Nelson Mandela
World Leader for Human Rights
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On December 5, 2013, former South African President Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95. People around the world mourned the death of this human rights activist. Thousands of South Africans waited hours to walk past his casket to pay their respects, and world leaders and celebrities attended his funeral, including Pope Francis, several US presidents, and Bono. Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa. While in law school, he joined the African National Congress. The ANC spoke out against South Africa's apartheid laws, which allowed separate treatment of people based on skin color. He began his activism in the 1940's and was arrested many times before he received a life sentence in 1964. After spending more than 25 years in jail, Mandela was released in 1990 and soon after partnered with South African President F. W. de Klerk to help end apartheid. They won the Nobel Peace Prize together in 1993. The next year, Mandela became the first African president of South Africa. After his term as president, he continued his work as a human rights advocate until he retired in 2004. After a long illness, he died in 2013. He will be remembered for his leadership for years to come.
Impeachment
Donald Trump and the History of Presidents in Peril
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On December 18, 2019, Donald Trump became the third president in US history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. He was later acquitted by the Senate. Earlier that summer, Trump held a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. An unknown whistleblower raised concerns about the call, claiming that Trump had improperly pressured Zelensky to get involved in US politics. Over the following months, a dramatic impeachment inquiry unfolded. Fraught hearings played out on television while Democrats and Republicans traded interpretations, arguments, and even insults. Faced with suppressed information and conflicting accounts, the nation tried to discover the truth.
In over two hundred years Congress has gathered only a handful of times to debate what makes an impeachable offense. What events led to Trump's impeachment? How does the impeachment process work? What other presidents have been impeached, and why? Learn the history, mechanics, and milestone events behind impeachment, and discover how the most recent one may affect US politics for years to come.
Elizabeth Blackwell
Trailblazing Woman Doctor
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Elizabeth Blackwell shattered the glass ceiling as the first woman doctor. Learn how she defied stereotypes and opened a medical practice to treat female patients.
Deb Haaland
First Native American Cabinet Secretary
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
In 2021, Deb Haaland made history as the first Indigenous cabinet secretary. Serving as Secretary of the Interior, Haaland has championed climate and the rights of Native peoples. Discover Haaland's early life, her political career, and more.
"All of these titles portray their subjects in a positive light as the focus is on their achievements and motivation."-School Library Journal
Never Again
The Parkland Shooting and the Teen Activists Leading a Movement
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
This biography of a movement and the teen activists behind it delves into the quest for gun safety legislation in light of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
David Karp
The Mastermind behind Tumblr
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
What's more popular than Tumblr? This microblogging site has taken the Web by storm since its founding in 2007. Not much can top it when it comes to capturing its fans' imaginations, except for perhaps its creator, David Karp. Karp developed Tumblr after he tried to start a blog and found the process daunting. With most platforms, a blogger faces a huge, empty text box that begs to be filled with words. It was intimidating for a guy who'd never blogged before. Karp had the idea for tumblelogging-creating short blog posts-and built Tumblr as a platform. It lets users easily post both text and images, making Tumblr highly visual and expressive. Creating a different way to blog came naturally to Karp, who never does things by the book. At fifteen, he dropped out of school. At seventeen, he moved to Tokyo, holing up with a computer and fine-tuning his tech skills. He returned to the states to build a business-but to do that, he stretched the truth. He used a deep voice on the phone with potential clients so they wouldn't guess how young he was. He didn't tell anyone how little experience he had. Yet people could see he had a good thing going with Tumblr. The company quickly found support and grew into what it is today: a groundbreaking site for connection and creation. And as the mastermind behind it, Karp is sure to remain a figure to watch.
Loretta Lynch
First African American Woman Attorney General
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On April 27, 2015, a packed Senate gallery watched as Loretta Lynch became the first African American woman to be named US attorney general. Long before Lynch became attorney general, she found herself immersed in politics. When she was fourteen, her father ran for mayor of Durham, North Carolina. This inspired a passion for politics in Lynch. Upon graduation from law school, Lynch quickly rose through the ranks at a high-powered law firm, and eventually she pursued a career as a top federal prosecutor. This position gave her the professional boost she needed to become attorney general of the United States. Follow Lynch's journey from a young law student to the nation's top legal adviser.
