He was a man who fought like no other inside the ring, yet outside the ring he fought for peace. "The Louisville Lip" went on to become a three-time champion, beating some of boxing's greatest fighters, including Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He stunned the world when he beat Sonny Liston for the title. He stunned the world even more when he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He was stripped of his title and banned from boxing for refusing to join the military because of his religious beliefs, then returned to become one of the most famous athletes in history. Not even Parkinson's disease could stop him. A fighter, poet, civil rights leader, humanitarian, and more, Ali remains, in his own words, the king of the world.
Ella-Yelich O'Connor wasn't your typical tween. At the age of 12, her performance in a school concert landed her a recording contract with Universal record label. Five years later, that same girl, now known as Lorde, celebrated her 17th birthday by signing another contract - this time it was worth $2.5 million! And only a few months later, she was topping the charts with her megahit "Royals" Life for this New Zealand native has been far from normal as she maintains a superstar status and travels the world selling out concerts to faithful fans.
Did astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson really kill the planet Pluto? Not exactly, although he admits he did "drive the getaway car." He was a teenager when some insisted that comet was going to destroy the world. He disagreed - it would simply be a great chance to take some cool photos - and he was right. When DC Comics needed someone to find Superman's home planet, they called him. See why people turn to Tyson, one of the world's most famous scientists, for his thoughts on the universe.
Minecraft - it's a game that everyone knows. Either they play it now, used to play it, or know someone who plays it. It is the kind of game that inspires worlds. Markus Persson was a quiet kid in school. He didn't play sports or go on dates, but instead spent time learning how to write computer code. His talent created one of the most popular games in history. Find out why in this story about a young man who had a brand new idea.
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, also known as "RG3," is not Superman, although he sometimes wears Superman socks. He has become one of the nation's most popular athletes. He set Texas state track records in high school when he wasn't dominating in football. Griffin won the Heisman Trophy while at Baylor University. He became the NFL's no. 2 overall draft pick by Washington, then won NFL offensive rookie of the year honors. In his spare time, Griffin does things for those less fortunate. He is a superstar in every sense of the word.
When sixteen-year-old Harry Styles appeared on The X Factor stage in 2010, he wowed the judges with his performance. But when the judges didn't think Harry could make it to the top of the competition alone, he joined Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson to create One Direction. They may have only taken third place on The X Factor, but they've topped the charts of the international music industry ever since. With two platinum-selling albums in 2012 and a world tour under his belt, Harry Styles is definitely moving in the right direction!
The first time Jennifer Lawrence read a script, she knew that she had found her life's profession. Here was something she was good at and enjoyed! A trip to New York turned into modeling jobs and then acting offers. Find out how winning one of the biggest awards in theatre came to be called the "worst moment of Jennifer's life," what famous role she wanted but did not get, how she convinced producers she could be unattractive, and what she wants to do with her future.
The pop music group Big Time Rush has recorded albums and given concerts around the world. Logan Henderson, James Maslow, Carlos Pena, Jr., and Kendall Schmidt also star in a top-rated TV show on Nickelodeon and have performed in concert at the White House! The members of Big Time Rush are more than funny actors and melodic singers. They treat people with respect and work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to meet fans. How did these four young men become one of the most popular music bands in the world? What are they like behind the scenes?
What do you do when Justin Bieber wants to sign you to his record label? You say 'yes,' of course. And that's exactly what Carly Rae Jepsen did in early 2012 after "The Biebs" discovered her on Canadian radio. Her life has been a whirlwind of amazing experiences ever since. She travels across continents, performing in front of massive audiences. She poses for magazine covers. She shakes hands with millions of her fans. But at the end of the day, Jepsen just loves writing music. With all her talent-and the support of her new superstar friend-she has a long musical career ahead of her.
Since entering the world of professional basketball as first pick in the 2003 NBA draft, LeBron James has become one of the most acclaimed players in NBA history. His many titles include eight-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA most valuable player, and Olympic gold medalist. In 2012, James led the Miami Heat to the NBA title, and was voted Finals MVP. This high-energy title provides a close-up look at LeBron King James' life on, and off, the court.
Not only is John Cena a world championship-winning superstar of the WWE, he is also an actor who has starred in a number of movies and a rapper who has realeased his own album. A gifted athlete, John trained hard to play football throughout his college years. After that, his athletic fitness led him to bodybuilding and, ultimately, to professional wrestling. This interesting biography follows his career in the WWE and his move into acting. Fans will also get a glimpse into John's years growing up, his rise to fame, and his plans for the future.
Just 19 years old, this ambitious young actor from Kentucky has already worked with such superstars as Robin Williams, Kristen Stewart, and Julianne Moore. With his co-starring role in the wildly popular movie The Hunger Games, this talented actor is proving that he has what it takes to build a long career. This entertaining biography highlights the life and accomplishments of the young star, including his childhood, his rise to fame, his contribution to social causes, and his plans for the future.
Barely into her twenties, actress Jennifer Lawrence has quickly risen to superstar status after appearing in the mega-hit movie The Hunger Games. Acting in local theater at an early age, she worked hard to finish high school two years early so she could go to New York to fulfill her acting dreams. Very quickly, her work received nominations for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. This entertaining biography highlights the life and accomplishments of the young star, including her childhood, her quick rise to fame, and her plans for the future.
From card tricks to reading minds, the art of magic lies in the magician's or illusionist's ability to deceive the audience. Read about the mysteries that lie behind some of the most spectacular magic tricks and illusions ever performed, including slight of hand, escapology, levitation, sword swallowing, and more!
Time Hop customer Clara Barton takes Fiona and Finley on a journey back to the Civil War, where they help her care for wounded soldiers.
Get excited about paintball with this book full of action photos and loads of important information about this extreme sport.
E is for Extreme indeed! From the gravity-defying rush of bungee jumping to the ultimate endurance challenge of the ultramarathon, young readers are given an armchair seat to the world of extreme sports. What makes the Iditarod sled dog race so grueling? What sports competition is only open to U.S. Army Rangers? And what famous mountaineer answered "Because it's there" to the question of why he wanted to climb Mount Everest, only to disappear on the mountain a year later? Other topics include drag racing, freestyle skiing, and kite boarding. Now thrill seekers of all ages can experience the ABC's of extreme sports.
Takes readers through the courtship of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their wedding, and their life as a royal couple; discusses life and career highlights from birth to present day.
Takes readers through Lea Michele's rise to fame as a singer and actress on the television show Glee; discusses life and career highlights from birth to present day.
Takes readers through Johnny Depp's journey as an award-winning actor; discusses life and career highlights from birth to present day.
Takes readers through Justin Bieber's meteoric rise to fame as a musician; discusses life and career highlights from birth to present day.
Takes readers through Katy Perry's rise to become a chart-topping pop star; discusses life and career highlights from birth to present day.
Discover how math applies to the game of hockey, from the length of the rink to the calculation of players' stats.
Takes readers through Emma Watson's journey as Hermoine in the popular Harry Potter film series; discusses life and career highlights from birth to present day.
Takes readers through 'The Rock's' journey from professional wrestling superstar to popular actor; discusses life and career highlights from birth to present day.
