Biographies

Henry Ford loved mechanical things: springs and gears, cogs and wheels, and things that clicked and ticked and turned. One hot summer day in 1876, Henry and his father were riding to Detroit in their farm wagon. Suddenly there was a huffing-puffing monster heading straight toward them. It was a road-roller, and it was lumbering down the road all by itself. That was the day Henry started thinking about horseless riding machines—and he never stopped.

Stand back, the girls are coming through: Learn about forty amazing Asian American women who have changed the course of history! From the big stage to the US Navy, from laboratories to the boardroom, from the Olympics to the pages in books, these girls and women lead every line. Bold, bright, and empowering profiles by Geisel Honor–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling artist Niña Mata place these incredible changemakers at the very front and inspire readers to tap into their own greatness.

Celebrating the power of curiosity and the rewards of tenacity, this engaging biography introduces young readers to the field of genetics. As a rare female botanist in early twentieth-century America, Barbara McClintock never let other people’s notions of what was proper slow her down. When she faced doubting colleagues and unsupportive institutions, she drove across the United States, climbed through windows, and even slept in her laboratory to conduct her research. In so doing, she helped pave the way for future scientific discoveries that can cure diseases and save lives.

Discover the magic of soccer through inspirational stories of talented legends! Have you ever wondered how the world’s greatest soccer players became who they were? Are you curious about the ups and downs that made them into winning players? Do you want to know how soccer legends make the world better, one goal at a time? This audiobook walks you through the most inspiring stories from the world of soccer, showing off the remarkable journeys of legendary players and their impactful contributions – in and out of their jerseys!

Through detailed anecdotes and captivating narratives, The Woman Who Unveiled DNA: Rosalind Franklin not only highlights her scientific achievements but also sheds light on the ethical debates surrounding her work and the recognition she received posthumously. This book aims to inspire young listeners to pursue their passions, embrace curiosity, and see Rosalind Franklin as a role model whose legacy continues to impact modern science and medicine.

The Revolutionary War was over, but Washington’s officers had not received their wages from the Continental Congress in years. Afraid they would never get their money, the officers planned to storm Congress and demand it right away. Luckily, George Washington found out about the plot just in time. He delivered a passionate speech to his men, but they were unaffected. It was only when he struggled to read aloud a letter from Congress and had to put on his glasses, that they realized how much he had sacrificed for their country along with them.

Well-loved author Tomie dePaola brings his childhood memories to audio in this collection of the first four books from his 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE series.

Jesse & Tom is a children's book sharing the story of Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi overcoming society's racial barriers to become America's first African American Naval Pilot. In the naval aviator's locker room, Jesse Brown meets Tom Hudner for the first time and they bond as friends for life. On December 4, 1950, Capt. Tom Hudner crashed his corsair aircraft risking court martial to save his shipmate, Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown.

Kamala Harris always wanted to help people and solve problems. Even as a young girl, she helped her community create changes that would impact all their lives for the better. When she grew up, Kamala wanted to continue helping people, so she worked hard and became a lawyer and a senator to do just that. Then she went on to become the first woman to ever be vice president of the United States—and possibly the first woman to become president too! Through it all, Kamala continues to do her best to help as many people as she can, and she inspires people everywhere to help others as well.

As a kid, Barrington Irving moved from Jamaica to Miami and played football—his ticket to success, he thought. But then Captain Gary Robinson swooped into his life. Barrington had never seen a Black pilot before. Captain Robinson showed Barrington a jet, a cockpit, and what it was like to actually fly a plane—WHOAAA! After that, Barrington had big plans, and two words: Let's Fly!

National Book Award nominee Rio Cortez and illustrator Lauren Semmer celebrate all the joys, challenges, and historic forward movement of women’s history in the United States, with a special focus on the Black women, brown women, transwomen, and others who make change happen. This is a book about Artists, Activists and Allies, about Civil Rights and Choice, about Freedom Fighters, Headliners, Labor—and Librarians!

From imaginative child to visionary storyteller, Toni Morrison was a fiercely inspiring writer that helped change the world. This poetic book is part love letter and part biography, praising the power of this Nobel Prize winner. With its tender refrain, readers will know how much Morrison's stories -- and their own -- mean to the world. She was loved -- and so are they!