David Karp
The Mastermind behind Tumblr
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
What's more popular than Tumblr? This microblogging site has taken the Web by storm since its founding in 2007. Not much can top it when it comes to capturing its fans' imaginations, except for perhaps its creator, David Karp. Karp developed Tumblr after he tried to start a blog and found the process daunting. With most platforms, a blogger faces a huge, empty text box that begs to be filled with words. It was intimidating for a guy who'd never blogged before. Karp had the idea for tumblelogging-creating short blog posts-and built Tumblr as a platform. It lets users easily post both text and images, making Tumblr highly visual and expressive. Creating a different way to blog came naturally to Karp, who never does things by the book. At fifteen, he dropped out of school. At seventeen, he moved to Tokyo, holing up with a computer and fine-tuning his tech skills. He returned to the states to build a business-but to do that, he stretched the truth. He used a deep voice on the phone with potential clients so they wouldn't guess how young he was. He didn't tell anyone how little experience he had. Yet people could see he had a good thing going with Tumblr. The company quickly found support and grew into what it is today: a groundbreaking site for connection and creation. And as the mastermind behind it, Karp is sure to remain a figure to watch.
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Muhammad Ali was known for his battles in the boxing ring as well as his achievements outside of it. Follow his journey from amateur to heavyweight champion, and learn how he advocated for peace and justice as an activist.
Steve Jobs
Technology Innovator and Apple Genius
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On October 5, 2011, the news of the death of technology innovator Steve Jobs rocked the world. The failing health of the Apple cofounder and Pixar CEO was no secret. Jobs had given up his role as Apple's CEO just a few months prior because of his struggle with pancreatic cancer. But his death still drew a huge reaction. From Apple employees and fans to political and business leaders, people honored Jobs's passing by reflecting on his prolific life that greatly influenced the way technology is used. In 1976, Jobs founded Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak. As the leaders of Apple, they developed concepts-such as navigating by using a mouse to click screen icons-that shaped the way we use and interact with computers. Jobs's forward-thinking engineering also influenced pop culture, bringing us a music revolution with the iPod, the ultimate communication device with the iPhone, and some of the first computer-animated films through Pixar. Called by some "the da Vinci of our time," Jobs used his innovation and vision to help advance technology like no other. He lived his life following a simple premise: "The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."
Judy Blume
Tales Of A Timeless Children's Author
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Discover the person behind books such as Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Superfudge, and many more.
Growing up in the 1950s, Judy Blume had a big imagination. She made up stories and read everything she could get her hands on. When she entered her first writing class in the 1960s, she wanted to write books that showed the real struggles kids face. And she did, publishing over twenty-six novels throughout her career.
Kids loved Blume's books. But her life wasn't always easy. Blume was married and divorced twice before marrying her current husband. She moved from New Jersey to New Mexico to Florida and New York City. The 1980s brought censorship and book bans. While she no longer writes for publication, she owns a bookshop in Key West, Florida. From behind the counter, she still proudly fights against book bans.
Victor J. Glover
Artemis Pilot
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
NASA astronaut Victor J. Glover is the pilot for the Artemis II mission to the Moon, becoming the first person of color to travel beyond Low Earth Orbit.
As a child in Pomona, California, Victor J. Glover had a passion for speed. He planned to become a stuntperson or a race car driver. But at the age of ten, he was mesmerized by watching a space shuttle launch. In college, Glover began mentoring young people of color in STEM subjects. After finishing his engineering degree, he joined the US Navy, where he learned to fly military planes. Then at the age of thirty-seven, his application to NASA was accepted and he joined an elite group of eight astronauts-in-training. He later took multiple spacewalks at the International Space Station and was chosen for the 2026 Artemis II moon mission.
Explore Victor Glover's journey from adrenaline junkie kid to military pilot to the first Black astronaut to live and work on the International Space Station.
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
From scoring hit after hit on the R & B and pop music charts to slaying it onscreen as an actor, Beyoncé does it all. Explore the personal and professional life of Queen Bey and follow her journey from a girl who planned to become a superstar to her life today as a Grammy-winning singer with multiple platinum albums.
