Shakira
(A&E Biography)

Twenty–First Century Books, 2007

Interest Level: Grades 6—12

Born in Colombia, Shakira released her first album at age 13 and has since achieved phenomenal popularity in both English– and Spanish–language markets. Her 2006 release “Hips Don’t Lie” shimmied to the“most–played song” in radio history. Winner of more than 60 music awards, Shakira keeps firm creative control over her own music, writing most of the poetic music she performs.

Shakira also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. And this powerful musical force actively helps the children of her violence–torn home country through her Fundaciòn Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet Foundation).

Gwen Stefani
(A&E Biography)

Twenty–First Century Books, 2007

Interest Level: Grades 6—12

Gwen Stefani burst onto the music scene with the band No Doubt in 1996. Known for her unique and dynamic style, she quickly gained popularity as the “riot grrrl” with glamour. The ska band’s front woman has since established herself as a dance music diva, Grammy–winning recording artist, Hollywood actress, and innovative fashion designer. She’s also a mom and a wife and a California–girl with heart.

In this inspiring biography, read about Stefani’s struggle with a learning disability, her personal heartaches and difficult times on her journey to superstardom.

Vera Wang
(A&E Biography)

Lerner Publications, 2007

Interest Level: Grades 6—12

“The noted fashion designer, whose parents immigrated to New York City from China, is the subject of this glossy biography for middle grades and up. The book begins with a pivotal event in Wang's career — her wedding in 1989 to Arthur Becker, a businessman, and her inability to find a gown she liked. After years of experience as a fashion editor at Vogue, she decided not only to design her own gown but also to open a store, and then a design firm specializing in bridal gowns and other haute couture (defined in a special box). The biography describes Wang's business successes and the many celebrities — Nancy Kerrigan, Karenna Gore, Vanessa Williams, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and more — who have worn her creations. Krohn also looks at Wang's personal life — growing up in a wealthy immigrant family that could afford trips abroad and top–notch education for the talented youngster, her marriage to Becker and adoption of two daughters, and her homes around the world (most recently in China, where she has expanded her business). Though the biography also mentions some of the challenges that come with Wang's achievements, the tone is upbeat and readers, especially girls, will be fascinated by this storybook tale of fabulous wealth, style, and success.” —MultiCultural Review , Fall 2007

Evelyn Cisneros: Prima Ballerina
(Fact Finders)

Capstone Press, 2006

Interest Level: Grades 2—6

“Cisneros traces the Mexican–American dancer from her childhood until her retirement from the San Francisco Ballet. The volume is well crafted...[books in this series are] good for reports and are adequate additions for both school and public libraries.”
—School Library Journal

Madam C.J. Walker and New Cosmetics
(Inventions and Discovery)

Capstone Press, 2006

Interest Level: Grades 2—6

Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine
(Inventions and Discovery)

Capstone Press, 2006

Interest Level: Grades 2—6

Oprah Winfrey
(Just the Facts Biographies)

Lerner Publishing Group, 2005

Interest Level: Grades 6–12

“Using just enough facts and without sensationalizing, Krohn discusses Winfrey’s difficult experiences... as well as her triumphs...The straightforward presentation manages to be informative and accessible without talking down to its audience, making it a good crossover for adult literacy students. Readers will find plenty to support reports here, but many will pick this up on their own for the inspiring, uplifting story.”
—Booklist

Wild West Women
(Just the Facts Biographies)

Lerner Publishing Group, 2005

Interest Level: Grades 6–12

About the book:

The remarkable women who helped settle the West achieved much more than marrying and raising children. They had to farm the land, build houses, and hunt for food. Over time, these women began testing the boundaries of social acceptability. They became doctors, lawyers, adventurers, and entertainers. Through women such as Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, and the Unsinkable Molly Brown, this book reveals the West through the eyes of the women who tamed it.

Madam C.J. Walker: Pioneer Businesswoman
(Fact Finders Biographies: Great African Americans)

Capstone Press, 2005

Interest Level: Grades 2–6

About the book:

In the early 1900s, Madam C. J. Walker was losing her hair. She invented a hair care product that did more than give her long, thick hair. It also opened the door for a business that earned a great deal of money. Madam C. J. Walker: Pioneer Businesswoman describes the fascinating businesswoman’s life, her career, and her impact on history.

Sojourner Truth: Freedom Fighter
(Fact Finders Biographies: Great African Americans)

Capstone Press, 2005

Interest Level: Grades 2–6

About the book:

Sojourner Truth never learned to read or write, but her deep voice made people listen to what she had to say. She toured the country giving speeches against slavery and in support of women’s rights. Sojourner Truth: Freedom Fighter describes the activist’s career, her personal life, and her incredible journey.

