Who Was . . . ? Series
Series · 18
books · 2014-2024
Books in series
#89
Who Was Stan Lee?
2014
Stanley Lieber was just seventeen when he got his first job at Timely Comics in 1939. Since then, the man now known as Stan Lee has launched a comic book empire, made Marvel Comics a household name, and created iconic superheroes such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four. Stan Lee is still dreaming up caped crusaders and masked vigilantes in his nineties. Who Is Stan Lee? tells the story of a New York City kid with a superhero-sized imagination.
#137
Who Are Venus and Serena Williams
2017
More information to be announced soon on this forthcoming title from Penguin USA.
#181
Who Was Duke Ellington?
2019
How did a working-class young man from Washington, DC, turn the music world on its head and become the Master Of Jazz? Find out in this addition to the Who HQ library!
A pivotal fixture of the Harlem Renaissance, Duke Ellington was the bandleader of the historic Cotton Club and a master composer—writing close to 3,000 songs in his lifetime and capturing the spirit of the Black experience in the Unites States. Over a 50-year career, Ellington became one of the biggest names in jazz as we know it. He went on to win 13 Grammys, a Pulitzer, and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969. Who Was Duke Ellington? follows the exciting, multifaceted journey of this musical genius and takes a look at what truly makes Ellington an artist beyond category.
#202
Who Was Charles Schulz?
2022
Learn more about the cartoonist who created Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts gang in this new addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series!
Charles (otherwise known as Sparky) Schulz always loved drawing from the time he was a young child, and as he grew older, he turned this passion into a phenomenally successful career. His early doodles of his mischievous dog and of a shy boy inspired two of his most familiar and beloved characters, Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Here's the story about Peanuts gang and Charles' life that's sure to excite all readers but especially those who love the classic cartoon series.
#208
Who Is Stacey Abrams?
2022
Discover how a young girl who loved to read and write became a voting rights activist, a candidate for governor of Georgia, and an author.
Presenting Who HQ an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series!
Stacey Abrams began her career in politics at the age of seventeen when she was hired as a typist for a congressional campaign. From there, she worked hard to get into Yale law school and, eventually, was elected into the House of Representatives. In 2018, she became the first Black woman in the United States to be a major party's nominee for governor when she was selected as the Democratic candidate. Although she didn't win that race, she decided to run again in 2022, proving that she never backs down from a challenge. Stacey made it her mission to help ensure that all people who are eligible have the right and ability to vote. Her Fair Fight Action organization helps prevent voter suppression across the country.
When she was growing up, Stacey was taught three important principles by her go to school, go to church, and take care of each other. And these are the same beliefs she holds today.
#212
Who Is Zendaya?
2022
Kids voted for who they wanted to learn about in the next WhoHQ Now title and the #1 New York Times bestselling series now features one of Hollywood's brightest young stars... Zendaya!
Zendaya began her acting career at age thirteen when she landed one of the starring roles in the Disney Channel’s Shake It Up . Since then, the actress has not slowed down, starring in action-packed superhero films, dazzling movie musicals, and highly acclaimed TV shows. At only twenty-four, Zendaya won her first Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the hit TV show Euphoria . The Hollywood star is an actress, singer, model, style icon, and also an activist who advocates for causes like feminism, anti-bullying, anti-racism, and voter registration. Learn all about the star-studded career and the inspiring life of Zendaya in this new book that was voted for by young readers worldwide!
#215
Who Is Megan Rapinoe?
2023
Learn about the bold and courageous life of soccer champion and activist Megan Rapinoe in the new Who HQ Now format of #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series.
On July 7, 2019, Megan Rapinoe ran out onto the field to play in her third Women's World Cup final. Determined to succeed after having to sit out of the semifinals due to an injury, Megan scored the first goal of the match. Thanks to this goal, Team USA won the Women's World Cup and Megan added yet another victory to her impressive record. In her career, Megan has won Olympic gold medals, several World Cup trophies, ESPY Awards, and more. Not only is Megan a fierce competitor on the field, she's also a brave activist who stands up for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals like herself. Learn about Megan Rapinoe's incredible soccer career and inspiring life as an activist in this book for young readers!
#220
Who Was Frank Sinatra?
2023
Learn about the showstopping life of one of the most famous entertainers of all time in this book about Frank Sinatra from the #1 New York Times Bestselling Series!
Before Frank Sinatra became the international superstar that we remember him as today, he was just a young boy singing for spare change in his family's New Jersey tavern. Those small beginnings would be the start of an incredible career in which Frank became one of the best-selling musicians of all time—selling over 150 million records worldwide. More than just a musician, Frank also went on to win an Academy Award and a Golden Globe during his career as an actor. With hundreds of songs from several genres such as big-band, swing, jazz, and pop, the "My Way" singer is considered one of the world's most beloved entertainers.