Reshma Saujani
Girls Who Code Founder
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Reshma Saujani is an attorney and the first Indian American woman to run for US Congress. She later founded Girls Who Code to help close the gender gap in technology. This inspiring biography shares Saujani's story.
John McCain
The Courage of Conviction
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
This timely title examines the remarkable life of John McCain, from his time as a decorated war veteran to elder statesman. Accessible text and plentiful photos cover McCain's early life, his military career, his political legacy, and his 2017 diagnosis of brain cancer. Up-to-the-minute details round out this latest look at a uniquely American figure.
Pope Francis
First Pope from the Americas
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On March 19, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina became Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. His election to the papacy was notable in many ways. He became the first pope from the Americas, the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years, the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope to choose the name Francis. Pope Francis was not the person that most people expected to ascend to the papacy when Pope Benedict XVI resigned from the role in late February 2013. While serving as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cardinal Bergoglio was known for his dedication to helping the poor and admired for his modest lifestyle. After his inauguration, Pope Francis retained many of his humble ways. People around the globe eagerly watch to see what changes he might bring about in the Catholic Church. Follow Pope Francis's journey to the papacy, from his days as a young chemist to his studies of theology. Learn more about his beliefs and hobbiesincluding his interests in soccer and tango dancing. Find out the true story behind the man who became the 266th pope.
Markus "Notch" Persson
Minecraft Mogul
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson has always loved programming. Find out how he translated his childhood passion for writing code into a multi-million dollar career as the mind behind Minecraft!
Ivanka Trump
A Brand of Her Own
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Ivanka Trump may have come to fame as the daughter of prominent businessman, TV personality, and President Donald Trump - but she has plenty to be proud of on her own. In establishing herself as a well-known fashion and jewelry designer, Ivanka quickly proved that she could contribute to her family's legacy. She has overseen million-dollar deals, cofounded the luxury hotel company Trump Hotels, and pioneered a rapidly growing lifestyle brand. Now she juggles many roles as a mother, real estate executive, entrepreneur, and political spokesperson. Follow Ivanka's journey from teen model to dynamic businesswoman and learn how she stepped out of her father's shadow and into the spotlight.
Steve Jobs
Technology Innovator and Apple Genius
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On October 5, 2011, the news of the death of technology innovator Steve Jobs rocked the world. The failing health of the Apple cofounder and Pixar CEO was no secret. Jobs had given up his role as Apple's CEO just a few months prior because of his struggle with pancreatic cancer. But his death still drew a huge reaction. From Apple employees and fans to political and business leaders, people honored Jobs's passing by reflecting on his prolific life that greatly influenced the way technology is used.
In 1976, Jobs founded Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak. As the leaders of Apple, they developed concepts—such as navigating by using a mouse to click screen icons—that shaped the way we use and interact with computers. Jobs's forward-thinking engineering also influenced pop culture, bringing us a music revolution with the iPod, the ultimate communication device with the iPhone, and some of the first computer-animated films through Pixar.
Called by some "the da Vinci of our time," Jobs used his innovation and vision to help advance technology like no other. He lived his life following a simple premise: "The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."
John Lewis
Courage in Action
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
John Lewis is known as one of the most courageous leaders of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Inspired as a boy by the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis would go on to spend more than fifty years fighting for equal rights. Lewis used nonviolent protest methods, participated in sit-ins, helped organize the March on Washington, and led a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. In 1986 Lewis won a seat in US Congress, and has held the position ever since. Walk with Lewis from a tenant farm in Alabama, across the segregated southern United States, and into Washington, DC, where he continues to work for equality for all Americans.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Political Headliner
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
American politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever to serve in the US Congress. Learn about her young life, her work as an activist, and her career in the House of Representatives.
Nancy Pelosi
Political Powerhouse
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Nancy Pelosi is the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House-and she's done it twice. Learn how the most powerful woman in US politics is redefining leadership for future generations.
Kamala Harris
Madam Vice President
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Kamala Harris is known as a tough prosecutor. She rose to fame as California's attorney general who took on the big banks. As a United States senator, she stood up to President Trump and held his administration accountable by demanding answers.
In 2019 she launched a campaign for the presidency and dedicated it to all Americans with the slogan "Kamala for the People." Though she didn't win the nomination, she earned her place on the ticket as Joe Biden's vice-presidential pick. She made history as the first Black and Indian woman to be elected vice president. Follow her fight to the White House!
