Meet the Greats

William Shakespeare's influence on drama and literature-and even the English language itself-is unprecedented. Surprisingly, the renowned playwright's life is full of mystery. This biography presents what is known about Shakespeare as well as the current theories about the unknown, even touching on the controversies about the authorship of some of his plays. Readers will also become familiar with 16th-century England, the monarchs Shakespeare entertained, and what being an actor was like at that time. Doubtless, the introduction to his masterpieces will inspire young thespians to read or attend one of the dramatist's great works.

Martin Luther King Jr., the iconic civil rights leader, was born into a world where he did not enjoy the same rights or opportunities as white Americans. Yet, he prompted great societal change through remarkable, peaceful means. This compelling and comprehensive biography takes readers on the journey of King's life from young Georgia pastor to the iconic trailblazer who met a tragic end. A timeline provides a summary of significant moments in King's life. His key speeches and books are noted as well, so readers can continue to experience this extraordinary man's powerful words, still relevant today.

Anytime Kate Middleton steps out of the house, cameras capture her every move. As the Duchess of Cambridge, she is an intriguing figure to many who wonder what it would be like to be a member of the British royal family, and a future queen. This charming biography, packed with colorful photographs, gives readers a glimpse into Kate's early life, including her athletic prowess in school and her first dates with Prince William. They'll also learn about Kate's life today, including her many charitable interests.

Yes, George Washington was the first U.S. president, but what did he do before that? A whole lot! This attention-grabbing biography has all the answers, including many surprising facts that will have readers wanting to share Washington's story with family and friends. Charming cartoons of Washington intermingle with historical paintings and images, while entertaining, accessible text makes getting to know George an achievable and motivating experience for all levels of readers.

Amelia Earhart, the pioneering pilot of the early 20th century, had a remarkable spirit and great tenacity. Her story has something to teach us all about perseverance in the face of adversity. This superb biography takes readers aboard the cockpit with Earhart on a journey through her life, from her first encounter with an airplane to her unsolved disappearance over the Pacific Ocean. Future aviation experts will be especially interested in the current theories about her fate and impressed by historic photographs and details about Earhart's extraordinary achievements.

Mozart's short life produced a truly impressive collection of masterworks recognizable even to those who don't know much about classical music. This biography of the maestro, from child prodigy to his mysterious death at the age of 35, will fascinate readers, who will come to appreciate Mozart's lasting contribution to music. Colorful illustrations and "Quick Facts" boxes are inviting elements, while carefully chosen images provide understanding about the culture of that time period in Europe.

Sacagawea's critical role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 to 1806 is irrefutable. Without her, the Corps of Discovery's exploration of the newly acquired western territory might not have been successful. However, her life before that celebrated journey is just as absorbing. This volume, with a colorful design, fun fact boxes, and historical artwork, tells the intriguing story of this Shoshone woman, including such life-changing events as her kidnapping at a young age and marriage to a French fur trapper. Readers will undoubtedly admire this woman as they learn of her courageous acts and of the Native American cultures to which she belonged.

Pope Francis has many "firsts" to his name. When he became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, he also became the first pope from the Western Hemisphere, the first from South America, and the first from the Jesuit order. During his papacy, Pope Francis has been outspoken about social and environmental issues, supporting the scientific evidence for global warming. This biography of Pope Francis's life shows readers the scope of his interesting life through stunning photographs and images. Fact boxes break important information into fun, bite-sized chunks.

Approximately 130 million school-aged girls around the world are not receiving an education. One of the most powerful figures in the fight for education equality is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani teen who has inspired the world with her fearless activism and public speaking. When she was 11 years old, Yousafzai gave her first speech against the Taliban's prohibition of education for girls. At only 15 years old, Yousafzai survived an assassination attempt from the Taliban. This biography introduces readers to Yousafzai's incredible life. Stunning photographs and images illustrate her heroic story, while fact boxes highlight important information. Readers will be inspired by Yousafzai's fearless spirit and amazing accomplishments.

Even though Barack Obama is recognizable to young readers, do they know his life story and all that he's accomplished? This volume bridges the gap between news reports of his presidency and what elementary readers really want to know about the first black president. Pictures on each page and inspirational quotes lead readers effortlessly through the meticulously uncomplicated and age-appropriate language. This highly requested biography is sure to be a quick hit in any collection.

One of the most well-known activists in human history, Mahatma Gandhi's life story is a fascinating one. An iconic leader of peaceful protests, Gandhi led acts of civil disobedience in the fight for India's independence from Britain. Readers of this biography will learn all about Gandhi's life, from his childhood to his incredible achievements in politics and activism. Stunning photographs and images illustrate the story of Gandhi's life, while fun fact boxes capture important information. This peaceful leader's life story is sure to inspire readers and encourage a passion for activism.

Apache warrior Geronimo was a survivor. He spent most of his life fighting soldiers who wanted to take his tribe's lands. His bravery and military skills were widely admired, even by his enemies. This respectful and accessible biography of the Native American leader tells readers about Geronimo's motivations and his dreams for his people. The colorful and inviting format, fact boxes, and historical photographs make this an invaluable book for learning about both Native American and U.S. history.

Michelle Robinson was a young, ambitious lawyer from Chicago when she met her husband-to-be Barack Obama. Michelle juggled her career and two daughters while supporting her husband's political career, which led him to the White House as the first black president. After Barack left office, Michelle continued to be a global figurehead for advancing women's rights. This accessible biography, which features interesting fact boxes, vivid photographs, and fun cartoon Michelle's, has all the information readers want to know about this dynamic woman.

After spending almost 30 years in prison for fighting against apartheid in South Africa, Nelson Mandela became that nation's first black president. This important biography explains to readers what apartheid is, how Mandela and his supporters battled against it, and how he survived a brutal imprisonment to become a living symbol of civil and democratic rights. Mandela's moving and inspiring life story is told through accessible text, supporting fact boxes, and notable historical photographs.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg or RBG as she is known to her many admirers, is at the pinnacle of a profession in law as a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. However, she faced great obstacles in her early career simply because she was a woman. This enlightening profile will inspire readers to not give in to discrimination as they discover more about this remarkable woman. Cartoon figures of Ginsburg and fun fact boxes make this volume even more inviting to all levels of readers, while carefully researched text provides essential detailed biographical information.

Florence Nightingale's name is perhaps more familiar than her reputation as the founder of modern nursing. This notable biography, full of striking photographs and images, explains how this remarkable woman bucked societal pressure to become a nurse-the "Lady with the Lamp." Nightingale's work in military hospitals during the Crimean War was the beginning of great reforms in hospitals all over the world. Spellbound readers will be aghast to learn of the appalling conditions of hospitals of the 19th century and grateful for Nightingale's persistence in improving medical care.

In 1942, a young Jewish girl named Anne Frank received a diary from her parents for her thirteenth birthday. Today, millions of people have read the compelling, heartfelt diary entries Frank recorded while living in hiding to escape Nazi persecution. Her work is an invaluable account of the Holocaust, an iconic classic of war literature, and a testament to her own hopeful and unbreakable spirit. This biography introduces readers to Frank's life and the legacy she left behind, complete with photographs and fact boxes. Readers will be inspired by Frank's incredible story and her essential contribution to recorded history.