016, his childhood dream came true when the Philadelphia 76ers picked him first in the NBA draft. But it isnt just Bens size, speed, and strength on the basketball court that makes him a star. He also works hard to be a role model, to help others, and to share his love of the game.

Megan Fox is the poster child for empowered women: she s part glamour girl and part action-adventure heroine. Outspoken and controversial, Fox has a disarming sense of humor about herself and is the first to admit she has yet to prove herself a serious actress. Despite her movie star looks, life wasn t always easy for Fox. Born and raised in a very strict Tennessee family, Fox was bullied so badly in school she started eating her lunch while hiding in a bathroom stall. Being an outcast in school prompted her to put all her energies into performing. She appeared in her first movie at sixteen and never looked back. Within five years she was starring opposite Shia LaBeouf in Transformers, the movie that made her a star and one of the most photographed women in the world. This book recounts her journey from the hills of Tennessee to international fame and reveals the girl-next-door side of Fox rarely seen.

You might say that Kate Hudson’s destiny was determined at birth. Her mother, Goldie Hawn, a popular movie star, loved to take Kate along to her movie sets. You might say Kate grew up on a movie set—and loved every minute of it. Kate’s childhood was filled with movie stars but it all seemed normal to her. Goldie and her “Pa” Kurt Russell raised Kate to appreciate everything she had. Kate was not given everything she asked for. She was always taught the importance of respect, generosity, and family. As she grew older, Kate’s stunning good looks mimicked those of her famous mother and directors couldn’t wait to cast her in their movies. But despite the fact that fame was exciting to Kate, she never lost sight of what was most important, the love of her family.

Superstar Katy Perry grew up singing in church, knowing that she had a future in the music industry, but the road to success was paved with many bumps. Still, she never gave up on her dreams, and she never gave up on herself. Brought up by very strict Christian parents, Katy first tried to make it in the Christian music industry, but those efforts failed. Pressing forward, she finally got her big break with the controversial song I Kissed a Girl in 2008, and fans have been blowing her kisses ever since. By the time she was 26, she was happily married to Russell Brand, a star in his own right, and was living the star-studded dream that so many tried to squash along the way. Recognized for her stellar singing, songwriting, and guitar playing, as well as for her eclectic fashion sense, Katy is one California Gurl who has made it big!