Books in Blue Banner Biographies series

Ashton Kutcher was born in a small farming town and ended up among the bright lights of Hollywood. The path he took to get there is one filled with challenge and uncertainty. Dealing with his twin brother’s illness, his parents’ divorce, and a move to a brand new town as a teenager left Ashton wondering what to do with his life. His plan to pursue a medical career was fueled by his desire to find a cure for his brother but his dreams of fame began to overtake him. First though, he’d have to grow up a little. His knack for getting into trouble had already cost him the lead in his high school play. But a chance win in a modeling contest started Ashton down another road and soon his face was a familiar site on fashion runways and magazine covers. A career as an actor was within his grasp. He just had to reach out and grab it.

When other children were busy getting ready to go to school, Joanna JoJo Levesque was following in the footsteps of favorite singers Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. From an early age, she loved to get up and sing for anyone who would listen. Her talent was obvious even before she entered kindergarten. JoJo has gone on to wow audiences of all ages with her mature voice. Still, her life wasn t always easy. Her parents divorced when she was young, and money was tight. Jealous classmates bullied her in school. Meanwhile, JoJo continued to pursue her dreams. By the time she was sixteen, she had recorded two albums and performed in two popular movies. She has caught the eye of a growing number of fans and her future looks even brighter! Find out how JoJo has used her talents to become the confident star she is today.

From his earliest days as a geeky boy sent to juvenile camp in Holes to the suave and sophisticated stockbroker in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, Shia LaBeouf has come a long way. From a difficult childhood, he learned the power of entertaining people a talent he used in every way he possibly could. Read about how this young man used his charm to bluster his way into getting jobs and getting an agent. Then find out how a few simple roles developed into leading roles in some of the biggest blockbusters of the decade. Discover how, along the way, this young man has had to deal with weighty matters, from serious injuries to run-ins with the law. As the years go by, LaBeouf s star continues to rise and it seems the future will bring huge films that will keep him in the spotlight.

In just under a year since winning England s X Factor talent show, British pop star Leona Lewis established herself as an international superstar. Her debut album Spirit, released in England in November 2007, set world records for sales. Twenty-something Leona even cracked the tough U.S. market when her single Bleeding Love became the number-one song in America in spring 2008. When Spirit topped the U.S. album chart at the same time, Leona became the first British female solo artist to ever have both a song and an album at the top of the U.S. charts. This former receptionist and waitress from London has taken her music across the globe, appeared on magazine covers, and performed at the Beijing Olympics. Still, she is determined to remember where she came from and help others along the way.

Born into a family that values music, Natasha Bedingfield s solo career began in the shadow of her older brother, Daniel. But when her single Unwritten climbed to the top of the American pop music charts, Natasha s music suddenly seemed to be everywhere. Unwritten was even used by Barack Obama as part of his presidential campaign. Now that she is a singer songwriter in her own right, Natasha uses her fame to call attention to conditions in the world that need attending to, especially those involving children. She is as passionate about the causes she supports as she is about her music. Whether on stage or off, Natasha Bedingfield is connecting with her fans and making a difference in their lives.

Paris Hilton was born into the life of luxury, and right from the start she embraced life and everything it had to offer her. Growing up in a fancy hotel with maids, butlers and posh surroundings, Hilton wanted her own identity and she struggled to find it. Photographers began to notice the tall blonde with the piercing blue eyes who started showing up at all the best parties with her equally beautiful sister. Paris was eventually appearing in magazines everywhere. She was becoming a fashion icon. Modeling jobs soon followed, but Paris’s true desire was to be an actress. She was used to getting what she wanted and movie offers began coming in. Paris discovered that you can make your own destiny with a little hard work and a whole lot of dazzle.

LeVeon Bell faced some tough challenges. He had a single mom. Money was tight. Yet his hardest challenge was how easily football came to him. It was so easy, he didnt have to work to win games. As a high school player, he realized top schools werent looking at him. He knew he had to change his strategy. He began working harder at the game. It paid off. He was chosen by Michigan State University. Today he plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his familys favorite team. Hes one of the best running backs in the country.

Superstar Pink has reached the top of the charts by mixing grit with glamour on her albums and in her stunning stage shows. A complex performer, her sound is part rock, part punk, part R&B, and all heartfelt. Whether she s grieving a lost love or picking apart another celebrity, Pink speaks her mind and allows her music to show her individuality as well as her talent. Growing up, Alecia Beth Moore was a bit of a wild child who couldn t find focus until she made music her life. When her band, Choice, secured a recording contract but then broke up, Pink went solo. She strengthened her mind, body, and voice to become a tough-as-nails talent who won t bow down to commercial pressures. Find out what makes this versatile artist a star on her own, and why others are so eager to work with her.