Gateway Biographies

Series · 44

books · 2007-2024

By Rebecca Stefoff, James Roland, Mari Bolte, and more

Books in series

Adele

Music Megastar

2023

Adele is known for her emotional songs and powerful voice. For a while Adele’s music career was in danger. She was having problems with her voice and had surgery. Fans wondered if they would still love listening to her. But Adele’s voice came back stronger than ever! With 15 Grammy awards, Adele is at the top of her music game. Raised by her music-loving mother, Adele grew up attending concerts. She later auditioned for a competitive arts school. The school’s music director was amazed by Adele’s singing and accepted her into the program. Before Adele graduated, she made a demo of her songs. A record label representative heard her songs and loved them. Soon Adele signed with the record label and released her first album . Learn more about Adele's rise to frame, what inspires the singer-songwriter, and more.

Al Gore

Fighting for a Greener Planet

2008

Traces the life and career of former Vice President Gore, describes his experiences in Vietnam, and explains how he developed the interest in environmental issues which he has pursued since leaving government.

Albert Einstein

Relativity Rock Star

2020

Albert Einstein rewrote the rules of physics and changed how scientists see space and time forever. Learn how a boy who struggled in school became one of history's most renowned scientists.

Aly Raisman

Athlete and Activist

2019

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. \— "Journal"

Amanda Gorman

Inspiring Hope with Poetry

2022

Poet Amanda Gorman delivered her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the 2021 presidential inauguration, winning wide acclaim. Read about Gorman's early life, her children's and poetry books, and what she plans to do next.

Amy Coney Barrett

Reshaping the Supreme Court

2021

In 2020, US Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett became the fifth woman to serve on the country’s highest court. The daughter of a lawyer and a high school teacher, Coney Barrett grew up with an interest in the law. Her parents and teachers encouraged her and taught her that girls could do anything boys could do. Coney Barrett has carried that lesson with her throughout her life. After earning a bachelor of arts degree in English literature in 1994, Coney Barrett attended Notre Dame Law School. She graduated in 1997 and clerked for Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia. Coney Barrett and Scalia shared a conservative judicial philosophy. She went on to work in private practice and as an assistant professor at Notre Dame. In 2017, Coney Barrett became a judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Three years later, President Donald Trump nominated Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Explore the life and career of the newest member of the highest court in the United States.

#11

Barack Obama

President for a New Era

2008

A brief biography of African-American president Barack Obama.

#14

Billie Eilish

The Rise of a Superstar

2021

Growing up with actor parents in Los Angeles, Billie Eilish was surrounded by creativity. After writing her first song when she was four, she took to making music with her older brother. The siblings loved to write songs to express themselves. But when a song they uploaded for her dance class went viral, Eilish started sharing more of her music with the world. Even before the release of her debut album in 2019, Eilish skyrocketed to fame. Her unique sense of style and strong point of view made the teen stand out. Winning five Grammys at just eighteen years old the following year solidified her as a fresh new force in pop music. Follow Eilish from homegrown musician to worldwide phenomenon and see what’s next for the rising star.

#18

Dalai Lama

A Leader in Exile

2019

Forced into exile in India after Tibet's attempted revolt against occupying Chinese forces, the Dalai Lama launched a nonviolent campaign against the occupation that earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Read about the life and work of the Dalai Lama, an international icon of peace.

#19

David Karp

The Mastermind behind Tumblr

2012

#22

Dolly Parton

Diamond in a Rhinestone World

2022

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.

#23

Donald Trump

Outspoken Personality and President

2017

On June 16, 2015, Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president of the United States. The celebrity businessman and reality TV show host went on to win the presidency in 2016. Trump has led a varied career, from his many business enterprises to his role as host in the reality TV show The Apprentice. As chairman of The Trump Organization, his net worth is estimated at more than $4 billion. Trump's outspoken personality caused controversy and even protests at his presidential rallies, but he never let them slow him down. Follow Trump's journey from Trump Tower to the White House, and learn about the history of the man who promises to "Make America Great Again."

#24

Donald Trump, 2nd Edition

An Unprecedented Presidency

2022

After a long career in real estate, Donald Trump went from reality TV star to the 45th US president. Read about Trump's first term, and find up-to-date content covering the results of the 2020 election.

#25

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

From Wrestler to Hollywood Hero

2023

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.

#26

Elizabeth Blackwell; Trailblazing Women Doctor

2021

Elizabeth Blackwell shattered the glass ceiling in medicine as the first woman doctor. After her father's death, she used her unusually high level of education to earn a living. Blackwell began working as a teacher while saving up for medical school. The rejection letters piled up, but she persisted until she was admitted to Geneva University. Life still wasn't easy once she had her diploma. She had to fight sexism and challenge stereotypes about women in the medical field. Hoping to break down barriers for other aspiring women physicians, Blackwell opened the Women's Medical College of the New York Infirmary and the London School of Medicine for Women. These schools were specifically for women and offered extensive training to help them in the medical field. Read about Blackwell's life and her lasting legacy in medicine.

