Books in Making a Difference: Leaders Who Are Changing the World series

The names Bill and Melinda Gates are often in the headlines, whether it's for the newest Microsoft innovation or, more recently, for their inspiring philanthropic donations and endeavors. This book offers young readers a lively, accessible overview of the lives of these high-profile leaders, including their formative years, their accomplishments, and their astounding but thoughtful charitable contributions. This biography introduces readers to the upbringing and personalities of both Bill and Melinda, and explains how they work tirelessly as a team to improve the lives of the less fortunate around the world.

The names Bill and Melinda Gates are often in the headlines, whether it's for the newest Microsoft innovation or, more recently, for their inspiring philanthropic donations and endeavors. This book offers young readers a lively, accessible overview of the lives of these high-profile leaders, including their formative years, their accomplishments, and their astounding but thoughtful charitable contributions. This biography introduces readers to the upbringing and personalities of both Bill and Melinda, and explains how they work tirelessly as a team to improve the lives of the less fortunate around the world.

As leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the pope is the most visible spiritual leader in the world. The first non-European leader of the church in more than 1,2 years, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope in 213. Taking the name Francis, the new pope has captivated the world with messages of justice, tolerance, and concern for the poor. This accessible biography tells Pope Francis’s life story, tracing his path to this important role in the church and on the world stage. It discusses his compassionate acts and efforts to bring about change, which have created excitement about the church’s future.

Rising out of poverty to become the third female and first Hispanic associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor truly embodies the American dream. Her journey from a housing project to the Ivy League and then through all three levels of the federal court system has inspired countless individuals across the country. Even in the midst of her successes, Sotomayor has made time to reach out to various communities to help ensure that all have equal opportunities for success. Readers will learn about her incredible life story and her contributions to both the legal system and the world outside of the courts.

As leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the pope is the most visible spiritual leader in the world. The first non-European leader of the church in more than 1,2 years, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope in 213. Taking the name Francis, the new pope has captivated the world with messages of justice, tolerance, and concern for the poor. This accessible biography tells Pope Francis’s life story, tracing his path to this important role in the church and on the world stage. It discusses his compassionate acts and efforts to bring about change, which have created excitement about the church’s future.

Few political figures are as polarizing as Bill and Hillary Clinton. This power couple has generated fiercely mixed reactions since their first appearance on the political stage. A new Clinton era may be dawning, as Hillary again tests the waters for a presidential bid. Uncovering all the layers of myth, rumor, spin, and talk-radio takedowns, this examination is clear-eyed and calm, objectively reviewing the origins, rise, near fall, and reemergence of the world's most influential couple. It is a fascinating tale of hard work, ambition, idealism and calculation, political might and human weakness and, ultimately, the enduring strength of family.

Few political figures are as polarizing as Bill and Hillary Clinton. This power couple has generated fiercely mixed reactions since their first appearance on the political stage. A new Clinton era may be dawning, as Hillary again tests the waters for a presidential bid. Uncovering all the layers of myth, rumor, spin, and talk-radio takedowns, this examination is clear-eyed and calm, objectively reviewing the origins, rise, near fall, and reemergence of the world's most influential couple. It is a fascinating tale of hard work, ambition, idealism and calculation, political might and human weakness and, ultimately, the enduring strength of family.

From his humble beginnings to his worldwide fame, the still-humble Dalai Lama, originally from Tibet, is an inspiration to many, Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. Full of fascinating facts, this engaging book chronicles the life, achievements, awards, teachings, and ideals of this gifted and devoted promoter of peace and political independencemost notably for the people of Tibet, who remain under the control of the Chinese government. Though he himself remains exiled from Tibet, the Dalai Lama does all he can on the world stage to make the plight of his people known. This is the inspiring story of a uniquely passionate freedom fighter, political leader, public conscience, and spiritual guide.

Aung San Suu Kyi was born to lead. Following in the footsteps of her dissident father, Aung San, she has resisted the machinations of a corrupt government for years?and paid dearly for it. In a largely biographical format, this book details Aung's rise as an opposition leader in Myanmar (formerly Burma), telling the story of a woman who willingly sacrificed her freedoms for those of her people. Background information and notable moments in her struggle are called out in boxed inserts.