#221
Who Is Nathan Chen?
2023
Learn about American figure skater Nathan Chen's Olympic journey to gold in this exciting title in the Who HQ Now series featuring newsmakers and trending topics.
In 2022, Nathan Chen dazzled the world when he won the gold medal in men's figure skating to Elton John's "Rocketman" at the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. Though this was his first Olympic gold, Nathan was not new to big victories. He was already a six-time US national champion and had already won the World Figure Skating Championship three times! Nicknamed the "Quad King," Nathan is known for his thrilling quadruple jumps on the ice and is considered one of the greatest male figure skaters of all time. Learn all about Nathan's life from his childhood hobbies of ballet and gymnastics to his recent graduation from Yale University in this inspiring book for young readers!
#222
Who Was Betty White?
2023
Learn about the remarkable life of actress and comedian Betty White, a pioneer of early television with a seven-decade career, in this title in the Who HQ Now series featuring newsmakers and trending topics.
From 1939 to 2021, actress Betty White was one of the most beloved performers in the entertainment industry. She starred in fan-favorite television shows like The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and also blockbuster movies like Toy Story 4 and The Proposal . Over her decades-long career, Betty White won Emmy awards, was named an honorary mayor of Hollywood, earned a star on the Walk of Fame, and set the Guinness World Record for woman with the longest TV career ever. Off-screen, Betty advocated for animal rights, racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Learn about her legendary life in this book for young readers.
#223
Who Was Salvador Dalí?
2023
Learn about the fascinating career of surrealist Salvador Dalí from his early life in Spain through his public life as an internationally famous artist in this exciting addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling series.
Most famous for his surrealist painting The Persistence of Memory and its melting clocks, Salvador Dalí combined his dreamlike ideas with his excellent technical skills to become one of the most famous artists of the twentieth century. Beyond painting, Dalí pursued the arts in many other mediums including sculpture, film, fashion, photography, architecture, and more. He was friends with many of his famous contemporaries, including Picasso, Bunuel, Miro, and Duchamp. Learn about the sometimes-shy man with the instantly recognizable upturned mustache in this book for young readers that details the life of one of modern art's most celebrated figures.
#224
Who Is Harry Styles?
2023
Learn about the life of one of today's most popular musicians in this Who HQ Now biography about Harry Styles and his exciting career from One Direction to his Grammy-winning solo performances.
In 2010, Harry Styles was thrust into the spotlight when he auditioned for X-Factor and was placed in a new band called One Direction. That band of five young men would go on to place third in the competition, but their time together wouldn't stop there. They went on to release five albums and headline four international tours. When the band went on a break in 2016, Harry Styles decided to pursue his dream of being a solo artist. Since then, Harry has released three albums, sold out massive tours, and won a Grammy award. In addition to his musical success, Harry has also acted in several blockbuster movies, including Dunkirk and Don't Worry Darling. In everything that he does, Harry inspires his fans to "Treat People With Kindness," his slogan that encourages people to love and respect everyone around them.
#225
Who Was John Lewis?
2023
Starting in the 1960s, John Lewis began his activism alongside civil rights legend and good friend Martin Luther King Jr. He participated in many now-historic events, including the 1963 March of Washington, the Freedom Rides, and the Selma to Montgomery marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. John continued his impactful career when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1986. He went on to serve seventeen terms until his death in 2020. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, John Lewis is considered an American hero and an icon of the civil rights movement. Learn about his life of "good trouble" in this book for young readers
#226
Who Was Langston Hughes?
2024
Find out how a young boy from the Midwest became one of the most important writers and activists of the Harlem Renaissance in this addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series!
Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, and was raised by his grandmother, who told him many stories of the Black American experience and taught him to be proud of his race from a young age. With her guidance, Langston went on to become a talented writer in high school, creating dramatic plays, poetry, and articles for the school paper. His career as a writer would continue to blossom. Langston pioneered Jazz Poetry and published nearly twenty poetry books during his lifetime as well as novels, books for children, nonfiction books, and plays. He was an activist and a major figure of the Harlem Renaissance period, alongside Zora Neale Hurston and Countee Cullen. Young readers can learn about Langston's beloved writing, including some of his most famous poems "Dreams" and "The Weary Blues," and his long-lasting legacy in this middle-grade biography.
#227
Who Is Michael Phelps?
2024
Find out how a mischievous boy became a phenomenal swimmer and the greatest Olympian of all time in this inspiring addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series!
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Michael Phelps began swimming at age seven at the urging of his mom. As a young boy, Michael was brimming with energy—more energy than most other kids his age—and Mrs. Phelps thought this sport could help keep him calm and focused. As Michael grew older, his skills improved, and he transformed into one of the greatest swimmers in the world, winning twenty-eight Olympic medals.
