Mo'ne Davis did what most people thought couldn't be done. She dominated like no girl had done before, showing that girls could beat boys at their own Little League baseball game. At 13 years old, during a spectacular month in August 2014, Mo'ne became the most famous baseball player in the nation. She threw fastballs to rival the form of major league pitchers. She showed maturity and poise beyond her years. And perhaps the most amazing thing is, baseball is probably not her best sport. You might someday see her playing professional basketball. When it comes to Mo'ne Davis, all things are possible.
The seventh of eleven children, Edith Bolling grew up to become one of the most controversial women in American history. Early on, she became a successful businesswoman and the first female to own an automobile in Washington, D.C. It was love at first sight when widowed President Woodrow Wilson met Edith. Her husband's constant companion and confidante, Edit supported the President during World War I and accompanied him abroad and across the nation to campaign for world peace. Edith did not refer to herself as First Lady but as Mrs. Wilson. Ever at her husband's side, she screened all matters of state when a stroke left him bedridden. Her critics called her secret president, and first woman to run the government. Did Edith serve as President in an age when women were not even allowed to vote? The world may never know for certain.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, a young woman from Pakistan, was denied the privilege of attending school, shot by terrorists, and forced to leave her country. Her near assassination convinced Malala that God had kept her alive for a reason. She would continue to fight for children's rights to education. With 66 million children worldwide not attending school, Malala travels the world, inspiring politicians and other people to help them. "We should not lose hope," she said. "One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."
He was a man who fought like no other inside the ring, yet outside the ring he fought for peace. "The Louisville Lip" went on to become a three-time champion, beating some of boxing's greatest fighters, including Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He stunned the world when he beat Sonny Liston for the title. He stunned the world even more when he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He was stripped of his title and banned from boxing for refusing to join the military because of his religious beliefs, then returned to become one of the most famous athletes in history. Not even Parkinson's disease could stop him. A fighter, poet, civil rights leader, humanitarian, and more, Ali remains, in his own words, the king of the world.
Ella-Yelich O'Connor wasn't your typical tween. At the age of 12, her performance in a school concert landed her a recording contract with Universal record label. Five years later, that same girl, now known as Lorde, celebrated her 17th birthday by signing another contract - this time it was worth $2.5 million! And only a few months later, she was topping the charts with her megahit "Royals" Life for this New Zealand native has been far from normal as she maintains a superstar status and travels the world selling out concerts to faithful fans.
Did astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson really kill the planet Pluto? Not exactly, although he admits he did "drive the getaway car." He was a teenager when some insisted that comet was going to destroy the world. He disagreed - it would simply be a great chance to take some cool photos - and he was right. When DC Comics needed someone to find Superman's home planet, they called him. See why people turn to Tyson, one of the world's most famous scientists, for his thoughts on the universe.
Minecraft - it's a game that everyone knows. Either they play it now, used to play it, or know someone who plays it. It is the kind of game that inspires worlds. Markus Persson was a quiet kid in school. He didn't play sports or go on dates, but instead spent time learning how to write computer code. His talent created one of the most popular games in history. Find out why in this story about a young man who had a brand new idea.
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, also known as "RG3," is not Superman, although he sometimes wears Superman socks. He has become one of the nation's most popular athletes. He set Texas state track records in high school when he wasn't dominating in football. Griffin won the Heisman Trophy while at Baylor University. He became the NFL's no. 2 overall draft pick by Washington, then won NFL offensive rookie of the year honors. In his spare time, Griffin does things for those less fortunate. He is a superstar in every sense of the word.
When sixteen-year-old Harry Styles appeared on The X Factor stage in 2010, he wowed the judges with his performance. But when the judges didn't think Harry could make it to the top of the competition alone, he joined Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson to create One Direction. They may have only taken third place on The X Factor, but they've topped the charts of the international music industry ever since. With two platinum-selling albums in 2012 and a world tour under his belt, Harry Styles is definitely moving in the right direction!
The first time Jennifer Lawrence read a script, she knew that she had found her life's profession. Here was something she was good at and enjoyed! A trip to New York turned into modeling jobs and then acting offers. Find out how winning one of the biggest awards in theatre came to be called the "worst moment of Jennifer's life," what famous role she wanted but did not get, how she convinced producers she could be unattractive, and what she wants to do with her future.
The pop music group Big Time Rush has recorded albums and given concerts around the world. Logan Henderson, James Maslow, Carlos Pena, Jr., and Kendall Schmidt also star in a top-rated TV show on Nickelodeon and have performed in concert at the White House! The members of Big Time Rush are more than funny actors and melodic singers. They treat people with respect and work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to meet fans. How did these four young men become one of the most popular music bands in the world? What are they like behind the scenes?