Embark on an inspiring journey through the life and groundbreaking work of Barbara McClintock, a pioneering geneticist whose discoveries revolutionized our understanding of genetics. This captivating book, tailored for young listeners aged 8-14, brings science to life with engaging stories, hands-on activities, and vivid illustrations.

Before James Baldwin was a celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist, he was a boy who fell in love with stories. Words opened up new worlds for young Jimmy, who read and wrote at every opportunity. He ultimately realized his dreams of becoming an author and giving voice to his community, and in doing so he showed the world the fullness of Black American life. This book biography of an American icon is a poetic introduction to James Baldwin and celebration of the power of language.

Jorge Amado escreveu mais de 30 livros, viajou por diversos lugares, ganhou prêmios e tem até um museu em sua homenagem. Mas, quem foi a criança Jorge Amado? Os maiores gênios da história já foram criança um dia e por meio desta série queremos convidar você a descobrir seus próprios talentos. E para isso você não precisa se identificar com um ou outro. Você pode construir seu próprio repertório de referências e inspirações. A vida desses grandes artistas foi marcada por muito amor ao seu ofício e aprendizados. Esperamos que a coleção Crianças Famosas o inspire.

Yvonne Clark had an engineering spark—an instinct for figuring out how things worked. Broken lamp? She screwed, rewired, and wrenched until…light! Wrecked radio? She twisted, snipped, and hammered until…music! Clogged furnace? She picked, plucked, and cleared until…heat! When she grew up, Yvonne’s problem-solving power took her to NASA, where fellow engineers had a serious problem with the Saturn V rocket’s F-1 engine: It had hot spots—high temperatures in the engine. Can Yvonne Clark and her engineering spark solve the problem?

O livro conta a infância do prodígio musical Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, mostrando sua descoberta precoce da música e seu talento extraordinário. Com uma narrativa cativante para jovens leitores, a obra faz parte da série Crianças Famosas e busca inspirar através da trajetória do jovem gênio. Os maiores gênios da história já foram criança um dia e por meio desta série queremos convidar você a descobrir seus próprios talentos. E para isso você não precisa se identificar com um ou outro. Você pode construir seu próprio repertório de referências e inspirações.

Black women are a force in the gymnastics world. But it wasn't until 1992 that Betty Okino and Dominique Dawes became the first Black women to compete in the Olympics for Team USA. Learn about the Black gymnasts and coaches of the past and present who have made historic firsts, including Simone Biles, Sloane Blakely, and Corrinne Tarver. Then discover how Black women in gymnastics are making a difference on and off the mat.

Embark on an exciting journey through the life and achievements of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, the brilliant scholar whose work laid the foundations for modern mathematics and computer science. "Father of Algorithms in AI: Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi" is a captivating and educational book designed for young listeners ages 8-12, celebrating the curiosity and innovation of one of history’s greatest minds.

This audiobook is packed with 30 thrilling soccer stories perfect for young listeners. It introduces them to some of the world’s most famous soccer stars and shows what makes these athletes special on and off the field. Through these stories, kids will learn how these players became legends, overcame challenges, and made a difference in the world.

Stephen Curry and Magic Johnson are two of the most celebrated point guards in NBA history. From Johnson's passes to Curry's three-pointers, both players have standout stats. But who is better? Explore their career highlights to decide which athlete is the ultimate champion.

LeBron James has been the face of men's basketball since he first stepped onto the court. In addition to winning four NBA Championships, ten trips to the NBA finals, and two Olympic gold medals, he has become a superstar outside the stadium for speaking up for the Black community. For being an outspoken advocate for underprivileged children and against police brutality, James earned the NAACP President's Award, a prize given to players who demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship, and a commitment to social justice.

Kendrick Lamar draws influences from many areas in his life when it comes to music, but his biggest inspiration is Tupac Shakur. Discover both performers' history in the music industry, their lives offstage, and more with the help of captivating photos and accessible text.

Football fans celebrate the speed and power of superstar defensive linemen Aaron Donald and Reggie White. The athletes' skills have helped them win many awards and gain incredible stats. Compare their careers side-by-side to decide which NFL player really is the greatest on defense.

Michel Jordan and LeBron James are both basketball legends. Both players led the NBA in points and won many league titles. But which player is the true NBA all-star? Dig into their careers, achievements, and stats to decide for yourself.