The COVID-19 Pandemic
A Coronavirus Timeline
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
In late 2019 the Chinese city of Wuhan reported several cases of what doctors thought was pneumonia. But it wasn't long before officials identified a new coronavirus behind the outbreak: SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, quickly spread through China and then around the world.
In the United States and everywhere else it landed, the virus drastically changed familiar ways of life. Events were canceled, schools moved online, and whole countries shut down in an attempt to slow the virus's spread. Meanwhile, frontline workers kept essential services running, and scientists raced to discover as much as they could about the viral threat. Follow the timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic, learn about key figures in the US government's response, and find out what's next in the fight against the coronavirus.
Joe Biden
From Scranton to the White House
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Former Vice President Joe Biden played an essential role in the Obama administration. Follow his career from Delaware's longest-serving senator to his race back to the White House.
Stephen Hawking
Celebrated Physicist
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Stephen Hawking is one of the world's most celebrated and inspiring physicists, known for his theories on relativity, black holes, and quantum mechanics. He wrote the bestseller A Brief History of Time to explain a range of cosmology topics to the general public.
Dolly Parton
Diamond in a Rhinestone World
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Dolly Parton has been a wildly successful entertainer for more than sixty years. She is a country and pop music artist who has sold more than one hundred million albums worldwide, and in 1999, she became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Parton has also starred in hit Hollywood movies such as 9 to 5, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has helped provide millions of books to children around the world.
Parton grew up in a two-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with eleven sisters and brothers. She wrote her first song when she was about five years old, and at thirteen, she performed on the Grand Ole Opry radio show. The day after her high school graduation, Parton moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where her career took off. Explore Parton's life and learn how a country girl with big dreams became one of the most iconic entertainers in US history.
"All of these titles portray their subjects in a positive light as the focus is on their achievements and motivation."-School Library Journal
Simone Biles
Greatest of All Time
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Simone Biles discovered gymnastics on a chance day-care trip to a gym when she was six years old. Ten years later, she became the first Black woman to win the all-around world championship title. A two-time Olympian, Biles has won more world championship medals than any gymnast before her and has four official skills named after her. But Biles's fans celebrate her courage as much as her gravity-defying moves. She's spoken out about her abuse by USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, having ADHD, and her struggles with mental health leading up to and during the 2021 Olympics. Learn more about Biles's life and career, and discover how she became one of gymnastics' most accomplished and celebrated athletes of all time.
"All of these titles portray their subjects in a positive light as the focus is on their achievements and motivation."-School Library Journal
King Charles III
Claiming the British Crown
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
As the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Charles was named heir to the British throne in 1969. When his mother died in 2022 after a seventy-year reign, Charles became the oldest person in history to take the crown. Known as the hardest-working royal, Charles spent his years as heir making an impact and speaking out on many issues. He has always voiced his opinion on political matters, and he took a great interest in environmentalism long before it was a popular issue.
Despite his activism and public service, Charles often found his personal life, including his divorce from Princess Diana and his decades-long romance with now-wife Camilla Parker Bowles, a topic of tabloid gossip. His decades of championing causes dotted with personal controversy leave the people of the British Commonwealth wondering what kind of king he will be. Learn more about his life, his background, and his career as a representative of the British monarchy.
Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson
From Wrestler to Hollywood Hero
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson first became famous as a wrestling superstar, but he's become much more than his wrestling persona. Now a leading actor in movies and television, Johnson had humble beginnings in California. His interest in sports led him to football, where he became a top player in high school and college. Johnson thought he was destined to play professionally, but an injury sidelined that dream and led him into the wrestling ring instead. He followed in his father's and grandfather's wrestling footsteps and became "The Rock"—a world famous wrestling persona.
From there, Johnson crossed over into acting, where he was a natural star. He became famous in the acting world for his roles in the movie franchises The Mummy and Fast & Furious. He's a huge action star and has also tried out comedy and animated roles. Johnson even conquered television and became especially well known for his role in Ballers. Find out more about Johnson's incredible life, his wrestling heritage, and his ability to capture the attention of fans around the world.