Outside of the pool, Michael became an advocate for mental and physical health for adults and children. He even founded an organization that teaches water safety and promotes healthy living. Young readers can learn more about Michael Phelps' thriving legacy in this illustrated middle-grade biography.
#228
Who Is Taylor Swift?
2024
Learn how a young girl who lived on a Christmas tree farm grew up to become one of the most celebrated musical artists of the twenty-first century in this addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Series.
Taylor Swift always knew she wanted to be a country music artist, so at age thirteen, she convinced her parents to move their family out of Pennsylvania to Nashville.
As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Taylor wrote songs about teenage heartbreak and fitting in with her peers, and she performed these and other tunes at open mic nights and karaoke events. Breaking into the music industry took longer than she expected because record executives thought there was no place in country music for her songs. But Taylor was fearless and proved them wrong.
Since the release of her self-titled debut album in 2006, Taylor Swift has dominated the music charts, reinvented her sound, won numerous awards, shaken off public criticism, and spoken up for herself and others.
Whether you're a lifelong Swiftie or someone who just loves learning about musicians, this enchanting book will teach you all about the experiences that helped Taylor Swift become the successful superstar many kids and adults looks up to.
#229
Who Is Billie Jean King?
2024
Learn about the amazing life of the former world No. 1 tennis player who fought for gender equality in sports! Billie Jean King's legacy as a tennis star, a feminist, and an LGBTQ+ trailblazer shines through in this addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Series.Billie Jean King grew up in a family of athletes. It was no surprise when she quickly began to excel at tennis. She became the top female singles player in the world and won 129 career singles titles, including Wimbledon and the US Open. Beyond being an excellent athlete, Billie Jean King used her voice to stand up for other women playing tennis who were not paid nearly as much as male players. In 1973, Billie Jean captured the world's attention when she beat Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," proving women were just as good at tennis as men. She went on to found the Women's Tennis Association, and thanks to her efforts, women athletes worldwide were finally able to be taken seriously and paid fairly.
#232
Who Is Eric Carle?
2019
Celebrate the 50th birthday of The Very Hungry Caterpillar with a closer look at its creator!
Eric Carle's collage technique; his bright, bold, colors; and his love for the natural world are distinctive—and instantly recognizable to children. Stephanie Sabol tells the story of how this German-educated graphic designer found his way to New York City and into the world of children's publishing. She reveals the story of how Carle created his most famous books, including, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Readers are sure to eat this book up!
(Out Of Print)
Authors
M.D. Payne
Author · 8 books
M. D. Payne was born in 1978 in New Hampshire to an Air Force Family and grew up in 11 different homes in Maine, California, Idaho, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, and Germany. As a child, he was a ravenous reader. While in elementary school, his favorite past-time was creating cut-and-paste scrapbooks of presidential facts that remain in his mother's possession today. M. D. has been a fan of Halloween and horror into adulthood, so he jumped at the chance to write marketing and creative copy for the famed GOOSEBUMPS series in 2007, and was soon pulled into the world of kidlit. He wrote his first books, the gross-out horror series MONSTER JUICE, from 2012–2014, and then became involved in the NY Times bestselling WHO WAS series, tackling spooky titles like "Who Is R. L. Stine?" and "What is the Story of Scooby-Doo?" Before M. D. was a writer, he was a Jazz DJ, wrote scripts for Jazz at Lincoln Center Radio, and was associate producer on Essentially Ellington recordings and public radio programs such as "Honky Tonks, Hymns, and the Blues" and "W.C. Handy’s Blues." He took that decade of experience and poured it into the WHO WAS book on Jazz legend Duke Ellington. "Who Was Duke Ellington?" will be available December 1, 2020. A fan of kids, reading, and especially kids who read, M. D. gives presentations on reading and writing to children and parents alike at numerous schools around the country, and around the world via Skype. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.
Joan Holub
Author · 177 books
NY Times bestselling children's book author: GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!
Shelia Moses
Author · 12 books
Poet, author, playwright, and producer Shelia P. Moses was raised the ninth of ten children on Rehobeth Road in Rich Square, North Carolina. She is the co-author of Dick Gregory's memoir, Callus on My Soul, as well as the award-winning author of several books for young readers. Shelia lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
James Buckley Jr.
Author · 67 books
In addition to his work as a professional editor, James Buckley, Jr., is also the author of many books on American sports that are geared toward young fans and budding athletes. Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
Geoff Edgers
Author · 5 books
Edgers is a reporter for the Living/Arts section of The Boston Globe, covering arts and culture. His beat ranges from music and museums to popular culture. His work has appeared in Wired, GQ, and Spin magazines, and he has published several children's books.
