Biographies

Learn about the amazing life of the former world No. 1 tennis player who fought for gender equality in sports! Billie Jean King's legacy as a tennis star, a feminist, and an LGBTQ+ trailblazer shines through in this addition to the #1 New York Times...

This autobiographical picture book by the multiple Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack recounts her childhood in a home surrounded by music and love: it all started with a beat-up piano that her father found in a junkyard, repaired, and painted...

★ "The activists' stories are extraordinary...It's a powerful answer to Rao's framing questions: 'Who is an environmental defender? What does she or he look like? Maybe like you. Maybe like me.'"--Publishers Weekly, starred review ★...

Lionel Messi dominates soccer. Claiming every major trophy in soccer, Messi is one of the sport's most decorated players. He has an Olympic gold medal, a World Cup win, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and more. Messi has also claimed eight Ballon d'Or...

In 1841, a 12-year-old enslaved boy, Edmond Albius, made history when he discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla plants using a bamboo twig. Until that time, only bees in Mexico could pollinate the plant--botanists couldn't figure out another way. With...

Join Zara Rutherford on her inspiring solo flight around the world, capturing breathtaking moments and overcoming incredible challenges. Young readers aged 7-9 can join the thrilling, real-life journey of a young female pilot who broke records on her...

The 18th picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes tells the story of Walt Disney, who made dreams come true. This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that...

Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon is the focus of the 15th picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes, for ages 5 to 8. This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the...

How did a young boy who played three sports become a two-time Super Bowl champion? Find out in this exciting Who HQ Now book about one of America's favorite football players. Travis Kelce was born an athlete -- he played football, basketball, and...

How did a young boy who played three sports become a two-time Super Bowl champion? Find out in this exciting Who HQ Now book about one of America's favorite football players. Travis Kelce was born an athlete -- he played football, basketball, and...

A picture book biography celebrating the first known Black female tattoo artist in the U.S., Jacci Gresham, co-authored by Jacci herself, and with stylish, accessible artwork by David Wilkerson How to make your mark? Express yourself: From coloring...

A fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles! While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to...

In this sixth entry in the New York Time Bestselling biography series, humor is the heroic trait, and modern icon Lucille Ball is celebrated. Lucille Ball could make any situation funny. By making people around the world laugh, she proved that humor can...

The seventh addition to this New York Times bestselling series spotlights Helen Keller and shows kids that obstacles can create heroes When Helen Keller was very young, she got a rare disease that made her deaf and blind. Suddenly, she couldn't see or...

Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets and Sesame Street, is the 11th hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. Jim Henson, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the...

This tenth book in the New York Times bestselling biography series profiles Jane Goodall, the scientist and conservationist who is famous for her work with chimpanzees. After receiving a stuffed animal chimpanzee for her first birthday, Jane Goodall's...

Children will want to read about our first president while discussing the presidential elections. This is the ninth book in the New York Times bestselling biography series that inspires while it informs and entertains. George Washington was never...

Step into the world of Georgian England and learn more about the genteel life of this beloved author. Although Jane Austen's works were first published anonymously and brought her little personal recognition, today they are rarely out of print and have...

Hold on to your Viking helmets as you learn about the first known European to set foot on North America in this exciting addition to the Who Was? series! Leif Erikson was born to be an explorer. His father, Erik the Red, had established the first...

Learn more about Napoleon Bonaparte, the decorated French military leader who conquered much of Europe in the early nineteenth century. Born in the Mediterranean island of Corsica, Napoleon Bonaparte felt like an outsider once his family moved to France...

Get ready for the electrifying biography of Nikola Tesla--part creative genius, part mad scientist, and 100% innovator. When Nikola Tesla arrived in the United States in 1884, he didn't have much money, but he did have a letter of introduction to...

Learn how Judy Blume went from a stay-at-home mother to one of the most beloved American authors of the twentieth century. Readers adore Judy Blume for her personal stories about the journey from childhood to adolescence. She has always been an...

Now adapted for young adults--the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir, which Toni Morrison called "quite extraordinary," offers an intimate look at Barack Obama's early days. This is a compelling journey tracing the future 44th president's odyssey...

The poignant story of Blind Willie Johnson--the legendary Texas musician whose song "Dark Was the Night" was included on the Voyager I space probe's Golden Record Willie Johnson was born in 1897, and from the beginning he loved to sing--and play his...

An inspiring tribute to Hispanic Americans who have made a positive impact on the world This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science,...

Billie Jean King is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Read about this amazing woman athlete in the seventeenth picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes. This friendly, fun biography series focuses...

Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, is the subject of the sixteenth picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes. This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes...

Harriet Tubman's heroic and pivotal role in the fight against slavery is the subject of the fourteenth picture book in this New York Times bestselling biography series. This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes...

Advocate for peace and nonviolent revolutionary Gandhi is the 12th hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. As a young man in India, Gandhi saw firsthand how people were treated unfairly. Refusing to accept...

Learn about Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani and what makes him one of the greatest players of all time! Shohei Ohtani, also known as "Shotime," is widely known for his skills in both pitching and hitting. At the 2016 Japan Series, Ohtani led his...

Learn about Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani and what makes him one of the greatest players of all time! Shohei Ohtani, also known as "Shotime," is widely known for his skills in both pitching and hitting. At the 2016 Japan Series, Ohtani led his...

Find out how a young boy from the Midwest became one of the most important writers and activists of the Harlem Renaissance in this addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series! Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, and was raised by his...

Learn about the incredible legacy of civil rights legend and Georgia congressman John Lewis in this inspiring addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling series. Starting in the 1960s, John Lewis began his activism alongside civil rights legend and...

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Dorothy Height! Growing up as a Black girl in the 1920s and 1930s,...

Sacagawea, the only Indigenous person included in Lewis and Clark's historic expedition, is the 13th hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. Sacagawea was the only girl, and the only Native American, to...

The eighth biography in this New York Times bestselling series features one of America's greatest civil rights heroes, Martin Luther King, Jr. As a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African American people were...

Iconic pop artist Keith Haring comes to life for young readers in this picture book biography lovingly written by his sister This one-of-a-kind book explores the life and art of Keith Haring from his childhood through his meteoric rise to fame. It sheds...

How did a working-class girl from Cuba become a symbol of artistic freedom for Cuban Americans and the "Queen of Salsa"? Find out in this addition to the Who HQ library! Although her family and friends know her as Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz...

Learn how a slave became one of the leading influential African American intellectuals of the late 19th century. African American educator, author, speaker, and advisor to presidents of the United States, Booker Taliaferro Washington was the leading...

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book Critically acclaimed author Jabari Asim and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis give readers a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis. John wants to be a preacher when he...