What do you do when Justin Bieber wants to sign you to his record label? You say 'yes,' of course. And that's exactly what Carly Rae Jepsen did in early 2012 after "The Biebs" discovered her on Canadian radio. Her life has been a whirlwind of amazing experiences ever since. She travels across continents, performing in front of massive audiences. She poses for magazine covers. She shakes hands with millions of her fans. But at the end of the day, Jepsen just loves writing music. With all her talent-and the support of her new superstar friend-she has a long musical career ahead of her.
American champion downhill skier Lindsey Vonn has won four World Cup titles as well as gold and silver in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. This intriguing book follows Lindsey's life and career from the very beginning through a variety of sports-related injuries and ultimately to the fulfillment of her dream. After her Olympic win, Lindsey became a fan favorite, appearing on talk shows and signing a number of product endorsement contracts. All eyes are on Lindsey now as she trains for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Sidney Crosby skated into the limelight from the very start of his hockey career. In only his second season playing in the NHL, Sid the Kid became the youngest player ever to get over 100 points in a season. This book follows his amazing life story, from boyhood games on the ponds of Nova Scotia to captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Stanley Cup in 2008. Crosby remained a league leader until the 2010-2011 season when he suffered a concussiona head injury that still has consequences for him today.
Most people came to know Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, the star athlete with hidden musical talents in the High School Musical movies. Today, Efron's talents as an award-winning actor and singer are far from hidden from movie-goers and from his millions of adoring fans.
When Vanessa Hudgens stepped onto the stage to try out for a role in High School Musical, she was one of over six hundred hopefuls. At that time, she was not well known. But the producers were blown away by her audition, and she was chosen for a leading part. It was this role that put the young singer/actress on the path to superstardom. Hudgens has now starred in a number of movies, released several albums, and won awards for her work as both an actress and a singer.
Carly Rae Jepsen grew up in Mission, British Columbia. After graduating from high school, Carly was a hopeful on the television competition Canadian Idol. She finished third, but her story didn't end there. This entertaining book describes how Carly persevered and released her first album independently, then became an international sensation through MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube - with a little help from Justin Bieber.
Not many years ago, country music sensation Taylor Swift was singing karaoke and learning to play her first guitar. Today, the superstar singer and songwriter performs sold-out concerts around the world. Her albums sell millions of copies, she's won numerous music awards, and she's been on the cover of just about every popular magazine.
Growing up in a family of musicians, Bruno Mars started his music career performing at a young age in his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii. After high school he moved to California and began producing music for other artists before embarking on his own solo career. This amazing book describes Bruno Mars' early life and how his debut album sent him to the top of the charts worldwide. With a wide range of musical influences, it's no surprise that this multi-talented singer won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammys only a year later.
The Jonas Brothers - Kevin, Joe, and Nick - have brought boy bands back in style. The pop-rock group has sold more than eight million albums worldwide and toured the globe, playing sold-out shows and capturing the hearts of adoring fans. With their positive, uplifting songs and strong sense of family and their faith, they have also redefined what it means to be cool.
Contemporary R&B artist Beyoncé Knowles has always loved to sing and dance. Entering competitions as a young child, she burst into stardom as a member of Destiny's Child. This fascinating book takes a close-up look at Beyoncé's life and career including her mega success as a solo artist. Also an actress and a philanthropist, the story of this multi-talented performer has only just begun.
This exciting biography traces Taylor Lautner's astonishing rise to fame. Readers will learn about his childhood in Michigan, his passion for martial arts, and how his determination and drive have led him to superstar status! Full-color photographs, personal stories, and quotes from the actor himself, give fans the inside scoop on one of Hollywood's rising stars.
One of the greatest point guards in the game of basketball, Steve Nash beat the odds at six feet, three inches to excel in a sport dominated by six-foot, seven-inch players. Born in South Africa, Steve grew up in Canada and was drafted to play in the NBA in the United States. This interesting biography follows his career from the Phoenix Suns to the Dallas Mavericks, then back to Phoenix. Fans will also get a glimpse into Steve's years growing up and his selfless attitude both on and off the court, including his generous work with charities around the globe.
Born in California, Shailene Woodley almost became an interior designer before landing a starring role in the TV series The Secret Life of the American Teenager. This book follows the intriguing story of her rise to fame, from her breakout movie role in The Descendants to her star-making role in The Fault in Our Stars to her superstar status today as Tris in the Divergent movies.
Robert Pattinson became famous around the world for playing a dreamy vampire in the Twilight movies. The romantic fantasy films have rocketed the British actor to fame. Pattinson is more than just a bloodthirsty heartthrob with great hair, however. He has starred in several plays and films, is a talented musician, and has won awards for his acting - and even his kissing!
