New Releases by Who HQ

How did Zeus come to rule the sky? How did Poseidon become the god of the sea? Learn all about the myths and legends of Greek mythology in this dramatic history, featuring 16 pages of photos. Celebrate ancient Greek mythology and civilization, where Heracles performed his twelve heroic feats and Athena defended the acropolis as the goddess of war and wisdom. For centuries, these tales were at the center of Greek society and religion. The legends of Greek mythology have been retold around the world in stories like Ovid''s Heroides and Rick Riordan''s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, influencing everything from ancient Roman culture to bestselling American novels of the twenty-first century. Including well-known tales of Medusa and Perseus, sirens, goddesses, and more, this book explores the vibrant stories that live on and inspire young readers to this day.

Discover how the Hindenburg’s last flight changed the future of flying in this dynamic graphic novel by author Chris Kindred and Edgar- and Ignatz-nominated illustrator Ru Xu. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series! A story of technological innovation, multimedia impact, and human survival, this graphic novel gives readers a glimpse into the luxury experience aboard the Hindenburg before it all comes crashing down. Follow the journeys of cabin boy Werner Franz in the air and reporter Herbert Morrison on the ground as the airship flies toward disaster—ending the era of lighter-than-air travel. This gripping narrative is brought to life by vivid full-color illustrations that will transport readers to this historic day.

Take a trip in the Yellow Submarine in this illustrated book about one of the most famous bands of all time! Follow the journey of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, from their start in Liverpool to their extraordinary success worldwide. This book is highly illustrated and full of all the iconic nonfiction details the Who HQ series is known for.

Dive into the history, geography, and culture of Michigan in this installment of the 50 States series. From major cities to historic events, Where Is Michigan? introduces you to the place in a whole new way, whether you’re proud to call it home or learning about a distant destination. Visit famous landmarks like a floating post office. Meet important people like the artists and producers behind Motown Records. Explore the landscape of a state split into Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Read about the history of car manufacturing and the invention of the assembly line. Fans of sports, nature, and weird facts will all find something to love about a state that has over 40 percent of its land covered by water! Including timelines, black-and-white illustrations, and a fact-filled “At a Glance” section, this book has everything you need to know about the heritage, development, and present day of Michigan.

Dive into the history, geography, and culture of New Jersey in this installment of the 50 States series. From major cities to historic events, Where Is New Jersey? introduces you to the state in a whole new way, whether you’re proud to call it home or learning about a distant destination. Visit famous landmarks like the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Meet important people like inventor Thomas Edison. Read about the state that saw more Revolutionary War battles than any other. Fans of sports, nature, and weird facts will all find something to love about the home of the Jersey Devil—and more diners than any other state! Including timelines, black-and-white illustrations, and a fact-filled “At a Glance” section, this book has everything you need to know about the heritage, development, and present day of New Jersey.

Dive into the history, culture, and heritage of the state of Georgia with Who HQ! Learn about everything from Georgia’s role in the Civil War to the continent’s largest blackwater wetland in this illustrated book for young readers. From the creators of the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series comes a new collection of books all about the fifty states! Did you know that the state is named after King George II? Are you aware that Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia? Or that the Cherokee Nation is responsible for peaches in the region? Including information on the area''s first residents from 15,000 years ago, this book explores the complex and captivating history of Georgia, from the historic rock mounds of the Woodland Period to the birth of Coca-Cola in Atlanta in 1886.

Dive into the history, culture, and heritage of the state of Ohio with Who HQ! Learn about everything from its crucial positioning in the Civil War to the Ohio State University in this illustrated book for young readers. From the creators of the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series comes a new collection of books all about the fifty states! Did you know that seven US presidents have been born in Ohio? Are you aware that the Ohio state flag is not a rectangle? Or that more than half of the state is made up of farmland? Including information on the region’s many Indigenous groups, this book explores how Ohio is truly at the heart of it all, from its roots as the new American frontier to its legacy as the home of rock and roll.

Dive into the history, culture, and heritage of the state of California with Who HQ! Learn about everything from the stars of Hollywood to the miles of coastal views in this illustrated book for young readers. From the creators of the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series comes a new collection of books all about the fifty states! Did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge isn''t actually gold? Are you aware that Southern California experiences around 10,000 earthquakes each year? Or that you might spot your favorite celebrity''s name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Including information on the region''s many Indigenous groups, this book explores California''s rich history and culture, from its nine national parks to the filming sites of most American movies. No wonder it’s the most populous state in the country!

