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USA TODAY Lifeline Biographies book cover 1
USA TODAY Lifeline Biographies book cover 2
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USA TODAY Lifeline Biographies
Series · 20
books · 2001-2012

Books in series

Adele book cover
#1

Adele

Soul Music’s Magical Voice

2012

USA TODAY, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, perfectly captures the way fans feel about Adele and her "Adele doesn't just sing; she changes your life, makes you feel like you're not alone, almost like she wrote and sang each song for you and you only." When she was only 19 years old, Adele released her first single, "Hometown Glory." Two years, two albums, and a lot of heartbreak later, she swept the 54th Grammy Awards, winning all six categories for which she was nominated. In her short career, Adele has overcome a terrifying a throat condition that many fans worried meant she would never sing again. This insightful biography follows the rise of Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, a girl from north London, into the megastar Adele, a skilled singer-songwriter who proves that "sublime talent and compelling songs can still draw the masses."
Alex Rodriguez book cover
#2

Alex Rodriguez

Hot Corner, Hot Shot

2012

In 2010 Alex Rodriquez achieved a major milestone. He became the seventh person in Major League Baseball (MLB) history—and the youngest—to hit 600 home runs. The previous year had also been stellar—for both him and his New York Yankee team. As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, "Rodriguez, baseball's richest and perhaps greatest all-around player with three MVP awards, finally got his proudest possession—a World Series championship." Known as A-Rod, the baseball phenom was born in New York but grew up in Miami. In 1993, at age 18, he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners and earned his first All Star selection three years later. He joined the Texas Rangers in 2000. In Texas he slugged home runs, stole bases, and won awards. A-Rod was traded to the New York Yankees in 2004, where he switched from shortstop to third base. Find out how a skinny kid with big dreams became one of the highest paid and most successful players in the big leagues.
Barack Obama book cover
#3

Barack Obama

A Leader in a Time of Change

2009

As USA TODAY, the Nation’s No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, “The son of a Kenyan economist and a white Kansas anthropologist is a man not easily defined . . . he’s smart, but not arrogant; passionate, but not ideological; confident, but open to other points of view; black and proud of it, but not bound or consumed by race.” The man of mixed race and strong character is Barack Hussein Obama, forty-fourth president of the United States. Obama first captured the attention of Americans in 2004, when the little-known state senator gave a riveting speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) before 20 million viewers. In 2008, nearly twice as many people watched Obama at the DNC - this time to accept the Democratic presidential nomination. What drew voters to this man who would become the first black president of the United States? As president, Obama faces one of the nation’s worst economic crises. With the promise of change, Obama is working to bring hope and security to the nation once again. At his inaugural address, President Obama said “We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America.”
Bill Gates book cover
#5

Bill Gates

Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

2008

A biography of the man who created Microsoft, from his childhood to his current role running the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Danica Patrick book cover
#6

Danica Patrick

Racing's Trailblazer

2010

As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, Danica Patrick shattered several records...at the storied Indianapolis 500. Even more lasting will be the point she made. During the 2005 race that made her a superstar, Danica Patrick proved she could drive at racing's highest level¯and inspired countless girls who picture themselves behind the wheel of an Indy car. Danica was a fierce competitor even before she was making headlines. As a teenager, she smashed records and won championships as a go-kart racer. Later, she struggled through a tough training period in England and fought to become part of the Indy Racing League back in the United States. Since then, she has handled on-track adversity and the media spotlight with the support of her family. Find out the story behind Danica's first Indy Racing victory in 2008, her decision to branch out into NASCAR, and more.
Jay-Z book cover
#9

Jay-Z

CEO of Hip-Hop

2012

As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, "anyone who has followed Jay-Z's career knows \[that\] the superstar born Shawn Corey Carter has long defied anyone who tried to pigeonhole him." He left behind the dangerous life of a drug dealer and became one of the biggest names in music. He then achieved success as a businessman, an activist, and an author, while staying true to the spirit of hip-hop. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jay-Z grew up in a household full of music lovers. After hearing people rap for the first time, he also discovered the creative fire within himself. He began to make up rhymes nonstop—and made his way from financial hardship to the throne of a music empire.
Johnny Depp book cover
#10

Johnny Depp

Hollywood Rebel

2010

As USA TODAY, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, Johnny Depp "clearly has a blast transforming his handsome self into some strange cinematic characters." Depp's career took off in 1987 when he signed up to play a cop on the television series 21 Jump Street . His good looks earned him plenty of attention―and plenty of money. But Depp had no interest in being a TV star or a teen idol. He wanted interesting roles in challenging films. He disappeared into the title roles in Edward Scissorhands, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Donnie Brasco, and Ed Wood . Then in 2003, a new Depp character introduced the actor to a new generation of moviegoers. He became Captain Jack Sparrow―the gold-toothed, swaggering, and completely untrustworthy leader of the Pirates of the Caribbean. In his third decade as an actor, Depp is respected by critics and popular with a wide range of fans. He's at the top of his career―and still having a blast.
Kanye West book cover
#12

