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.
Throughout her life, Mary McLeod Bethune worked tirelessly to increase women's opportunities, from education to the military to the right to vote. Learn about how her activism led her to the White House as a consultant for several presidents. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.
Examines the life of enslaved African-American Nat Turner and the events leading up to the slave rebellion he led in 1831. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.
Eighteenth-century mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker was widely known and respected in his time. Most of what he knew, he taught himself. His letter to Thomas Jefferson asked the future president to reconsider his racial prejudices. Learn about Banneker, who abolitionists would use as proof that people of any race can be equally intelligent. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.
Madam C. J. Walker's skill as a businesswoman and desire to create products for black women drove her to become the first black female millionaire. Learn about this amazing woman who, while improving women's lives with her products, employed women as sales agents and hair culturists--all while giving back to her community. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.
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.
A founder of the United States turned cultural phenomenon thanks to the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton helped create American democracy. Follow his story from orphaned immigrant to successful statesman.
Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning British monarch. Discover the engaging details of her life and how she brought the royal family into the twenty-first century.
Cassius Clay began boxing at age twelve to protect himself from bullies. He spent endless hours training and dreaming of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. In 1964, his dream came true when he beat Sonny Liston. Soon after this victory, Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali. When Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War (1957–1975), he was banned from boxing—but a few years later, he made an incredible comeback. Find out how Ali became a legendary boxer and one of the world's most famous athletes.
Superstar swimmer Katie Ledecky has six Olympic medals and fifteen World Championship medals. Discover how this Olympian made history.
Working through times of setbacks and Grand Slam glory, Serena Williams has become a role model for a new generation of tennis players, and it's all captured in this graphic biography. From an early age, Serena trained to be a force on the tennis court. Alongside her talented sister Venus, she rose up through the ranks until she was competing in—and dominating—the world's most elite tournaments. Follow along as she amazes everyone with her powerful, strategic playing style and also speaks out against racism and sexism in the tennis world.
From the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees, Babe Ruth's epic rise to the Baseball Hall of Fame is one many people have heard about. Dive deeper into his career-defining moments in this epic biography!
Sandy Koufax went from dreaming of playing in the NBA to pitching perfect games for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Learn how the left-handed Koufax honed his throwing arm, brought the Dodgers a World Series, and more.
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso hit it out of the park during his 2019 rookie season playing Major League Baseball (MLB). The slugger won the Home Run Derby and also hit the most homers in the league that year.
Sprinter Wilma Rudolph's life was defined by epic triumphs on and off the track. As a child, Rudolph suffered from polio, but later became the first US woman to win three gold medals in track and field at an Olympics. Learn all about this inspirational athlete!
Tiger Woods became a famous golfer when he was two. As an adult, he's won 81 PGA Tour events and 15 major tournaments (and counting). Read about one of the world's most recognizable athletes.
Center fielder Mike Trout has racked up more home runs and stolen bases faster than any player in MLB history. Follow this Los Angeles Angels star as he continues to rise.
Outfielder Christian Yelich was a solid but unspectacular player for the Miami Marlins from 2013 to 2017. Then he joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 and won the National League Most Valuable Player award. Follow Yelich's rise to baseball superstardom.
Right fielder Mookie Betts is the only player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to win a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger, an American League Most Valuable Player (MVP), and the World Series in one season. Get to know this Boston Red Sox star!
In an era of discrimination, Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson broke Major League Baseball's race barrier. Before Robinson took his place at first base, the majors discriminated against African-American athletes, denying them a chance to compete. Despite facing harassment from fans and other players, Robinson stayed focused on the game, becoming the MLB Rookie of the Year in 1947 and later a baseball legend. This graphic biography follows Robinson's time on semi-pro teams, his days in the US military, and his history-making experience with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Tiger Woods is one of the most accomplished pro golfers of all time! Learn about his career highlights, life off the green, and more through action-packed text and full-color photographs.