Read all about how a young Black girl who loved numbers grew into a brilliant mathematician who helped land the first person on the moon in this inspiring addition to the Who Was? series. From a very young age, Katherine Johnson counted everything—the number of dirty dishes she''d washed, the steps she walked to church, and even the number of leaves on the trees. By 1928, she was so intelligent and skilled at math that she was able to skip several grades and start high school at age ten! And while Katherine had to deal with racism, segregation, and prejudice throughout her life, she did not let this hold her back from becoming a mathematician. In 1953, she started working as a "human computer" at America''s space agency, now known as NASA. Katherine calculated complex equations by hand, and these calculations helped astronauts travel safely into space. She was a part of many important missions, including the Apollo 11 mission that put the first person on the moon. Katherine Johnson broke barriers and became a trailblazer for women and people of color in the fields of math and science, and her story in this illustrated biography shows young readers that with hard work and determination, anyone can reach for the stars!

Learn about the Dutch artist behind beloved paintings like The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and over thirty self-portraits in this fascinating biography about Vincent Van Gogh for young readers. Today, Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most famous artists of all time. During his lifetime, he sold just one painting. This misunderstood painter was passionate about his craft and created over 2,100 pieces of art in just over a decade before he passed away at the age of thirty-seven. Bold shades of blue and yellow, dramatically thick paint application, and heavy brush strokes define Vincent's pieces that are now adored by millions of people all over the world. In his brief life, Vincent was an often lonely person who struggled with his mental health. Yet he was always supported by his brother Theo, who encouraged Vincent as he pursued his dreams of being a painter. Much of what we know about Vincent today is thanks to the hundreds of letters from him that Theo kept safe.

Learn how a boy from Texas with an early talent for music grew up to become one of the most legendary country artists of our time in this addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series. Willie Nelson showed interest and promise in music at a young age. After being gifted a guitar by his grandpa at age six, Willie wrote his first song at age seven. He continued to be involved in music throughout his youth, singing in dance halls and honky-tonks to earn money. Though talented and hardworking, Willie had trouble finding success at first as a recording artist. But Willie persisted as a songwriter. His popularity soared when he moved to Austin, Texas, in the 1970s and played his own style of country music known as outlaw country. He released iconic albums like Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust, and became known for hit singles including "Crazy," "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," and "On the Road Again." Since then, Willie has released countless more popular albums and singles, solidifying him as a country legend. Not only that, he is a businessman, author, and activist—showing support to American farmers through his farm aid fundraising concerts. Learn the fascinating story of how Willie Nelson has become a beloved American songwriter, well-known activist, and the country superstar we all know and love today.

Learn about the record-breaking career of basketball superstar Caitlin Clark in this Who HQ Now biography featuring newsmakers and trending topics. Point guard Caitlin Clark took the world of college basketball by storm when she began playing for the University of Iowa in 2020, earning 27 points in her first game alone. By the end of her college career, Caitlin broke the record for total NCAA career-scoring points by scoring 3,951 points over her four years as an Iowa Hawkeye. The high-scoring athlete grabbed the attention of the world—over 14 million viewers tuned in to watch her playoff games in April of 2024. When it came time to be drafted onto a professional basketball team in the WNBA, Caitlin was the first pick of the first round and was selected by the Indiana Fever. Learn all about the beloved number 22 in this inspiring book that is perfect for basketball fans and young athletes.

The latest addition to the WHO HQ program: a biography of tennis star and activist Billie Jean King, created specifically for the preschool audience! The #1 New York Times Bestselling Who Was? series expands into the board book space, bringing age-appropriate biographies of influential figures to readers ages 2-4. Billie Jean King is a former #1 world tennis champion and social activist who has dedicated her life to fighting for equality. The chronology and themes of her life are presented in masterfully succinct text, made perfectly accessible for the youngest readers. And the fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to both captivate and inspire. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors the life and work of the one of the most influential and celebrated sports champions of our time.

Uncover the mystery of Nancy Drew and how the beloved teenage detective came to be in this new addition to the What Is the Story Of? series which follows the same format as the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series. When the very modern character of Nancy Drew first appeared in 1930, no one had a clue that she would remain a star for the next century! To this day, Nancy is still the main character in new TV shows, movies, and books. What makes her so interesting to so many generations of readers? Nancy can do it all! She's a daring teenage girl who solves mysteries, expertly drives her famous blue car, cooks like a gourmet chef, swims like a pro, and more! Since her first appearance, the prodigy detective has inspired young readers to believe that they can do it all, too.