Kanye West

Soul-Fired Hip-Hop

2012

On his record My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, hip-hop superstar Kanye West "unleashes an array of flavors—old school hip-hop, progressive rock, R&B, classical music—and mixes and matches them," says USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper. The paper describes Kanye's songs as "sonic jewels." Since releasing his first album, The College Dropout, in 2004, Kanye has taken the hip-hop world by storm. He raps, he sings, and he dances, dazzling audiences with his unique musical style. People cheer when he takes the stage, but his socially conscious lyrics also make listeners think about what the words mean. Kanye has caused controversy by speaking his mind on television and at award shows. But there's no controversy when it comes to his talent. In the music industry, he is known as a quadruple threat because he works in four different roles: producer, rapper, beat-maker, and record label executive. Tall, handsome, and always stylishly dressed, he is also a musical innovator, fashion icon, and all-around hip hop rock star. Learn how this award-winning entertainer created his own musical empire.
Oprah Winfrey book cover
#16

Oprah Winfrey

2001

Chronicles the life of the entertainer and businesswoman from her difficult childhood through the success of her television talk show and book club. Lerner Publications and the A&E Television Networks have teamed up to create Biography for young readers. With highly accessible text and engaging photographs, this engrossing collection offers in-depth profiles of some of the world's most interesting figures.
Queen Latifah book cover
#17

Queen Latifah

From Jersey Girl to Superstar

2012

People who knew Queen Latifah as a kid in Newark, New Jersey, would never have guessed at the fame in her future. But Latifah always dreamed big. Her dreams―and hard work―paid off. While still a teenager, Latifah became the first female solo rapper to sign with a major label and earn widespread popularity. She crafted a unique style full of positive messages, completely changing the rap landscape. That was just the beginning. Since 1989 Queen Latifah has made eight albums and thirty movies, starred in a top TV sitcom, hosted a talk show, launched business and charitable ventures, and won several prestigious awards. As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, reports, it's ordinary people who inspire Queen "\[A stranger once\] told me how much I meant to her and to women of color, and women in general. When I hear that, I know that I'm doing the right thing." What's next for Latifah? The world will be watching, eager to find out.
Russell Simmons book cover
#18

Russell Simmons

From Def Jam to Super Rich

2012

As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, Russell Simmons "helped found the hip-hop movement and turn it into a huge money-making machine." He co-founded Def Jam Records, one of the first successful hip-hop record labels. He also worked with many of hip-hop's earliest stars, such as Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys. Raised in Queens, New York, Simmons grew up obsessed with music―and fought to make a life for himself in the music business. After helping push hip-hop into the mainstream, he took on fashion, film production, and advertising, among other projects. Later, he turned to activism, using his influence to aid different social causes. Throughout it all, Simmons has held onto his unique personal style and unmistakable attitude.
Sergey Brin and Larry Page book cover
#19

Sergey Brin and Larry Page

Founders of Google

2010

Describes the lives and accomplishments of the two founders of Google, from their first meeting to the creation of the web search engine, its widespread popularity, and the ever-widening scope of innovations from the company.
Stephenie Meyer book cover
#20

Stephenie Meyer

Dreaming of Twilight

2010

As USA TODAY, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, Stephenie Meyer is "one of those rare success stories that inspire unpublished writers." In 2003, Meyer was a 29-year-old mother of three in suburban Phoenix, Arizona. She had no thought of writing a book. Then one night she had a vivid dream of a teenage couple with one unusual problem―the young man was a vampire. Meyer decided to write down her dream. Within six months, she had turned her notes into anovel, Twilight, and secured a $750,000 deal with a publisher. Published in 2005, Twilight soon landed on a New York Times best seller list. Three sequels― New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn ―thrilled teen and adult fans alike. Movie deals, merchandise, a clothing line, and Twilight -themed tourism followed. With more than 85 million copies sold worldwide, the Twilight books launched Meyer to fame and fortune. But she remains committed to family and to writing―as fans wait to see what Stephenie Meyer dreams up next.
Suzanne Collins book cover
#21

Suzanne Collins

Words on Fire

2012

"\[The Hunger Games trilogy\] spread like wildfire," says Annmarie Powers, a teacher in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., in a statement to USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper. The teacher explained that the books, written by author Suzanne Collins, "deal with themes that teens are consumed 'fairness, relationships, plenty of violence and blood, greed, hypocrisy, subservience and rebellion.'" Collins came up with the storyline one night while channel surfing. Images of televised news coverage of the U.S.-led war in Iraq blurred in her mind with scenes from a reality show and sparked an exciting idea. What about a story that focused on teens in a fight-to-the-death battle, televised live from start to finish? Published in 2008, The Hunger Games riveted teens and adults alike. Followed by Catching Fire in 2009 and Mockingjay in 2010, each volume became an instant bestseller. The books evolved into major motion pictures, and Collins went behind the cameras to advise movie makers as her stories were translated onto the big screen. Discover the literary and personal influences that helped Collins create one of the most challenging visions of human nature.and rebellion.'"
Tom Brady book cover
#23

