Who are the headline-makers that readers want and need to know about? The Gateway Biographies series introduces readers to noteworthy figures in pop culture, politics, history and more. Take a look at the newest additions to the Gateway Biographies series below, featuring the life stories of three influential public figures that will inspire readers to stand up, speak out, and take action.
Amanda Gorman: Inspiring Hope with Poetry covers the life of the poet who shot to fame at the 2021 US presidential inauguration ceremony. When Gorman recited her poem “The Hill We Climb,” she became the youngest inaugural poet in US history and an inspiration to people around the world. She also recited a poem at the 2021 Super Bowl and is a graduate of Harvard University.
LeBron James: NBA Superstar and Activist tells the story of one of the best basketball players in the sport’s history. With four NBA championships, seventeen All-Star Game appearances, and four league MVP awards, his basketball accomplishments are almost too incredible to believe. But James is much more than just a great athlete. Since speaking out against the NBA’s eligibility rules when he was the best high school player in the United States, James has never hesitated to take on important issues, including gun violence and racism.
A lawyer, an entrepreneur, and most famously an election rights activist, Stacey Abrams has skyrocketed to political power in Georgia. Stacey Abrams: Champion of Democracy details her life and how she became so influential in the 2020 US presidential election and the US Senate runoff election in Georgia that January. In 2018 Abrams narrowly lost an election to become governor of Georgia, and she plans to run again in 2022.
Be sure to check out these titles (and the rest of the Gateway Biographies series) to learn much more about this inspiring group.
Gateway Biographies
Interest Level: Grade 4 – Grade 8
Reading Level: Grade 5