Children’s / Teenage general interest: Biography and autobiography

Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisYour Mission: Find Mary’s secret diary using spycraft stools to uncover hidden codes! It’s a true story of bravery: Mary Bowser was an African American spy for the Union who worked as a maid in the mansion of Confederate Jefferson Davis. From hair-raising close calls when she almost gets caught to how she uses her photographic memory to “steal” top secret documents. Mary’s story reads like a gripping novel.It’s a mystery to solve: There are clues embedded in the story’s text and illustrations, and Spycraft materials—including a replica Civil War cipher wheel—come in an envelope at the beginning of the book. Use both to discover what happened to Mary Bowser’s secret diary.

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERYouTube sensations Dan Howell (danisnotonfire) and Phil Lester (AmazingPhil) were just two awkward guys who shared their lives on the Internet…until now.Dan Howell and Phil Lester, avoiders of human contact and direct sunlight, actually went outside. Traveling around the world on tour, they have collected hundreds of exclusive, intimate, and funny photos, as well as revealing and candid side notes, to show the behind-the-scenes story of their adventure. Fans of Dan and Phil’s #1 New York Times bestseller, The Amazing Book Is Not on Fire, and their more than 10 million YouTube subscribers will love this full-color book featuring never-before-seen photos and stories from Dan and Phil.

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Book SynopsisDiscover what it's like to spend a year in space in this awe-inspiring memoir from a real-life NASA astronaut who did just that!Prepare to blast off with astronaut Scott Kelly as he takes readers on a journey through his year aboard the International Space Station and his life prior to becoming a true American hero.Discover the extreme challenges of long-term spaceflight, the pressures of living in close quarters with people from many countries, the extremely dangerous risk of colliding with space junk and the unnerving feeling of not being able to help if tragedy strikes at home. Kelly's struggles in school and how he overcame them after a book sparked his dream to become a test pilot and astronaut prove it's never too late to find your path.This personal and fascinating story, newly adapted for young readers from the New York Times bestseller, will encourage aspiring astronauts of all ages to believe in the impossible and reach for the stars.An engaging and high-flying read for nonfiction and space lovers alike. --School Library JournalThose who are intrigued by space travel will find this a fascinating book. --BooklistRecommend this to readers who are interested in current events and anyone who wants an in-depth look at a STEM-related career. --VOYA

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Book SynopsisUsing ten life-changing moments from his path to space, astronaut Scott Kelly shares hisadvice for mastering fear and failure and turning our daily struggles into rocket fuel for success?the perfect gift for graduations and other milestone moments!In this insightful and funny read, Scott Kelly shares how a distracted student with poor grades became a record-breaking astronaut and commander of the International Space Station.People think that astronauts are always perfect. "Failure''s not an option," right? But as Scott shares in his deeply intimate book, he believes that it''s our mistakes and challenges that have the potential to lead to greatness. Not everyone''s road to achievement is a straight line. Most of us need to navigate a bumpier road full of obstacles to get where we want to be.Scott?s story is for everyone who believes that shooting for the stars is beyond their reach!

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Book SynopsisImagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation''s oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author. In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you''re never too old to learn.

