Adam Sandler is one of the world's most popular actors, and is known for his wildly creative sense of humor, which launched him to television and film stardom. He first became famous as a cast member on Saturday Night Live during the early 1990s. Fans loved the wacky characters Sandler created on the show, such as Cajun Man and Operaman. They were also impressed with the bravery he showed by being willing to do anything to make people laugh. Sandler used that same comedic genius to become a star in movies such as The Waterboy, Big Daddy, and Grown Ups. He has also made films like Reign Over Me, which show he is a fine dramatic actor. And Sandler not only acts in movies but also makes them. He started Happy Madison Productions so he could create films that reflect his unique sense of what is funny.
Alfonso Soriano has had a great career in baseball. He has won two World Series and played in the All-Star Game seven times. He's even part of the 40-40 club for hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases in one season. Not many baseball players can say they've done the things that Soriano has! Learn about Soriano's path from playing baseball in the Dominican Republic to making it in the Major Leagues. Explore the life story of one of baseball's most successful players!
Not many baseball players are as famous as Alex Rodriguez. All around the world, baseball fans know the name "A Rod." He has been playing baseball in the Major Leagues for more than fifteen years, and in that time, he's played in the All-Star Game fourteen times. He's been named Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times, and he's won a World Series. Rodriguez has done just about everything in baseball! Learn about one of baseball's biggest stars. Find out how A Rod became the player fans know today.
Hanley Ramírez se ha convertido en una de las más grandes estrellas del béisbol. El joven jugador solo ha pertenecido a las Mayores desde el 2005, pero ya ha hecho muchas cosas que otros jugadores sueñan con hacer. Ramírez fue nombrado el Novato del Año, ha jugado en el Juego de las Estrellas tres veces, ha recibido premios, y ha ganado millones. Lea sobre la travesía de Ramírez desde la República Dominicana hasta llegar a las Ligas Mayores. Conozca cómo Ramírez se convirtió en el jugador que a los fans les encanta ver jugar hoy por hoy. Aprenda la historia de como un chico dominicano se convirtió en una de las nuevas estrellas del béisbol.
Plácido Polanco has worked hard to reach his dreams in baseball. He's played in the World Series and in the All-Star Game. He's known for his amazing glove and great defense. Learn about Polanco's journey from playing baseball in the Dominican Republic to making it in the Major Leagues. Discover the life story of one of baseball's hardest-working players!
Robinson Canó has had an amazing life in baseball. He's won the World Series. He's played in All-Star Games, won awards, and made millions of dollars. He's played for one of baseball's most popular teams, the New York Yankees. He's even won the Home Run Derby. Read how Canó learned to love baseball from his father, José. Follow Canó's journey from playing baseball in a Dominican high school to playing in the Major Leagues. Explore the life of one of baseball's biggest stars--and find out how he went from big dreams to the big leagues.
Baseball fans around the world know "Big Papi." David Ortiz is one of the greatest baseball players in the world. He's broken records and won awards, and his face is seen in magazines and on television. At the same time, he's built both a family and a charitable foundation. David is living out the dreams he had when he was growing up in the Dominican Republic. Read David's story--and find out how he traveled from the Dominican Republic all the way to the Big Leagues. Discover how he came to be the Big Papi that fans adore!
Venus and Serena Williams grew up in Compton, California where they sometimes heard gunfire as they learned how to play tennis at a local playground. As teenagers, they grew into athletic women whose powerful serves often overwhelmed their opponents. In time, each sister would climb to the top rankings of international women's tennis. They have also maintained interests off the court; Venus has become a successful interior designer, while Serena has taken several acting roles and also designs women's fashions. But there have been dark days for the two sisters as well. Both have had to deal with racism, and to endure nagging injuries that have sidelined them for months. They also experienced the tragedy of a sister murdered on the streets of Compton. Venus and Serena have stayed competitive, however, and each is committed to remaining among the best players on the women's tennis tour for many more years.
In his 20 years as a NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon has established himself as one of the greatest drivers in the sports history. Jeff has won four championships and more than $100 million in his career. He ranks among the top drivers on the all-time wins list with more than 80 victories. This book details Jeffs many successes, both on and off the racetrack. It discusses how he rose to NASCAR fame, from his first BMX bike to his famous number 24 car. Along with his championship titles, Jeff has won the Daytona 500 three times and many other famed races. Off the track Jeff is involved with several charitable organizations. His achievements have amazed NASCAR fans, and he's not yet ready to slow down.
Sheryl Swoopes established herself as one of the best basketball players in the world while she was still in college at Texas Tech. In 1997 she was the first player signed to a new all-women's professional basketball league, the WNBA. During her career in the WNBA, Sheryl led her team to four championships, was voted Most Valuable Player three times, and was a perennial player in the annual All-Star game. She also earned three Olympic gold medals while playing for the U.S. national team. Sheryl is one of the most decorated basketball players in history, but she is also a role model for young people everywhere. This book details Sheryl's many successes, both on and off the court, and discusses how she became one of the best and most influential basketball players.
