Mario Molina knew at a young age that he wanted to grow up to become a scientist. He studied chemistry in his native Mexico before heading off to other countries to learn and prepare for the wondrous career that awaited him in the field. He soon put his curiosity and knowledge to work as a research chemist. In the early 1970s, he made a startling discovery which led him to an upsetting theory. Chemicals that industrial companies were releasing into...

Juan Felipe Herrera had an unusual childhood traveling with his migrant parents from one farm to another. They did not speak much English, but they taught him much about the world around him. For this family it was a world that spanned two countries, Mexico and the United States. Young Juan learned early that his life had a lot in common with great literature. He loved stories from the time his mother first told them to him. Read more about Juan Felipe...

Buddha is known throughout the world today as one of the greatest spiritual leaders in history. But, at one time he was the prince of a small kingdom in India. However, Siddhartha, as he was once known, didn't fit into his royal world very well. Although he tried in many ways, Siddhartha just didn't care about wealth and power the way other young men his age would have. Instead, he dreamed of achieving enlightenment- and helping others to discover...

Sylvia Mendez was just like any other third grader in 1946. She liked to learn. She enjoyed recess. But her school was in terrible shape. She wanted to go to the 17th Street School. This was the school that the white children in her city of Westminster attended. But it had a whites-only policy that kept Mexican American children like Sylvia out. Sylvia and her family did not think this policy was fair, so they decided to sue the school district. Their...

Meghan Markle was not born into a royal family-or even a wealthy one. Her father worked as a lighting director on a television show. Her mother was a yoga instructor and social worker. After graduating from college with a communications degree, Meghan decided to pursue an acting career. This took a lot of hard work and patience. But she was as determined as the character she would one day play on the television show Suits. Few people could have predicted...

Jake Owen did not grow up with dreams of becoming a country music star. Instead, he thought he would become a professional golfer. He started winning tournaments in the sport when he was just 15. But an injury to his shoulder changed the course of his life when it ruled out playing golf for a living. Jake dealt with this disappointment by picking up a guitar. In the process, he discovered that he had an equally abundant talent for writing songs and...

The English called him Charles I. The Germans referred to him as Karl der Grosse. In Latin he was known as Carolus Magnus. Today he is best known by his French name-Charlemagne. It means Charles the Great, which is no surprise, for this Frankish king went down in history as the ruler who united the European continent. Charlemagne's passion for Christianity along with his skill as a military leader set him apart from the other leaders of his era. By...

Introduces readers to the science behind artificial organs, including how and why the technology was created, current examples of the technology in action, and cutting-edge research advancing the technology. Eye-catching infographics, clear text, informative sidebars, and a "How It Works" special feature make this book an engaging introduction to this exciting technology.

Most people know Derek Hough from his numerous wins on Dancing with the Stars. But this talented performer also acts, choreographs, sings . . . It seems there is nothing he cannot do. After starting dance classes as a child in Utah, Derek moved to England with ballroom dance champions Corky and Shirley Ballas to study dance, music, and theater. After becoming a world champion himself, he performed the lead role in the musical Footloose in London before...

Not everyone was happy with the New York Knicks's 12th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Many even booed at the selection of Kristaps Porzingis. But he didn't let the jeers stop him from celebrating. The young Latvian player had played professional basketball in Spain before coming to the United States, where he would soon become one of the best known players in the sport. Kristaps knew he would have to work hard to win over his city. And he was...