Lupita Nyong'o
Actor, Filmmaker, Activist
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
After winning an Oscar for her debut feature film 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong'o went from amateur actress to A-list celebrity. Read about Nyong'o's journey and how she became a cultural icon.
Sergey Brin
Groundbreaking Google Founder
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Sergey Brin was born in Moscow, Russia. At age 6, he moved to the United States with his family to avoid Jewish persecution. In college at Stanford he met Larry Page, and together they co-founded Google in 1998, one of the first Internet search engines. Today Brin is one of the world's wealthiest tech entrepreneurs.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Iconic Supreme Court Justice
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Delve into the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman justice appointed to the US Supreme Court. Ginsburg endured great adversity-from anti-Semitism to gender discrimination-to achieve her Supreme Court appointment. Follow her journey to Supreme Court Justice, and learn how she became a national spokesperson for treating people equally under the law. This revised edition uses primary and secondary sources, including quotes and childhood stories, to reflect on the experiences and accomplishments of one of the United States's most influential people. A detailed timeline and further information section make this title a valuable resource for young readers eager to learn about this iconic figure.
Stacey Abrams
Champion of Democracy
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Stacey Abrams is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and voting rights activist. After working in government, she founded Fair Fight Action to improve voting access. Learn about Abrams's early life and what she plans to do next.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Revolutionary Playwright, Composer, and Actor
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Playwright and Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda is best known as the mind behind the smash-hit musical Hamilton. This title explores Hamilton and Miranda's other works, as well as his life off-stage.
Sonia Sotomayor
First Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
When President Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States, the country celebrated. Not only would the Supreme Court welcome its third woman justice but also its first Hispanic member. Many Americans saw the appointment of the first Hispanic justice as an important step in the civil rights movement.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Star Astrophysicist
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
In addition to speaking about challenging scientific topics for a variety of news sources, Neil deGrasse Tyson is director of a New York planetarium, hosts a science podcast, and has a following of more than three million on Twitter. Learn about the personal and professional life of Neil deGrasse Tyson, arguably the most famous astrophysicist in the modern world.
Jennifer Lawrence
Star of The Hunger Games
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On March 17, 2011, social media channels buzzed with excitement. Fans of The Hunger Games had hotly debated which actors would bring their beloved characters to life in the upcoming movie. The movie's director, Gary Ross, had finally selected the lead character, Katniss. His pick: Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer started acting professionally in 2004 at age fourteen. But she quickly proved her major talent. For the 2008 movie The Burning Plain, she earned a best new young actress award at the Venice Film Festival. And for her performance in the 2010 movie Winter's Bone, Jennifer received nominations for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. The Hunger Games's author, Suzanne Collins, celebrated the selection of Katniss. "I never thought we'd find somebody this amazing for the role," she said. And Jennifer-who is a huge fan of the books-was thrilled to play such a complex character. Did she pull it off? Fans will be the judge!
John Green
Star Author, Vlogbrother, and Nerdfighter
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On June 2, 2014, more than 1,200 fans wildly cheered the arrival of author John Green at the premiere of The Fault in Our Stars-the blockbuster movie based on his young adult novel of the same name. While he did not write the screenplay or have a starring role in the movie, John commanded just as much star power as the film's talented actors. The Fault in Our Stars book-John's fifth novel-sold more than 7 million copies, and John landed a coveted spot on Time magazine's 2014 list of the 100 Most Influential People. Even before The Fault in Our Stars made John a household name, he had built up an enormous following among teens. In 2007, after penning his first two YA novels, he cofounded the YouTube channel Vlogbrothers with his brother, Hank Green. The brothers began posting videoblogs as a communications experiment-and soon, they found themselves interacting with legions of fans who call themselves Nerdfighters. The channel grew in popularity and now has more than 2 million followers. Follow John's journey from shy student to powerhouse social media engager and best-selling YA author. Learn how he turned quirkiness and talent into a winning formula that has earned him millions of fans around the world.
