Human Behind the Hero

When she played her first starring role on TV, Brec Bassinger was only 16. Only a few years later, she was cast as Stargirl, a character based on a DC comic of the same name. The story of a girl who finds a cosmic staff, Stargirl offers younger superhero fans a chance to relate to their hero who faces not only villains, but also the halls of her high school. This book introduces Stargirl and Brec to new fans and old through a look at her life and career thus far.

The first Aquaman comic came out in 1941. Since, he has been one the most popular DC characters ever. Preparing for a role as iconic as Aquaman, might be daunting. How did Jason Momoa do it? In this engrossing volume, readers find out not only what led Jason to the role, but also how he physically prepared for it. A concluding timeline summarizes his life and career while fact boxes throughout the book give readers additional tidbits about him and the character of Aquaman. Full-color photographs enhance the hi-lo content.

The woman who has played Black Widow for more than 10 years has a devoted following of fans. This engaging and accessible biography is written with those fans in mind, as well as readers who are looking for a fun introduction to the world of superheroes. The achievable reading level makes this high-interest topic accessible for a wide variety of readers, and the full-color photographs appeal to readers who are interested in a look behind the scenes of their favorite movies. Additional information about Johansson's life and career are presented through fun facts boxes and a comprehensive timeline.

Tatiana Maslany was plenty famous before she became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, giving a stunning performance in Orphan Black. But, as a character in the MCU, she is reaching a whole new audience, trying out new acting muscles-and growing some other muscles too! In this book, readers are introduced to Tatiana, her career, and how she got her part as She-Hulk and her alter ego Jennifer Walters. Full-color photographs accompany low level text written for struggling or reluctant readers.

Shang-Chi might not have been a superhero casual fans were familiar with before the 2021 movie came out. But with the success of the fast-paced film, Shang-Chi is known throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe-and Simu Liu, who plays him, is known all over the world! Was Simu ready for superstardom when he took the role? In this book, readers find out how Simu prepared to play Shang-Chi as well as about his early life and career. A timeline concludes the book.

Black Panther is one of the most popular superhero films of all time, and its massive success helped its star become a household name. How did Chadwick Boseman get cast as this groundbreaking hero, and how did he prepare for this role? Readers discover the answers to these questions and more through simple text written at an achievable level for readers at a variety of ages. Full-color photographs of Boseman at work and on the red carpet are presented alongside this engaging narrative, and a helpful timeline and fun fact boxes provide additional information on this high-interest topic.

Captain Marvel is one of the newest heroes to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the actress who plays her isn't new to Hollywood. Brie Larson's journey from young actress to Oscar winner to superhero is presented through accessible text that even developing readers can independently enjoy. Additional details about this high-interest topic are found in eye-catching fact boxes, and a helpful timeline summarizes Larson's path to superhero superstardom. Featuring full-color photographs of this famous actress in action, this is a reading experience that superhero fans of all ages are sure to love.

It took a lot of hard work for Chris Pratt to transform into Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord. Readers are sure to be entertained as they trace his path from humble beginnings to Guardian of the Galaxy. Exciting details about his training, his other projects, and his charity work are included in the main narrative and fact boxes. An informative timeline and full-color photographs give readers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a superhero. Readers at a variety of levels will enjoy the way this high-interest topic is presented, using accessible language that encourages independent reading.

Wonder Woman was a groundbreaking superhero film that inspired women around the world, and its star has become a role model for many. The story of how Gal Gadot became Wonder Woman and what she has done since first picking up her shield and lasso will excite readers of all ages. Written at a low reading level to appeal to developing readers, this high-interest biography encourages independent reading through its achievable main text. Fun fact boxes, a helpful timeline, and full-color photographs add to this inspiring reading experience.

Marvel comics have a long tradition of a new person taking up the mantle of a superhero who has passed away or retired. In following with this tradition, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced a new Captain America, Sam Wilson, or the superhero previously known as Falcon. Played by Anthony Mackie, the new Captain America will be an integral part of the MCU's next steps. How did Mackie go from being a supporting character to a main one? This book takes readers through his journey, highlighting Mackie's preparation and belief in the importance of elevating a Black actor to be Captain America.

Tom Holland is the latest actor to step into Peter Parker's shoes. How was he chosen to play the latest version of Spider-Man, and what kind of training did he do to prepare for this exciting role? As readers discover the answers to these questions, they learn how hard work and a positive attitude can take a young person to the heights of superhero superstardom. The combination of this biography's high-interest topic and achievable reading level will appeal to a wide range of readers. In addition, fact boxes, a timeline, and full-color photographs keep readers entertained as they learn.

Elizabeth Olsen is not a newcomer to TV and movies. The sister of kid-stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Elizabeth was in their videos as a young child. With her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, however, she has eclipsed her famous family. Playing the enigmatic Wanda Maximoff, or Scarlet Witch as she is well known, Elizabeth Olsen has to give one of most emotional performances in the MCU. How did Elizabeth prepare for the role-and superstardom? This book takes readers through her career with particular attention paid to her role in the MCU. A timeline concludes the book.