The What Do We Know About? series explores the mysterious, the unknown, and the unexplained. Does the underwater kingdom of Atlantis really exist, or is it just a centuries-old myth? Find out all there is to know about Atlantis in this compelling and up-to-date addition to an exciting new series! From the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series comes What Do We Know About?, a series that tells the stories of world-famous crytpids, mysteries, and more. What Do We Know About Atlantis? lets curious young readers dive into what we really know about the sunken city. First described by Plato, the idea of Atlantis has existed since 360 B.C.! Learn about the history of the Greek god Poseidon's relationship with the kingdom and the real research that's been done by historians and scientists who are trying to locate Atlantis. Featured in plenty of movies, books, and comics, Atlantis is still relevant in popular culture today...but does it really exist? Find out all the facts we do know about it in this exciting book.

The What Do We Know About? series explores the mysterious, the unknown, and the unexplained. Is the hairy cryptid of the forest fact, myth, or legend? Find out what we really know about Bigfoot in this exciting new series! Presenting What Do We Know About: an exciting new addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series! What Do We Know About Bigfoot? lets curious young readers explore what we actually know about the creature's mysterious history. Dive into the facts behind the most well-known footage of the cryptid, the Patterson-Gimlin film, and learn about actual scientific studies conducted to learn whether or not Bigfoot actually exists. Filled with accounts of over a century of potential sightings, this book will have every reader looking for footprints on their next hike. Bigfoot has been the star subject of movies, TV shows, books, and more... but is he really out there? Look for more Who HQ titles: Where Is Area 51? What Do We Know About the Loch Ness Monster? What Do We Know About Atlantis? What Do We Know About Crop Circles?

How did a peanut farmer from a small town in Georgia become the 39th President of the United States? Find out in this addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series! Everyone was rather surprised when small-town farmer Jimmy Carter first announced that he’d be running for president in 1976. When Jimmy told his mother, she replied, “President of what?” But this former naval officer and governor of Georgia was ready for the role. Jimmy Carter went on to become one of America’s most beloved political figures thanks to his honesty, strong faith, and compassion. Today, Jimmy Carter is remembered for his dedication to helping Americans through his extensive work as a philanthropist. He and his wife, Rosalynn, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, building houses for the less fortunate and inspiring others to a life of service. Who Was Jimmy Carter? details the entire life of Jimmy Carter, beginning with his 1924 birth in Plains, Georgia. Readers will learn about his life as a peanut farmer, a Sunday school teacher, a president, a Nobel Prize winner, and more.

The latest addition to the Who HQ program: board book biographies of relevant and important figures, created specifically for the preschool audience! The #1 New York Times Bestselling Who Was? series expands into the board book space, bringing age-appropriate biographies of influential figures to readers ages 2-4. The chronology and themes of Bruce Lee''s meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and legacy of one of the most influential martial artists of our time. WHO WAS? BOARD BOOKS bring inspiring biographies to the youngest readers in an accessible and memorable way.

Land ho! Discover what the Age of Exploration was all about in this wonderful addition to the bestselling Who HQ series! Before the fifteenth century, European sailors were unsure what waited for them beyond their well-known travel routes around the Mediterranean Sea, so they kept within sight of land. But all of that changed after Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal started sending ships down the coast in the hope of finding a sea route to India and Africa. This was the beginning of a giant leap toward understanding what the globe actually looked like. Certain European nations grew rich and powerful from the New World gold and lands they claimed, while advanced, long-standing civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas were destroyed in the cruelest of ways. This book also features the fun black-and-white illustrations and engaging 16-page photo insert that readers have come love about the What Was? series!

The inspiring story of Vice President Kamala Harris told in the new Who HQ Now format for trending topics. On November 7, 2020, Kamala Harris, a senator from California, became the first woman and the first African-American and South Asian-American person to be elected to the vice presidency. While her nomination for this position was not unexpected, her rise to national prominence was one filled with unexpected turns and obstacles. After failing her first bar exam to become a lawyer, she tried again and passed. From there, she quickly rose through the legal ranks, serving as district attorney of San Francisco, then California's attorney general, and soon, senator. As a politician, Kamala Harris has been a vocal champion of progressive reforms and women's rights. This exciting story details the defining moments of what led to her nomination and all the monumental ones since that have shaped her career and the future of America.

How did a working-class girl from Cuba become a symbol of artistic freedom for Cuban Americans and the "Queen of Salsa"? Find out in this addition to the Who HQ library! Although her family and friends know her as Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, the world refers to her simply as Celia Cruz. Starting her career in 1950, Celia grew increasingly popular as the new lead singer of the Cuban band Sonora Matancera. Her exceptional vocal range and flashy costumes made fans fall in love with her. Celia's talent took her all around the world, including the United States. After Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, she wasn't allowed to return to her native country. She and other Cubans who were exiled used their music to express their love for their homeland. Celia rose to the top of the charts in a genre that was dominated by men. She become an award-winning singer and the most popular Latin artist of the twentieth century. Azucar! indeed!