#27

Elon Musk

Tesla Founder and Titan of Tech

2021

Born in South Africa in 1971, young Elon Musk loved inventions. He later founded Tesla, SpaceX, and the company that would become PayPal. Read about how Musk became one of the world's most famous entrepreneurs.

#30

Gal Gadot

Soldier, Model, Wonder Woman

2018

In 2017 the movie Wonder Woman became a box-office hit, breaking records and earning hundreds of millions of dollars. Israeli actor Gal Gadot played Wonder Woman―a fierce and compassionate Amazonian warrior. Prior to her time in the spotlight, Gadot served in the Israeli military, won a Miss Israel pageant, and studied to be a lawyer. When Gadot began acting, she wanted to play strong, independent women. She hopes to be a role model for her daughters as well as an inspiration to both women and men around the world. Follow Gadot's story from an average childhood in a small town in Israel to the role of a lifetime as Wonder Woman.

#34

Impeachment

Donald Trump and the History of Presidents in Peril

2020

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.

#35

Ivanka Trump

A Brand of Her Own

2017

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.

#36

J. R. R. Tolkien

Epic Fantasy Author

2021

The robust, imaginative works of J. R. R. Tolkien have sparked the imaginations of readers around the world. From World War I soldier to bestselling author, trace the life of the man behind Middle Earth.

#39

Jimmy Carter

A Presidential Life of Service

2024

Jimmy Carter served as the 39th US president from 1977 to 1981. In 2002 he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Read about Carter's journey from a peanut farm in Georgia to the White House.

#40

Joe Biden

From Scranton to the White House

2021

A Timely Biography of the 46th President Former Vice President Joe Biden played an essential role in the Obama administration. As the 47th vice president of the United States, he helped revive the economy, reduce gun violence, and protect women’s rights. Biden announced his campaign for president in 2019. Originally dismissed, he pulled off a game-changing nomination in South Carolina and went on to become the president-elect. In 1972 Biden was elected to represent his home state of Delaware in the US Senate. But tragedy hit before his inauguration. His wife, two sons, and daughter were in a car accident. Biden lost both his wife and daughter, and was sworn into office from the hospital where his sons were recovering. Keeping his promise to govern, he became Delaware’s longest-serving senator. Discover Biden’s perseverance, career, and his race back to the White House.

#45

Kendrick Lamar

Platinum Rap Artist

2023

Kendrick Lamar is American hip-hop royalty, with twenty-three tracks and three albums that have sold more than a million copies and gone platinum. As a respected MC, Lamar speaks to socially conscious issues and racial injustice in his lyrics. His fans connect with his music and message, and he rocketed to star status. Born in Compton, California, Lamar witnessed hardships early in life, from seeing a shooting and racial riots to poverty. He turned those experiences and thoughts into words when he realized his love for writing, especially lyrics. Lamar learned songwriting from some of his musical heroes―DMX, Snoop Dogg, and Jay Z. Then his mixtapes got him signed to a label and his music started hitting the charts. Soon Lamar was going on tour and winning Grammys, and today this rapper's music influences and reaches fans around the world.

#47

Kim Jong Un

Secretive North Korean Leader

2019

In 2017 the secretive Asian country of North Korea publicly demonstrated its arsenal of new bombs, missiles, and cyber and chemical weapons. For years, North Korea had isolated itself from the rest of the world. When dictator Kim Jong Un began to reach out to international leaders in early 2018, media around the world wondered why. Readers will be intrigued by the story of the mysterious dictator, who came to power after his father died in 2011 and has been making international headlines ever since.

#48

King Charles III

Claiming the British Crown

2023

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.

#49

LeBron James

NBA Superstar and Activist

2022

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.

#50

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Revolutionary Playwright, Composer, and Actor

2019

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.

#53

Loretta Lynch

First African American Woman Attorney General

2016

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.

#54

Lupita Nyong'o

Actor, Filmmaker, Activist

2020

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.

#60

Michele Bachmann

Tea Party Champion

2012

On June 27, 2011, an energetic crowd gathered in Waterloo, Iowa, to hear Republican congresswoman Michele Bachmann make an important announcement. The crowd roared as Bachmann delivered her news she was running for U.S. president in 2012. To Bachmann's supporters, the announcement represented hope for change in politics. They view Bachmann as a fresh face in Washington and a strong advocate for conservative values. To her detractors, the news was concerning. They point to her short time in politics as a liability, and they believe her views are too extreme. However one feels about Michele Bachmann, there's no doubt that her rise in politics is remarkable. In just ten years, she transitioned from state senator for Minnesota's District 56 to prominent member of the U.S. House of Representatives and spokesperson for the Tea Party. What position will she hold next? Only time will tell.

#61

Michelle Obama

From Chicago's South Side to the White House

2008

Michelle Obama describes herself first and foremost as being a mom. But she has taken a mighty leap from the South Side of Chicago to presiding over the White House as First Lady. Once employed by a top Chicago law firm - which is where she met Barack Obama - Michelle quickly realized wanted a profession where she could give back to her community. She set up the first public service program for the University of Chicago and was extremely successful recruiting volunteers. She later used her skills in relating to people as an avid campaigner during her husband's run for president. As First Lady, Michelle Obama brings intelligence, wit, and warmth to the job. And most important, she still serves as First Mom in Chief.