Oprah Winfrey (A&E Biography)

Interest Level: Grades 6–12

“This series is related to A&E’s biography series that appears on that television channel...completely appropriate for middle school students as needed.”
—KLIATT

Ella Fitzgerald (A&E Biography)

Lerner Publications Company, 2001

Interest Level: Grades 6–12

Carter G. Woodson Honor Book, 2002.
Pennsylvania School Librarian Association Young Adult Top Forty List, 2001.

“Clear, detailed descriptions of the differences between swing bands and bebop bands, the art of scat, and the contributions of other jazz greats such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong make this book useful as a brief history of jazz as well as a biography.”
—School Library Journal

“Ella Fitzgerald made her debut on the Amateur Hour at age seventeen. She was destined to become one of the greatest of all women vocalists, but the road to this recognition was filled with bumps and detours...A table of contents, a timeline, a glossary of jazz terms, a selected bibliography, discography highlights, web resources and an index make this a good addition to a young adult biography collection.”
—Children’s Literature

Women of the Wild West (A&E Biography)

Lerner Publications Company, 2000

Interest Level: Grades 6–12

“The author, who is well known for biographies about famous people ranging from Elvis Presley to Rosie O’Donnell, captures the spirit of the women and their adventures.”
—KLIATT

“These clearly written series titles [A&E Biography Series] are useful as introductions to biographical history...The move westward was expensive, tiring, lengthy, adventurous, dangerous, and rewarding as the author illustrates in the stories of Virginia Reed, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Annie Oakley, Margaret Tobin Brown, Calamity Jane, and Belle Starr.”
—School Library Journal

Rosie O’Donnell (A&E Biography)

Interest Level: Grades 6–12

“...a breezy interesting look at a pop culture icon...The book is well–documented with extensive source notes, including a personal interview with O’Donnell, giving it a veracity and immediacy lacking in most biographies for young people.”
—School Library Journal

“This will appeal to students doing research and especially to students who are reluctant to read a biography. An excellent addition to the biography collection, especially at the middle school level. Highly Recommended.”
—Book Report

Princess Diana (A&E Biography)

Lerner Publications Company, 1999

Interest Level: Grades 6–12

“...provides clearly written accounts of its subject’s childhood and young adult years, before moving on to discuss accomplishments and past and present difficulties and challenges.”
—The Horn Book Guide

Marilyn Monroe: Norma Jeane’s Dream
(Newsmakers Biographies)

Lerner Publications Company, 1997

Interest Level: Grades 6–12

American Library Association Top Titles for Adult New Readers, 1998

Featured in:
Best Books for Young Teen Readers: Grades 7-10 by John T. Gillespie, 2000.

ESL Collection for Young Adults: A Bibliography of Recommended Fiction and Nonfiction for Schools and Public Libraries by Laura Hibbets McCaffery, 1998.

The Biography Book: A Reader's Guide to Nonfiction, Fictional, and Film Biographies of More Than 500 of the Most Fascinating Individuals of All Time by Daniel S. Burt, 2001.

“...an appealing overview of the actress’s life.”
—School Library Journal

“This book is a straightforward discussion of the movie star...”
—Children’s Literature

Marcia Clark: Voice for the Victims
(Achievers Biographies)

Lerner Publications Company, 1996

Interest Level: Grades 3–9

“The author writes in a clear, simple prose which will reach many young readers, particularly girls (and boys) seeking a contemporary female role model.”
—Children’s Literature

Elvis Presley: The King
(Achievers Biographies)

Featured in Light ‘n Lively Reads for ESL, Adult, and Teen Readers: A Thematic Bibliography by La Vergne Rosow, 1996.

“Clearly written...The easy–to–understand prose will appeal to reluctant readers.”
—School Library Journal

Roseanne Arnold: Comedy’s Queen Bee
(Achievers Biographies)

International Reading Association Children’s Choices Selection, 1993.

About the book:

People still love Roseanne, years after the hilarious show Roseanne first aired on television. Not only does Roseanne make us laugh, she also shows us how to take pride in ourselves—no matter if we’re fat or thin, rich or poor, male or female. In this inspiring biography, you’ll learn how Roseanne has used humor to combat her own troubles, and you’ll find out how an ordinary working woman became a Hollywood sensation.

Lucille Ball: Pioneer of Comedy
(Achievers Biographies)

Lerner Publications Company, 1992

Interest Level: Grades 3–9

International Reading Association Young Adults’ Choices Selection, 1992.

“Appropriate black–and–white photos pepper this readable and well–paced profile .”
—School Library Journal

“Libraries needing biographies of women will be especially interested in this.”
—Booklist