Misty Copeland has faced many challenges in her life. From starting dance at a late age and not having a typical dancer’s body type to growing up with abuse and poverty, her journey to becoming the American Ballet Theatre’s first Black prima ballerina has not been easy. Driven by her passion for dance, Copeland continues inspire change in the world of ballet.
World War II was coming. Soon the United States would join the war. Everyone knew it was a matter of time. African Americans wanted to fight for their country. They wanted to be pilots. But they had to overcome racism to earn their wings.
In the midst of World War II, a unique team of soliders fought to help the U.S. win using an unusal weapon -- language. Native Americans from the Navajo tribe were recruited to help the U.S. military create a code that no enemy could break. These men were called Navajo Code Talkers. This is their story of bravery.
Brad's truth is that life is hard. He's different. Speaking does not come easily. And words get mixed up no matter how much he pays attention. When he meets Reese, he tries to hide his differences. Brad's a hot varsity tennis player. But will he lose Reese if he doesn't come clean?
Growing up in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai’s life was turned upside down by the Taliban. It forbade girls her age from going to school, but Malala refused to accept this. Speaking out nearly cost the young activist her life. Still, she didn’t give up. Today, Malala continues to fight for a free, safe education for all girls around the world.
After a difficult childhood, Chris Gardner promised he would be a good father. He also vowed to become successful. When he found himself homeless as a single dad, Gardner didn’t give up. Instead, the Navy veteran put all his energy into becoming a stockbroker and building a happy life. Today Gardner inspires people to keep reaching for their dreams.
When his cousin struggled in school, Salman “Sal” Khan decided to help. Since they couldn’t get together, Khan tutored her by computer. Soon he posted lessons online for others too. Seeing the need for online learning, he started the Khan Academy. Through the academy, Khan continues his quest to provide a world-class education to anyone who wants one.
Wes notices that his neighbor can't use her treehouse because she's in a wheelchair. What will he do to help her?
In graphic-novel format, this brief biography of Martin Luther King Jr. discusses his childhood, his protests and marches, and his "I Have a Dream" speech.
Growing up, Dolores Huerta saw few people in power who looked like her. But her desire to help farm workers drove her to become a leader. After cofounding a labor union in 1962, Huerta helped improve the lives of countless farm workers. Her message of working together for change continues to inspire people around the world.
Born in China, Chien-Shiung Wu moved to the U.S. in 1936. Her dream was to become a physicist. But at the time, there were few women scientists. Discrimination was an issue too. Still, Wu did not give up. With hard work, she not only changed the field of physics, but also blazed a trail for women in science.
As a girl, Ellen Ochoa didn’t dream of going to space. But then she saw Sally Ride do it. This role model inspired Ochoa to apply at NASA. With hard work and perseverance, Ochoa became the first Latina to go to space. Now Ochoa is working to ensure diversity in the next generation of space explorers.
Wilma Mankiller knew firsthand the hardships facing the Cherokee people in the mid-20th century. After growing up in poverty, she got involved in the Native American rights movement of the 1960s and resolved to fight for change. As the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, her hard work and determination improved health care, education, and living conditions for her tribe. Mankiller’s legacy of compassion and dedication continues to inspire people in the American Indian community and beyond.
At age two, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though this led to many challenges throughout her life, Grandin views her disability as a gift. ASD allowed her to see the world in a different way and make a connection between two seemingly unrelated areas: animal welfare and autism. Today, Grandin works to educate people on animal behavior and humane treatment. She is also a renowned advocate for people with ASD.
Despite a rough childhood and many setbacks early in his career, Tyler Perry’s spirit never broke. He has since come to dominate Hollywood, even building and operating his own film studio. Through sheer determination, Perry has risen to the top and become an advocate for people in underrepresented groups in the film industry. He now uses his influence and wealth to create opportunities for underdogs like himself.
As a minister and an activist, Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to helping others. He fought for equality during a time when Black people in America experienced great injustice. His life and legacy continue to inspire others to push for change.
Malia MacLeod is part Hawaiian and part Haole, the Hawaiian word for Caucasian. Raised in Los Angeles, she returns to Oahu to teach high school and learn about her family's history.
"We face each other on the battlefield. Two proud samurai. Revenge burns in my heart. Here is where it ends."
"Life was hard in my village in Poland. So I came to America. I have little money, and I don't speak English. Will my dream of a better life come true?”
Girls rule! That's what Jasmine Le thinks. And girls can do anything boys can do. But can they play tackle football? Heck yes! Jasmine takes on her whole town to prove that girls can run, jump, and catch a pigskin just as well as boys.
Written in graphic novel format, this brief biography of Jackie Robinson describes his childhood, service in the United States Army, and success as a baseball player.
Newcomers will build practical life skills that are expected of all American teens with this flipbook - the nonfiction side includes a glossary of key terms used in the text and topical conversation questions that help students practice English language skills, while the fiction side helps put it all into context. Great ELL resource.
Newcomers will build practical life skills that are expected of all American teens with this flipbook - the nonfiction side includes a glossary of key terms used in the text and topical conversation questions that help students practice English language skills, while the fiction side helps put it all into context. Great ELL resource.
Newcomers will build practical life skills that are expected of all American teens with this flipbook - the nonfiction side includes a glossary of key terms used in the text and topical conversation questions that help students practice English language skills, while the fiction side helps put it all into context. Great ELL resource.
Newcomers will build practical life skills that are expected of all American teens with this flipbook - the nonfiction side includes a glossary of key terms used in the text and topical conversation questions that help students practice English language skills, while the fiction side helps put it all into context. Great ELL resource.