#63

Nancy Pelosi

First Woman Speaker of the House

2007

Book by McElroy, Lisa Tucker

#66

Nelson Mandela

World Leader for Human Rights

2014

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 1940s 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.

#69

Pope Francis

First Pope from the Americas

2013

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' journey to the papacy, from his days as a young chemist to his studies of theology. Learn more about his beliefs and hobbies―including his interests in soccer and tango dancing. Find out the true story behind the man who became the 266th pope.

#72

Prince

The Man, the Symbol, the Music

2017

Prince Rogers Nelson wrote his first song at age seven, and soon taught himself to play the piano, drums, and guitar. In the early 1980s, Prince wondered how to make his music―a mix of pop, funk, soul, and R&B―more appealing to an audience that loved more mainstream rock shows. He ended up making Purple Rain, the hit movie and soundtrack that turned him into a megastar. Experimenting with style, genre, and society's expectations of him as an African-American performer, Prince defied labels. Follow Prince's journey to superstardom, and learn how this wildly talented, prolific, and often-controversial performer touched the hearts of fans around the world.

#78

Simone Biles

Greatest of All Time

2022

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' 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' life and career, and discover how she became one of gymnastics' most accomplished and celebrated athletes of all time.

#79

Sonia Sotomayor

First Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice

2010

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.

#81

Stacey Abrams

Champion of Democracy

2022

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' early life and what she plans to do next.

#82

Stephen Hawking

Celebrated Physicist

2020

Stephen Hawking was 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.

#84

Taylor Swift

Superstar Singer and Songwriter

2019

From her early career in country music to her chart-topping pop hits, learn more about singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, one of the best-selling musical artists of all time.

#86

Ted Kennedy

A Remarkable Life in the Senate

2009

Follows Senator Edward Kennedy from his youth to his time in the Senate and his endorsement of Barack Obama.

#88

The Sunrise Movement

The Climate Revolution Generation

2023

The Sunrise Movement is a youth-led organization fighting the climate crisis and building a fairer future. Climate change is harming our planet and could cause food and water scarcity, severe weather, and more. The Sunrise Movement is working to stop climate change by protesting, proposing policies, and helping elect leaders who will fight alongside them. They are also working to create millions of jobs that will help protect the environment. In 2017 the Sunrise Movement was created by eight young Sara Blazevic, Michael Dorsey, Victoria Fernandez, Dyanna Jaye, Matthew Lichtash, Stephen O'Hanlon, Varshini Prakash, and Evan Weber. The founders came from different backgrounds, but all of them were determined to create a better future. Learn about the activists, how they created a movement, and much more.

#89

Tyra Banks

From Supermodel to Role Model

2009

A biography of supermodel Tyra Banks, from her childhood and early modeling career to her accomplishments as a talk show host and businesswoman.

#91

Volodymyr Zelensky

Heroic Leader of Ukraine

2022

Volodymyr Zelensky got his start as a comedic actor, running for president of Ukraine as a populist candidate in 2019. He seemed an unlikely hero, yet he quickly revealed his resolve as Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022. He remained in Ukraine's capital, delivering rousing speeches to Ukraine's people via video even as Russia's troops posed an enormous threat to his safety. Zelensky has become a symbol of great bravery, both in Ukraine and around the world.

Authors

There is more than one author by this name on Goodreads.

Matt Doeden was born in southern Minnesota and lived parts of his childhood in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and Madison, Minnesota. He studied journalism at Mankato State University, where he worked at the college newspaper for three years. In his senior year, he served as the paper's Sports Editor, which put him in charge of the entire sports section, the sports writers, and the photographers. He covered mostly college sports, but also the Minnesota Vikings, who held training camp at MSU. His work allowed him to meet and interview people like Dennis Green, Cris Carter, Robert Smith, and more. Matt went on to work as a sports writer for the Mankato paper, and then he got a job as an editor with a small children's publisher called Capstone Press, and in 2003 he decided to start his own business as a freelance writer and editor. Since then, Matt has written and edited hundreds of books. Lots of them are on high-interest topics like cars, sports, and airplanes. He also writes and edits on geography, science, and even math.

Lerner Publishing Group

Dr. Artika R. Tyner is a passionate educator, author, sought after speaker, and advocate for justice. At the University of St. Thomas School of Law, Dr. Tyner serves as the founding director of the Center on Race, Leadership and Social Justice. She is committed to training students to serve as social engineers who create new inroads to justice and freedom.

Karen Latchana Kenney

Author · 21 books

My favorite book as a child was an educational book titled I Want to Be a Reporter. It was about the job of a reporter and described the skills needed to tell stories in writing. I asked my mom to read it to me every night. It was fascinating to me! Since discovering that book, I have loved the idea of writing for a living. As a K-12 educational writer and editor, I get to work on books and teaching materials that inform and inspire students. I have written about everything from the underwater home of a spider to the history of hip-hop music and WWI history. While I love researching and writing about all kinds of subjects, my experience so far has been mostly in science, social studies, biographies, music, and arts and crafts topics.

Jill Sherman

Author · 7 books