Learn about one of the most influential leaders in the fight for gay rights. Although he started out as a teacher without aspirations to be an activist or politician, Harvey Milk found himself captivated by the history-making movements of the 1960s. He would eventually make history of his own by becoming the first openly gay elected politician in California. While in office, Harvey Milk advocated for equal rights for the gay community. Even though Harvey's life and career were cut short, he is still seen by many as one of the most significant and influential LGBTQ+ officials ever elected in the United States. His life and legacy continue to inspire and unite the community.

You've probably seen her on T-shirts, mugs, and even tattoos. Now that famous face graces the cover of this Who Was? book. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was famous for her stylish collars (called jabots) and her commanding dissents. This opera-loving New Yorker always spoke her mind; as a young lawyer, RBG advocated for gender equality and women's rights when few others did. She gained attention for the cases she won when arguing in front of the Supreme Court, before taking her place on the bench in 1993. Author Patricia Brennan Demuth answers all the questions about what made RBG so irreplaceable and how the late Supreme Court justice left a legacy that will last forever.

The story of a department-store trainee who became the richest man in America and owner of the biggest retail store in the world: Walmart. Sam Walton used the money he earned in the army, along with some financial help from his family, to open his first store. Then he opened fourteen more. Then Sam had an even bigger idea. He wanted to build large stores in small towns and reduce the price of everything they stocked. Although other businessmen and potential partners laughed at him, this entrepreneur with humble beginnings used his resourcefulness to create Walmart, which would become the largest company in the world.

Reader beware! The biography of R. L. Stine, author of the hugely popular Goosebumps series, is a scary-good time! R. L. Stine began writing stories at the age of nine, after finding a typewriter in his family''s attic. (Was it a haunted typewriter? Who can be sure?) Often referred to as the "Stephen King of children''s literature," R.L. has created some of the scariest books to have ever been passed around a campfire, leaving readers wide awake at night. With over 400 million copies of his horror fiction novels sold across the world, R.L. Stine is one of the best-selling authors in history.

Learn more about the renowned British scientist, professor, and author who spent his entire career trying to answer the question: "Where did the universe come from?" Stephen Hawking was born exactly three hundred years after the death of the scientist Galileo, so maybe it was written in the stars that he would become a famous scientist in his own right. Although he was diagnosed with a neurological disease at age 21, Stephen did not let the illness define his life. Known for his groundbreaking work in physics, and identified by his wheelchair and computerized voice system, Stephen continued his research until his death in 2018. He is best known for his black hole theories and his best-selling book A Brief History of Time. Stephen Hawking is an example of a person who had a great mind, but an even greater spirit.

Your favorite characters are now part of the Who HQ library! Nothing mysterious about it! Learn all about how Scooby and his friends took over Saturday mornings--and then the world--in this debut title in the What Is the Story Of? series. Most kids are familiar with the always-hungry, scaredy-cat Great Dane called Scooby-Doo and his true-blue friends of Mystery Inc. But how did Scooby and the gang make it onto the silver screen? Author M. D. Payne lays out the whole groovy tale in this book that's sure to have readers shouting, "Zoinks!"

How did a spontaneous protest outside of a New York City bar fifty years ago spark a social movement across America? Find out about the history of LGBTQ rights in this Who HQ title. In the early-morning hours of June 28, 1969, police arrived at the Stonewall Inn's doors and yelled, "Police! We're taking the place!" But the people in this New York City neighborhood bar, members of the LGBTQ community, were tired of being harassed. They rebelled in the streets, turning one moment into a civil rights movement and launching the fight for equality among LGBTQ people in the United States.

Learn how Judy Blume went from a stay-at-home mother to one of the most beloved American authors of the twentieth century. Readers adore Judy Blume for her personal stories about the journey from childhood to adolescence. She has always been an imaginative person and an avid reader. As a child, Judy spent time looking through library shelves for the perfect books, and if she couldn't find the right ones, she entertained herself by making up stories in her head. When she got older, Judy started writing her stories down. Although readers fell in love with characters like Margaret Simon and Fudge Hatcher, some parents challenged some of her titles, including Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, for discussing sensitive issues. Despite all the controversy, this award-winning author and her books have remained popular among fans, both old and new.

Discover 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.