Soccer is probably the world's most popular spectator sport. Yet Major League Soccer, a professional league in the United States, has never received much attention even though millions of youngsters enjoy the game on playgrounds and in organized leagues. Hoping to change that situation, in 2007 the Los Angeles Galaxy signed superstar David Beckham to a five-year, $250 million contract. The league hoped that his celebrity status will help make soccer more appealing in the United States. Beckham's arrival did boost the profile of soccer, and he helped the Galaxy win several league championships. But David Beckham is more than just a superb soccer player. He contributes time and money to charity to try to save lives in the poorest parts of the world. And he encourages youngsters to enjoy soccer as much as he does through academies he has opened across the globe.
Many basketball experts consider Michael Jordan the greatest player in the history of the game. During his 15 seasons in the NBA, Michael was voted the league's Most Valuable Player six times. He was the league's leading scorer for a record 10 times. And, most important, he led his team, the Chicago Bulls, to six NBA championship titles. But Michael Jordan is much more than a basketball legend. Through his winning personality, his sense of style, and his many product endorsements - along with his on-court heroics - Michael became one of the most recognized personalities in the entire world. He helped define what it meant to be cool for a generation of kids. Today Michael remains involved in the NBA as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. By supporting a variety of charities, he continues to be a role model as well.
Using the graphics, students can activate prior knowledge--bridge what they already know with what they have yet to learn. Graphically illustrated biographies also teach inference skills, character development, dialogue, transitions, and drawing conclusions. Graphic biographies in the classroom provide an intervention with proven success for the struggling reader.
Dont be fooled by the charisma and flashy demeanor of The Miz. Once the bell rings and the match starts, hes as tough and inventive as any wrestler. His commitment, desire, and signature moves make him a fierce combatant. Learn how The Miz went from reality TV star to professional wrestler in this action-packed biography.
Since entering the ring for the first time in 2005, CM Punk has made himself stand out with his thrilling moves and ability to engage the audience. He has won several titles, including the WWE Championship. Readers will learn how CM Punk became a wrestler, what his favorite moves are, and how he finishes off his opponents in the ring.
Jack Swagger calls himself The All-American American because of his traditional American wrestling style. Countless wrestlers have submitted to his painful ankle lock, a move that has won him many championships. When Swagger brings his technical skills to the ring, few wrestlers stand a chance. In this title, readers will learn about Swaggers childhood, training, and journey to become a WWE Champion.
Kane has been wrestling for almost 20 years. His specialty is the inferno match, during which the wrestling ring is surrounded with fire. This high-interest biography explores Kanes background, his training, and the wrestling moves that make him one of wrestlings superstars.
A small, high-flying wrestler, Rey Mysterio has been thrilling fans around the world for almost 20 years. What he lacks in size he makes up for in effort and technique. Readers will learn about Mysterios background, training, and the skills and style that make him a champion of the ring.
Nicknamed The Ultimate Opportunist, Edge uses any means necessary and does anything possible to win championships. He has been a successful solo and tag team wrestler, winning titles in both formats. Readers will learn about Edges background, his wrestling style, and why he is one of the most entertaining wrestlers in the sport today.
Triple H has been a mainstay of professional wrestling for well over a decade. Over this time, he has been both a hero and a villain. Students will explore his background and training, learning about the moves that make him such a powerful force in professional wrestling.
Randy Orton is the youngest wrestler to ever win the World Wrestling Entertainment Heavyweight Championship. When he debuted, he was nicknamed The Legend Killer because of his ability to defeat superstars. Now, he is a superstar. This title explores his past, his rise to fame, and the moves that keep him on top!
Big Show has been a wrestling star for over 15 years. Standing 7 feet tall and weighing almost 500 pounds, he towers over almost every other wrestler. Readers will explore Big Shows past, his time in wrestling, and the moves he uses to thrill fans and defeat his opponents.
The Undertaker is one of the most famous wrestlers of all time. He has wrestled in hundreds of matches and won several championships. Readers will learn about the Undertakers past, his training, and how he has remained one of the biggest stars in wrestling for over 25 years.
Moctezuma was the most famous leader of the powerful Aztec empire. The Aztecs were expert warriors. Most of central Mexico was under their rule at one time. Moctezuma was elected as the ruler of the empire. He was a fair leader who believed in strictly following the laws. He ruled for 17 years until the fall of the Aztec empire.
Mansa Musa was the king of Mali. Located in western Africa, Mali became one of the largest empires during Musa's reign. He helped his empire grow in size and culture by encouraging arts, literature, and architecture. He improved trade with the Arab and opened up other trade routes. During Musa's reign, he made Mali a powerful and wealthy state.
