Best Selling Books by Who HQ

Ladies and Gentlemen, children of all ages, step right up for Who HQ's entertaining biography of P. T. Barnum: politician, businessman, and The Greatest Showman on Earth! After moving from Connecticut to New York City in 1834, twenty-four-year-old Phineas Taylor Barnum launched his now-legendary career as a showman. Even though spectators debated whether his exhibitions were authentic wonders, hoaxes, or a little bit of both, they were always astounded by what they saw. And readers are sure to be amazed by the story of how Barnum went from owning a museum filled with rare and unusual items to transforming the American circus into a popular and thrilling phenomenon.

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!

Discover how Bruce Lee introduced gung fu to millions across America through his historic role as Kato in this dynamic graphic novel by APALA Award–winning author Teresa Robeson and Eisner-nominated, APALA Honor–winning illustrator Ryan Inzana. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series! Follow Bruce Lee as he breaks ground and makes gung fu (also known as kung fu) popular through the 1960s show The Green Hornet—pushing boundaries as the first Asian American man in a major supporting television role. A story of determination, dedication, and innovation, this graphic novel immerses readers in Bruce’s journey to stardom as he fights to authentically showcase his martial-arts skills on screen. This powerful tale is brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

Ever since Howard Carter uncovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the young pharaoh has become a symbol of the wealth and mystery of ancient Egypt. Now, a two-and-a-half-year-long museum exhibit of Tut’s treasures is touring major cities in the U.S., drawing record crowds. This Who Was . . . ? is complete with 100 black-andwhite illustrations and explains the life and times of this ancient Egyptian ruler, covering the story of the tomb’s discovery, as well as myths and so-called mummy curses.

How did a young girl from Vermont grow up to become an American rugby union superstar? Find out in this entertaining biography about Olympic medal winner Ilona Maher, who has championed body positivity in her funny and engaging social media posts. Ilona Maher has always been an athlete. From a young age, she played basketball, softball, and field hockey with her two sisters. It wasn't until her senior year of high school that she began playing rugby and discovered that she was quite talented at the intense sport. Ilona was able to play rugby in college, where she won three National Intercollegiate Rugby Association championships. In 2021, Ilona went to her first-ever Olympic Games in Tokyo. Though her team did not earn a medal at those games, Ilona got another chance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. There, she and her teammates earned the bronze medal. Ilona is now one of the most prominent athletes in the world and she has continued to use her platform to uplift other women in sports.

Learn about the life of one of today's most popular musicians in this Who HQ Now biography about Harry Styles and his exciting career from One Direction to his Grammy-winning solo performances. In 2010, Harry Styles was thrust into the spotlight when he auditioned for X-Factor and was placed in a new band called One Direction. That band of five young men would go on to place third in the competition, but their time together wouldn't stop there. They went on to release five albums and headline four international tours. When the band went on a break in 2016, Harry Styles decided to pursue his dream of being a solo artist. Since then, Harry has released three albums, sold out massive tours, and won a Grammy award. In addition to his musical success, Harry has also acted in several blockbuster movies, including Dunkirk and Don't Worry Darling. In everything that he does, Harry inspires his fans to "Treat People With Kindness," his slogan that encourages people to love and respect everyone around them.

Learn about the remarkable life of actress and comedian Betty White, a pioneer of early television with a seven-decade career, in this title in the Who HQ Now series featuring newsmakers and trending topics. From 1939 to 2021, actress Betty White was one of the most beloved performers in the entertainment industry. She starred in fan-favorite television shows like The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and also blockbuster movies like Toy Story 4 and The Proposal. Over her decades-long career, Betty White won Emmy awards, was named an honorary mayor of Hollywood, earned a star on the Walk of Fame, and set the Guinness World Record for woman with the longest TV career ever. Off-screen, Betty advocated for animal rights, racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Learn about her legendary life in this book for young readers.

Born in Warsaw, Poland, on November 7, 1867, Marie Curie was forbidden to attend the male-only University of Warsaw, so she enrolled at the Sorbonne in Paris to study physics and mathematics. There she met a professor named Pierre Curie, and the two soon married, forming one of the most famous scientific partnerships in history. Together they discovered two elements and won a Nobel Prize in 1903. (Later Marie won another Nobel award for chemistry in 1911.) She died in Savoy, France, on July 4, 1934, a victim of many years of exposure to toxic radiation.

"Pulse-pounding, both as a sports highlight and a tribute to the character and determination of one of the game’s unexcelled greats." — Kirkus Discover the story behind Michael Jordan's incredible triumph in the 1997 Flu Game in this powerful graphic novel written by Murder Ballads' Gabe Soria and illustrated by award-winning artist Brittney Williams. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series! Explore the relentless grit of Michael Jordan, as he powers through a mysterious illness in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA finals against the Utah Jazz, infamously known as The Flu Game. A story of athleticism, willpower, and triumph, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into the unyielding drive of the one of the greatest basketball players of all time -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

As young boys, Orville and Wilbur Wright loved all things mechanical. As young men, they gained invaluable skills essential for their success by working with printing presses, bicycles, motors, and any sort of machinery they could get their hands on. As adults, the brothers worked together to invent, build, and fly the world’s first successful airplane. This is the fascinating story of the two inventors and aviation pioneers who never lost sight of their dream: to fly, and to soar higher!