Prince William & Kate
A Royal Romance
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
On April 29, 2011, the whole world watched as Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton exchanged marriage vows. This royal wedding was one of the most anticipated events in England in recent years. Ever since the couple officially announced their engagement in November 2010, every detail of the wedding has captured headlines around the globe. Why all the excitement? William is second in line to become Britain's king. William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales is the firstborn child of Charles and Diana, Prince and Princess of Wales. And through marriage to William, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton-known as Kate-turned from a commoner into a princess. If William becomes king one day, Kate will be the Queen Consort. Follow the couple's royal romance from their first meeting at the University of St. Andrews, through the ups and downs of their relationship, to the romantic wedding ceremony at London's Westminster Abbey.
Donald Trump
Unprecedented Politician
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience!
Donald Trump has been an unusual political leader ever since he was first elected to the US's highest office in 2016.
President Trump's first term included more than twenty executive orders, three US Supreme Court justice nominations, and the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his loss to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump continued to speak out and influence politics. He maintained relationships with like-minded political leaders and used social media and news channels to impact public opinion. In his return as the Republican presidential nominee, he revived his call to "Make America Great Again." In 2024, during a close, often contentious race, he succeeded over the incumbent vice president, Kamala Harris, becoming the oldest person ever elected US president and only the second-ever US president to be elected to two nonconsecutive terms. This updated biography covers President Trump's former life as a reality TV show star and real estate developer, his political career and controversies, and how he shaped his unconventional third campaign.
J. D. Vance
From Rural America To The White House
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience!
Although J. D. Vance hasn't been in the political sphere for long, the former US senator became the vice-presidential pick in 2024 and was elected alongside President Donald Trump.
Born in Middletown, Ohio, Vance went through many hardships in life. His mother had a drug addiction, and Vance experienced a rotating door of father figures growing up. His grandparents helped raise him and his older sister. Then after graduating from high school, Vance went to the Marine Corps, earned a degree from Yale Law School, and got into politics. Learn more about Vance's life and career, from writing his 2016 memoir to making waves at the 2024 Republican National Convention and being elected vice president.
Christina Hammock Koch
Artemis Astronaut
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Discover the life story of NASA astronaut Christina Hammock Koch.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised in North Carolina, Christina Hammock Koch dreamed about traveling to space since childhood. She visited NASA's space camp throughout her high school years, which furthered her conviction. In college she studied electrical engineering and physics and then made her way to NASA as an engineer. But she wanted a more varied experience. She joined the Antarctic Research program, a challenge that expanded her horizons.
She went back to NASA as an engineer and spent time in Maryland, Greenland, and Alaska before applying to the space program in 2012. She was admitted, and in 2019 she achieved her dream of traveling to space. She made history by being part of the first all-women spacewalk. Her next goal: Going to the moon!
Elon Musk
Titan of Tech and Beyond
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Elon Musk was born in South Africa but his influence has spanned the globe-and even beyond. He made a name for himself as the founder of SpaceX, cofounder of Tesla, and owner of X.com (formerly Twitter), among other business ventures. In 2025 he stepped into politics as the head of a new governmental agency under President Donald Trump.
Growing up in South Africa, Musk learned engineering skills from his father and quickly started tinkering on his own projects. Now he is putting his business and technical experience to work in government. Learn about Musk's childhood, businesses, and entry into politics.
LeBron James
NBA Superstar and Activist
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Four-time NBA champion LeBron James has been a basketball superstar since high school. Learn about his journey to become an all-time NBA great and his life of activism off the court.
Patrick Mahomes
Mvp Quarterback Who Gives Back
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Patrick Mahomes is the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win the Super Bowl MVP award. He has led the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl five times, winning three of those.
Mahomes grew up in Texas as the son of a professional baseball player. In his teenage years, he excelled in every sport he played, including basketball, baseball, and football. He was even drafted to play baseball right out of high school. But Mahomes chose football. After several years of college football, he was drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he began making history. Follow Patrick Mahomes's journey from athletically gifted youth to NFL Super Bowl champion.
Colin Kaepernick
From Free Agent to Change Agent
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick drew positive and negative attention for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police violence against minorities in 2016. Two years later, he made headlines again when he became a spokesperson for Nike. Explore Kaepernick's football career and his work as an activist.
Aly Raisman
Athlete and Activist
Part of the Gateway Biographies series
US Olympian Aly Raisman is a leader on and off the mat. She is an outspoken voice against sexual assault. Learn about the most fascinating details of her life as a gold-winning gymnast.