Books in Junior Biographies series

You may know her from the Harry Potter movies as Harry's pal, Hermione Granger, but Emma Watson has come a long way since the hit films shot her to fame as a young child. In her post-Potter years, Emma has acted in serious films, graduated from an Ivy League university, and become a serious activist. This compelling book about Emma's life provides an inspiring look at how her career and education inspired her to speak out for women's rights around the world, eventually being named a United Nations Women Goodwill ambassador. The straightforward, engaging text is supplemented by full-color photographs, quotes from the actress, and fun facts.

At age ten, Elon Musk taught himself to write computer code. Two years later, he used that code to write and sell a video game to a magazine. What does a young entrepreneur like that do when he grows up? Musk went on to be one of the wealthiest investors and business people in the world. This engaging book describes Musk's childhood growing up in South Africa and his moves to Canada and the United States as a young adult. Full-color photographs and direct quotes from Musk himself accompany this intriguing look at the founder of Tesla and SpaceX.

Raised just a few blocks from Broadway, Alicia Keys began playing classical piano when she was seven years old. At twenty-two, she became famous for combining the music of her city and her classical training into a sound all her own. In this compelling biography, readers learn about the inspiring life and work of Keys, a fifteen-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer. Keys is also an actress, author, and global activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Accessible text is accompanied by compelling full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Keys herself.

Rear Admiral Dr. Grace Murray Hopper became known as "Amazing Grace" and the "First Lady of software" at a time when women rarely ventured into math and computer work. In this captivating biography, readers will learn how her pioneering work in the field changed computers as we know them today, including how we refer to malfunctions. They will also discover how she helped develop computer language, paving the way for modern computer coding. Full-color photographs, fast facts, and direct quotes help to illuminate this portrayal of one of the most innovative and inspiring figures of the twentieth century.

Broadway star turned R&B singer, Ariana Grande was just eight years old when she set her sights on the stage. More than just a talented singer, Ariana is an astute businesswoman who knew what she had to do to make her creative dreams come true. What really makes this pop star stand out is her dedication to philanthropy. After the tragedy in Manchester, she helped raise over 13 million dollars for the victims with her One Love Manchester Benefit concert. Young readers will learn more about the singer's life and careers through easy-to-follow text accompanied by dynamic full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Grande herself.

China Anne McClain started singing and acting from a young age. A talented musician, who with her sisters formed the pop group McClain, China has also appeared in major motion pictures as well popular television shows. In 2014, she won an Image Award for her work as a young African American actress. Through simple text and colorful photos, readers will be enthralled by McClains success story. A Words to Know section in the beginning of the text helps students learn new vocabulary, and direct quotations allow readers to relate to the young star on a deeper level.

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.

Shawn Mendes was only fifteen years old when he became an online singing sensation. Within a few years, he quickly progressed to become an international superstar. Readers meet Shawn through well-researched, accessible information on his life and accomplishments. The high-interest text is enhanced with full-color photographs, a timeline, and direct quotes from Shawn himself. This book invites leisure reading, as well as supports the social studies curricula. It is aligned with the Common Core English Language Arts standards for reading informational texts, and with the College and Career Readiness anchor standards.

Zendaya is one of the hottest stars in Hollywood as well as a staple of fashion-forward style. With hit movies such as Spiderman: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman now on her resume, she's come a long way since shooting commercials as a young girl. The accessible text provides fun facts about the woman behind the stylish exterior, such as her early career aspirations to be a teacher or a basketball player. With color photographs and quotes from Zendaya herself, readers will find out about all facets of the life and career of this popular star.

Chancellor Bennett's blazing rise to fame has made history, not only for its speed, but also in its unconventional path. Readers will learn about the childhood of the young man who would one day become Chance the Rapper. Frank but appropriate text tells the tale of a young rapper who got into trouble with drugs, but was able to turn his life around. Chance the Rapper went on to have a family and change history with his unique and memorable albums called mixtapes. Supplemented by color photographs and inspiring quotes, his story of music, family, and charity will remind readers to follow their hearts and make a positive difference in the world.