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Book SynopsisA powerful collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, actress Alia Shawkat, actor Maulik Pancholy, poet Azure Antoinette, teen activist Gavin Grimm, and many, many others, each writing about a time in their youth when they were held back because of their race, gender, or sexual identity—but persisted.Aren't you a terrorist? There are no roles for people who look like you. That's a sin. No girls allowed. They've heard it all. Actress Alia Shawkat reflects on all the parts she was told she was too ethnic to play. Former NFL player Wade Davis recalls his bullying of gay classmates in an attempt to hide his own sexuality. Teen Gavin Grimm shares the story that led to one of the infamous bathroom bills, and how he's fighting it. Holocaust survivor Fanny Starr tells of her harrowing time in Aushwitz, where she watched her family disappear, one by one.What made them rise up through the hate? What made them overcome the obstacles of their childhood to achieve extraordinary success? How did they break out of society's limited view of who they are and find their way to the beautiful and hard-won lives they live today? With a foreword by Minnesota senator and up-and-coming Democratic party leader Amy Klobuchar, these essays share deeply personal stories of resilience, faith, love, and, yes, persistence.An International Latino Book Award WinnerA National Council for Social Studies SelectionEach tale is a soulful testament to the endurance of the human spirit and reminds readers that they are not alone in their search for self. . . . An unflinchingly honest book that should be required reading for every young person in America. —Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewAn invaluable collection of snapshots of American society. —VOYA, starred review[A] gem of a book. . . . There's a lot to study here and talk about on the way to becoming kinder, more empathetic, and most important, compassionate. —BooklistReaders encountering injustice in their own lives may be compelled to take heart—and even action. —Publishers WeeklyA powerful collection of voices. —SLJThe sheer variation in writing styles, subject-matters, and structure to these narratives provides readers with inspiration in assorted forms and a complex interpretation of what it means to persist. —The Bulletin

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Book SynopsisDiscover why Selena, the Queen of Tejano music, became one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the twentieth century!As a young girl, Selena Quintanilla sang in a band called Selena y Los Dinos with her brother and sister. The family performed at fairs, weddings, quinceañeras, and on street corners in their native Texas. Selena learned how to sing in Spanish and soon became hugely popular within the Latino community--so much so that she became the best-selling Latin artist of the 1990s. Selena was poised to be a great success, but her life was cut short after being fatally wounded by the president of her fan club. Selena's contributions to music and fashion during her life made her one of the top Latin musicians in the 1990s, and readers will want to know more about the woman who introduced the world to Tejano music.

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Book SynopsisYour favorite characters are now part of the Who HQ library!One of the most iconic monsters of all time comes to life in our What Is the Story Of? series.From his origins in Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, through his many movie portrayals in the twentieth century, Frankenstein is one of the most recognizable characters in the world. His iconic look is a go-to Halloween costume for kids and adults alike. But how did the mad scientist and his creation become so popular? Author Sheila Keenan explains his spooky origin story, the history of the movies, and what lies ahead for this monstrous creature.

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Book SynopsisYour favorite characters are now part of the Who HQ library!The Mummy joins other classic horror characters Dracula and Frankenstein in our What Is the Story Of? series.Unlike the other classic Universal horror movie monsters of their time, the Mummy's origins can't be found in the pages of a book. His story was inspired by the opening of King Tut's tomb in 1922. The world fell in love with all things Egyptian and was enthralled with stories of ancient mummies. The film producers of the early Dracula and Frankenstein films wasted no time creating a character who's been creeping out of his coffin and entertaining audiences since 1932. Author Sheila Keenan explains the history of the movie and its remakes, the legendary curse of King Tut's mummy, and what lies ahead for this monstrous creature.

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Book SynopsisWho HQ brings you the stories behind the most beloved characters of our time.This What Is the Story of? title is out of this universe! Learn the history of the Time Lord, the TARDIS, and the epic battles they've faced across time and space.When Doctor Who began airing on the BBC in 1963, British audiences were introduced to the rogue Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. Now, viewers from all over the world are glued to their screens for the mysterious Doctor's intergalactic adventures. But how did this time traveler became such a beloved character? Author Gabriel P. Cooper provides readers with the inside scoop on the Doctor's unique time machine, loyal companions, and diabolical foes. This book, just like the show, is sure to intrigue a new generation of fans.

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Book SynopsisWhen Kong-sang was a young boy in Hong Kong, he enjoyed practicing martial arts with his dad but hated going to school. He was eventually enrolled in the China Drama Academy, where he improved his martial arts skills and became a stuntman. That training led to a successful career as an actor. Kong-sang, now known as Jackie Chan, never gave up on his passion for screwball physical comedy. Luckily for Jackie, his determination paid off. His humour and dangerous stuntwork in films like Cannonball Run, Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, and Karate Kid have made him an international star, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be leaving the big screen anytime soon.

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