Discover the story behind Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 mission in this immersive graphic novel -- by Montague Twins creative duo Nathan Page and Drew Shannon. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series! From his childhood experiments to his first encounters with flight, explore the steps Neil Armstrong took in order to become the first person to land on the moon. A story of calculated risk, perseverance, and earth-defying reward, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves in the life of the famous astronaut -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that fly off the page. One of ALA's 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Children!

Discover the wild history of Jane Goodall’s life and work in this Who HQ biography exploring one of history’s most influential scientists. In this exceptional Who HQ biography that is accessible for young readers, the life and legacy of Jane Goodall, one of the world’s most influential scientists to date, comes alive. Born in London, England, in 1934, Jane loved animals from a very young age, and made it her goal to study them in their natural habitats. So, at age twenty-six, she set off to Africa to do just that! Goodall's up-close observations of chimpanzees changed what we know about them and paved the way for many female scientists who came after her. Complete with comprehensive, age-appropriate text and black-and-white illustrations throughout, this Who HQ biography of Jane Goodall is the perfect way for young readers to learn all about one of the most influential scientists of our time in an accessible and memorable way.

¡Sumérgete en la historia, la cultura y el patrimonio del estado de California con Who HQ! Descubre todo, desde las estrellas de Hollywood hasta las millas de vistas costeras, en este libro ilustrado para jóvenes lectores. De los creadores de la exitosa serie ¿Quién fue?, serie bestseller del New York Times, llega una nueva colección de libros dedicada a los cincuenta estados. ¿Sabías que el puente Golden Gate en realidad no es dorado? ¿Estás al tanto de que el sur de California experimenta alrededor de 10 000 terremotos cada año? ¿O que podrías encontrar el nombre de tu celebridad favorita en el Paseo de la Fama de Hollywood? Este libro incluye información sobre los numerosos grupos indígenas de la región y explora la rica historia y cultura de California, desde sus nueve parques nacionales hasta los estudioas donde se filman la mayoría de las películas de Estados Unidos. ¡No es de extrañar que sea el estado con más habitantes del país! 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, now in Spanish. 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!

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind." This Eagle Scout built his own model planes as a little boy and then grew up to be a test pilot for experimental aircraft before becoming an astronaut. Over 80 black-and-white illustrations bring Armstrong's story to life.

How did Jackie Chan become one of the most recognizable and beloved actors in the world? Find out in this exciting biography of this martial artist turned international film superstar. When 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 humor 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.

Born on a small farm in rural Michigan, Henry Ford’s humble beginnings were no match for his ambition. Ford quickly created a manufacturing dynasty, bringing affordable cars to the masses and forever changing America and the American workplace. Who Was Henry Ford? details his meteoric rise, and explains how the genius behind the assembly line and the Model T shaped modern American industry.

Find out how stories about his son's stuffed bear, famously known as Winnie the Pooh, made A. A. Milne one of the world's best-known children's authors in this informative biography from the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Series, Who Was?. Born in England in 1882, Alan Alexander Milne grew up with a love for exploring the woods with his brother and writing poems about their adventures. Alan carried that love into his adult life by exploring the woods with his son, Christopher Robin. Well known for his articles, plays, and novels, Alan considered himself a "serious" author. But one story about a stuffed bear changed his image forever. Inspired by his son and their time playing in the woods, Alan wrote a story about Christopher Robin and his stuffed bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, on a hunt for honey. The story was an instant success, and soon everyone wanted to hear more about the boy, his bear, and the magical Hundred Acre Wood. Today, children all around the world still read his stories in the classic books Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, Now We Are Six, and When We Were Very Young.

Discover how a young girl who loved to read and write became a voting rights activist, a candidate for governor of Georgia, and an author. Presenting Who HQ Now: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series! Stacey Abrams began her career in politics at the age of seventeen when she was hired as a typist for a congressional campaign. From there, she worked hard to get into Yale law school and, eventually, was elected into the House of Representatives. In 2018, she became the first Black woman in the United States to be a major party's nominee for governor when she was selected as the Democratic candidate. Although she didn't win that race, she decided to run again in 2022, proving that she never backs down from a challenge. Stacey made it her mission to help ensure that all people who are eligible have the right and ability to vote. Her Fair Fight Action organization helps prevent voter suppression across the country. When she was growing up, Stacey was taught three important principles by her parents: go to school, go to church, and take care of each other. And these are the same beliefs she holds today.

Discover how a young girl who was the star of her school's debate team became a federal jurist and the first Black woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court. Presenting Who HQ Now: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series! Born in Washington, DC, in 1970, and raised in Miami, Florida, Ketanji Brown Jackson developed an interest in law and politics at an early age. As a preschooler, she sat with her father and watched him complete his law school assignments. And even though some people, including a school guidance counselor, discouraged Ketanji from aiming high, she proved them wrong and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. She went on to serve on the U.S. District Court in 2013 and the United States Court of Appeals in 2021 before making history and becoming the first Black woman to be confirmed to the United States Supreme Court in 2022. Learn more about Ketanji Brown Jackson's story in this addition to the New York Times bestselling series.

Follow young Marie Antoinette in her journey to become fit for the French throne in this lush and evocative graphic novel from Pandora’s Legacy author Bones Leopard and up-and-coming illustrator Robin Richardson. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series! Discover how Marie Antoinette navigated the pressures and obstacles that came with preparing to marry the future king of France, Louis XVI. A story of political maneuvering, royal expectations, and determined resolve, this graphic novel immerses readers in the lesser-known teenage years of France’s most infamous queen—brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations.