Joshua Wong was born in Hong Kong less than one year before China took back control of the city from the United Kingdom. While the handover was peaceful, Hong Kong’s citizens lost their right to fully democratic elections. Joshua's leadership as an activist came to international attention in 2014, during pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The protest became known as the Umbrella Movement. Although Joshua and his student organization called Scholarism promoted peaceful protest, he was jailed for his participation. Undiscouraged, Joshua continues to advocate for full and free elections in Hong Kong. He has been the subject of a documentary called Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, and has been recognized for his work with many awards including TIME magazine’s 25 Most Influential Teens.
A competitive swimmer in Syria, Yusra Mardini never let go of her Olympic dream, even when civil war made it too difficult to train in her country. In 2016, she was allowed to compete in the Rio Olympics as part of a special team for refugees. This was only months after making a daring crossing of the Mediterranean Sea in a sinking boat that she helped tow to shore. Dozens of lives were saved on the voyage. Still training, Mardini also acts as a spokesperson and educator for the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.
American gymnast Simone Biles wowed the world at the 2016 Rio Olympics by winning four gold medals. The first female gymnast to earn three consecutive all-around titles, Biles has been listed on TIME magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People, authored a book on her life, and won an ESPY award for best female athlete in 2017. Her determination carried her through an unstable home life as a young child to become someone who wants to inspire others to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle.
American teenager Zuriel Oduwole tries to live by the quote: “If your dreams don’t scare you, then they’re not big enough.” A filmmaker, public speaker, and writer, Zuriel has interviewed dozens of world leaders and pushed them to promote the education of girls around the world. Founder of the Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up organization, Zuriel teaches citizen filmmaking to kids around the world, speaks out on gender equality at major world forums, and makes world leaders accountable for supporting girls’ education initiatives.
Known as the Kid President, American teenager Robby Novak thinks it’s cool to be kind, and that compassion and curiosity can help change the world. A YouTube sensation and author of two books before he was 12 years old, Robby promotes his belief that everyone matters and has a purpose. Despite his ongoing struggle with a difficult disease that makes his bones brittle, Robby’s mission is to dance the world toward happiness and show people that everyone can be a superhero to somebody.
Trailblazing Xiuhtezcatl Martinez speaks and performs around the world to inspire and empower people to protect and preserve the environment. A leader of the youth-led climate change movement and an activist for Indigenous rights, the 15-year-old Aztec change-maker is a commanding example to all youth to get involved in social change. Using the powerful medium of music, Xiuhtezcatl inspires people around the world to be environmental stewards in order to secure a better future for today’s youth.
This inspiring book examines the life and work of Craig Kielburger, co-founder of the worldwide Me to We and Free the Children organizations. An important children’s rights activist, Craig works to empower youth around the world to make a difference in their communities and take action to solve global issues. With his brother, Marc, Craig actively works to stop child labor and promote social involvement across borders—educating, inspiring, and motivating people to make a difference every day.
Championing equal rights for all people regardless of gender, race, and economic class, Dolores Huerta is a globally recognized icon in the fight for social justice. This book explores Huerta’s inspiring story, focusing on her courage and perseverance as an advocate for the working poor, women’s rights, and rights for immigrant communities. As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers union and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continues to make positive strides for equal rights and inspire people everywhere to stand up for what they believe.
Though a disability stunted his growth and left him with a hunched back, William Henry "Chick" Webb did not let that get in the way of his musical pursuits. Even as a young child, Chick saw the world as one big drum, pounding out rhythms on everything from stair railings to pots and pans. His love of percussion brought him to the big time as an influential big band leader. This picture-book biography details the life of black American jazz drummer Chick Webb, who in the 1930s led one of the big bands of the swing era, earning him the nickname the "King of the Savoy."
Hallie Morse Daggett loved spending time outdoors, hiking among the tall trees of the forests in California's Siskiyou Mountains. She wasn't afraid of the bears, coyotes, and wildcats. But Hallie was afraid of fire and understood the threat it posed to the forests, wildlife, and people. And more than anything, she wanted to devote her life to protecting her beloved outdoors; she decided she would work for the US Forest Service. But in the 1880s the Forest Service didn't hire women, thinking they couldn't handle the physical challenges of the work or the isolation. But the Forest Service didn't know Hallie or how determined she could be. This picture-book biography tells the story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the first woman "fire guard" hired by the US Forest Service, whose hard work and dedication led the way for other women to join the Forest Service.
This title introduces readers to Sacagawea and how she became a shero for one of America's most famous expeditions. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards.
This title introduces readers to Harriet Tubman and how she became a shero to free as many slaves as possible through the Underground Railroad. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards.
This title introduces readers to Joan of Arc and how she became a shero to help deliver France from English domination. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards.
This title introduces readers to Cleopatra and how she became a shero and one of the most famous female rulers of all time. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life former First Lady Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Alta Johnson in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter.
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of social activist Mahatma Gandhi in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter.
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of former First Lady Jacqueline Lee "Jackie" Kennedy Onassis in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter.
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of civil rights activist John Lewis, in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter.
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of the Dalai Lama, the 14th spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter.
Sojourner Truth was born to slaves. She had no choice. But when she grew to be a young mother herself, she ran away with her child looking for freedom. She used her voice to speak for all slaves wanting to be free.
Kids who dream of seeing their name in bright lights will devour this title! Cool kid actors show them how it's done. Back matter includes tips for readers to get started acting.
Daniel Inouye was born in Hawaii to parents who came from Japan. He had a happy life as a child until 1941 when the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor in his hometown. As war broke out, Daniel's life changed forever. He fought in the U.S. Army against the Japanese and then went on to serve Hawaii and his country in the U.S. Senate.
As a child, Cesar Chavez worked on farms with his family. He felt the workers were not treated well. Cesar used his voice to become a leader in making sure farm workers were paid better and treated fairly.
Comedians, how-to gurus, gamers, critics . . . all types of personalities find a place to shine on the Internet. This book profiles kids who have achieved an online following! Back matter includes tips for readers to get started with their own online projects.
Rosetta could sing and play guitar like no one had ever heard before. From her church's stage to Carnegie Hall, she brought her incredible gift of music to the world. With it, she also helped invent rock and roll! In this 24-page book from the Leaders Like Us series, you'll meet an important African American leader in music – Rosetta Tharpe!
