Books in Junior Biographies series

Give your readers a fascinating biography about one of the most honored and respected actresses in Hollywood. This accessible, easy-to-follow book about Viola Davis provides an engaging timeline of the actress's life. Viola's early years helped shape the roles she chose as an adult. Playing everyday Americans such as wives, mothers, and hired help got her noticed by moviegoers and critics alike, and led to her becoming the only African-American woman to be nominated for three Academy Awards. The engaging text is accompanied by dynamic, full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Viola herself.

Jim Henson created some of the most well-known and beloved characters, stories, and songs of the 20th century, making his name synonymous with children's entertainment. From Kermit the Frog to The Dark Crystal, his creative legacy has impacted children for two generations with no sign of stopping. Through vibrant, full-color illustrations, easy-to-follow text, and direct quotes, students will learn how one man used his talent for art, music, and performance not only to entertain children and adults around the world, but also to change the way kids learn.

Sharon Draper is a celebrated educator and author. Her readers, from elementary school children to young adults, connect with her characters, who often face real-world challenges such as addiction (in 1995's Tears of a Tiger) and cerebral palsy (in 2010's Out of My Mind). Full of fascinating details, full-color photographs, and insightful quotations from Draper, this simple yet informative text will show readers how a love of books from an early age inspired a young girl to become a writer and teacher who has touched the lives of millions of young people around the world.

Melania Trump has experienced many parts of the world in her life, beginning with her childhood in Slovenia to the modeling world of Milan, Italy. The journey isn't over yet. In 2016, she became the first First Lady of the United States to be a naturalized citizen, and only the second ever to be born overseas. This informative biography follows Melania on her amazing journey, with engaging information written in age-appropriate language and context. Each chapter features color photographs and a quote from Melania, giving readers a sense of her personality, beliefs, and ideas.

LeBron James is unquestionably one of the biggest names in basketball history, but it's his actions off the court that make him a true superstar. In this captivating biography, readers learn how James uses his position as a respected athlete to encourage and uplift others. The inspiring text describes how young LeBron overcame a difficult childhood, achieved unimaginable success, and gave back to his community by starting a school to help kids like him. Colorful photographs, fun facts, and direct quotations accompany this revealing look at his life and accomplishments on and off the court.

"Actress Meghan Markle is set to marry Prince Harry of Britain in May 2018. As a biracial actress, she faced a fair deal of struggles conforming to Hollywood's expectations of how she should look, dress, and speak. After landing a role in the hit show Suits in 2011, Meghan started to use her fame to speak out about equality. This biography explores Meghan's path to royalty and the challenges she faced on her journey. Age-appropriate text supports full-color photographs to catch the reader's eye, while quotes from Meghan illustrate her character"--

At fourteen years old, Dwayne Johnson began training for the day when he would become the first third-generation wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation. But the wrestling ring wasn't enough for him. In this revealing biography, readers learn how Johnson used his strong work ethic to go beyond wrestling and find great success in Hollywood. Accompanied by full-color photographs and fun facts, the engaging text follows Johnson's life and achievements from the gym to the red carpet. Direct quotations from the Rock himself inspire readers to discover and follow their own dreams.

In 2015, Misty Copeland was named principal ballerina of the American Ballet Theatre, the first African American to earn the title in the ballet companys history. She has danced all over the country, on Broadway, and on television, but she had to break many barriers to do it, including racism and poverty. Through simple text and vivid photos, readers will appreciate Copelands struggles and will learn about her dedication to promoting diversity in ballet. A Words to Know section helps readers with new vocabulary, and quotations by Copeland shed light on this talented woman.

Born Wardell Stephen Curry II on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, Stephen Curry may be the best shooter in NBA history. He is an NBA champion, an MVP, and a player at the top of his game, and he uses his stardom to give back to the community. Readers will be fascinated by the story of this tremendous athlete, told with simple text and supplemented with color photos. A Words to Know section helps prepare readers for vocabulary in the text, and quotes from Curry himself allow readers to connect with this basketball star.

At fourteen years old, Dwayne Johnson began training for the day when he would become the first third-generation wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation. But the wrestling ring wasn't enough for him. In this revealing biography, readers learn how Johnson used his strong work ethic to go beyond wrestling and find great success in Hollywood. Accompanied by full-color photographs and fun facts, the engaging text follows Johnson's life and achievements from the gym to the red carpet. Direct quotations from the Rock himself inspire readers to discover and follow their own dreams.

Melania Trump has experienced many parts of the world in her life, beginning with her childhood in Slovenia to the modeling world of Milan, Italy. The journey isn't over yet. In 2016, she became the first First Lady of the United States to be a naturalized citizen, and only the second ever to be born overseas. This informative biography follows Melania on her amazing journey, with engaging information written in age-appropriate language and context. Each chapter features color photographs and a quote from Melania, giving readers a sense of her personality, beliefs, and ideas.