Tom Brady

Unlikely Champion

2010

As quarterback of the New England Patriots, Tom Brady is the most important player on the NFL's best team. As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, "Facts are facts. In winning three Super Bowls from 2001-04, among numerous other shining accomplishments, New England secured its place as the NFL's Franchise of the Decade." With three Super Bowl rings and a rich contract, Tom is on top of the world. But most people didn't expect Tom to be a big success in the NFL. Playing college football for the University of Michigan Wolverines, Tom sat on the bench until his junior year. After college Tom was taken by the Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft—in the sixth round (199th overall). Expectations were low, but it didn't take Tom long to show that he was not just good enough to be in the NFL, he was good enough to be one of the NFL's best. Tom Brady went from a kid with an uncertain football future to one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history.
Tiger Woods book cover
#24

Tiger Woods

2002

Lerner Publications and the A&E Television Networks have teamed up to create Biography for young readers. With highly accessible text and engaging photographs, this engrossing collection offers in-depth profiles of some of the world's most interesting figures. Tiger Woods accomplished what many golf fans thought was nearly impossible by winning four major titles in a row. That extraordinary feat—dubbed a Tiger Slam—was even more amazing considering that Tiger was just twenty-five years old when he accomplished it. A golf prodigy, he began playing when he was nine months old. In the nearly all-white world of men's professional golf, Tiger has reached a level of success rarely seen—let alone by a man whose heritage includes African American, Native American, and Asian roots.
Tim Berners-Lee book cover
#25

Tim Berners-Lee

Inventor of the World Wide Web

2009

As USA TODAY, the Nation’s No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, “\[Tim Berners-Lee\] has been compared to Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the printing press, which in turn changed religion, government and science... It’s bizarre to even think that there is a living, breathing inventor of the Web. He’s funny and likable and about as intimidating as that Pikachu runt from my kids’ Pokemon collection.” Few people can name the inventor of the World Wide Web - and that’s how he prefers it. Tim Berners-Lee - born in 1955 to parents who were computer programmers - was in the right place at the right time. He grew up believing computers could do more than just store data, and in 1989 he came up with a way for computers around the world to share information. His efforts developed into what most of us use on a daily basis - the World Wide Web. Tim Berners-Lee now directs the World Wide Web Consortium, a group that continues to ensure the Web remains free and accessible to everyone, everywhere. He is also working to bring the Web to its full potential. “The Web,” he says, “is far from ‘done.’ ”
Tupac Shakur book cover
#26

Tupac Shakur

2006

Rather than purely simplifying the text, this series of biographies is written to help enhance struggling readers' comprehension and vocabulary by matching a low reading level with more detailed information and a more sophisticated design.
Vera Wang book cover
#27

Vera Wang

Enduring Style

2008

As USA TODAY, The Nation’s No. 1 Newspaper, put it, “Vera Wang is hot….She oversees everything.” The name Vera Wang has become synonymous with simple, elegant design. Her wonderfully styled gowns drape and flow to make the wearer look her best. Her casual clothes beautifully combine comfort and function. But who’s the person behind the brand? Born to wealthy Chinese parents, Vera Wang learned about high fashion at an early age. After many years as a Vogue magazine editor, Wang embarked on her own design career, starting with unique, stylish wedding gowns. Her attention to detail and understanding of a bride’s needs made her a must-have designer among the rich and famous. Eventually, she spread her wings to include gala attire for Hollywood events, china, crystal, stationary, perfume, low-priced ready-to-wear clothing, and even mattresses. What will this designer and entrepreneur pursue next?
Will Smith book cover
#28

Will Smith

2006

Rather than purely simplifying the text, this series of biographies is written to help enhance struggling readers' comprehension and vocabulary by matching a low reading level with more detailed information and a more sophisticated design.

Authors

Jeremy Roberts
Author · 2 books
Jeremy Roberts has written on a variety of subjects. His nonfiction work includes biographies of Mussolini and Joan of Arc for A&E Books.
Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
Author · 2 books

Stephanie Sammartino McPherson wrote her first children's story in college. She enjoyed the process so much that she's never stopped writing. A former teacher and freelance newspaper writer, she has written twenty-eight books and numerous magazine stories. She especially enjoys writing about science and the human interest stories behind major discoveries. Stephanie and her husband, Richard, live in Virginia but also call California home. They are the parents of two grown children.

Matt Doeden
Author · 63 books

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.

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