Best Selling Books by Who HQ

Follow the amazing journey of Pope Francis, whose warmth and humility made him beloved around the world. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, aka Pope Francis, from Argentina, was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. During his time as pope, he used a humbler, less formal approach to his office than his predecessors: a warm style that was referred to as "no frills." His common touch and accessibility, as well as his insistence that the church be more open and welcoming, quickly endeared him not only to Roman Catholics but to millions of others around the world.

This compelling addition to the What Was? series covers what was supposed to be “the war to end all wars” but tragically wasn''t. In 1914, the assassination of an Austrian archduke set off a disastrous four-year-long conflict involving dozens of countries with battles taking place in all parts of the world. World War I was the first to use planes and tanks as well as deadly gases that left soldiers blinded or “shell shocked” (a condition now called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). There were battles that lasted for months with opposing troops fighting from rat-infested trenches, battles that often ended in a hollow victory with only a small area of land retaken. The author of many successful Who HQ titles Nico Medina gives young readers a clear and compelling account of this long and tragic event, a war that left over 20 million dead and was the lead-up to World War II barely twenty years later.

Learn about the bold and courageous life of soccer champion and activist Megan Rapinoe in the new Who HQ Now format of #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series. On July 7, 2019, Megan Rapinoe ran out onto the field to play in her third Women''s World Cup final. Determined to succeed after having to sit out of the semifinals due to an injury, Megan scored the first goal of the match. Thanks to this goal, Team USA won the Women''s World Cup and Megan added yet another victory to her impressive record. In her career, Megan has won Olympic gold medals, several World Cup trophies, ESPY Awards, and more. Not only is Megan a fierce competitor on the field, she''s also a brave activist who stands up for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals like herself. Learn about Megan Rapinoe''s incredible soccer career and inspiring life as an activist in this book for young readers!

Like Michelangelo, Galileo is another Renaissance great known just by his first name--a name that is synonymous with scientific achievement. Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era''s great rebirth of knowledge. He invented a telescope to observe the heavens. From there, not even the sky was the limit! He turned long-held notions about the universe topsy turvy with his support of a sun-centric solar system. Patricia Brennan Demuth offers a sympathetic portrait of a brilliant man who lived in a time when speaking scientific truth to those in power was still a dangerous proposition.

Go back to the thrilling time of warring knights who were prepared to give their life in order to protect their lord and his castle. Castles may conjure up a romantic fairy tale world; however, in real life, during the Middle Ages, castles were fortresses, providing shelter and protection for the lord as well as for the peasants who lived on his land. For an army, a lord depended on young soldiers in armor called knights who spent years at the castle learning the skills of warfare. Author Sarah Fabiny dives into the history of castles and how they grew from simple wood structures to mighty fortresses in stone. She also explains who could become a knight and what their lives were like off of the battlefield, enjoying feasts, courting their lady loves, and showing off in tournaments. With 80 fun black-and-white illustrations and an engaging 16-page photo insert, readers will be excited to read this latest addition to Who HQ!

As a child, Charles Dickens worked in a shoe polish factory where his gritty surroundings inspired some of the most memorable characters and settings in literary history. Known for his masterful storytelling in books like Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and A Christmas Carol, Dickens toured the globe as one of the most famous people of his era. Widely considered the greatest writer of the Victorian age, Dickens’s literary masterpieces continue to amuse and inspire writers and readers alike.

"A suspenseful, well-researched story that captures the drama of Earhart’s life and last flight."— Kirkus Reviews "The Who HQ Graphic Novels series does an excellent job of quickly engaging readers by capturing the drama and immediacy of pivotal historic events."— Booklist "A must purchase for libraries, this book (and this series) will certainly be a big hit with middle grade readers." — The School Library Journal Discover the story behind aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart''s mysterious and fatal second trip around the world in this captivating graphic novel -- written by Stonewall Award Honoree Melanie Gillman and illustrated by Eighty Days creator A.C. Esguerra. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series! Explore the story of Amelia Earhart, as she embarks on her second and final journey around the globe. A story of determination, heart, and courage, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into the daring grit of the aviation pioneer -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that fly off the page.

"The Who HQ Graphic Novels series does an excellent job of quickly engaging readers by capturing the drama and immediacy of pivotal historic events." — Booklist Discover the story behind Muhammad Ali and the boxing match that captivated the world, the Thrilla In Manila, in this powerful graphic novel -- written by Murder Ballads'' Gabe Soria and illustrated by award-winning artists Chris Brunner and Rico Renzi. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series! Explore the journey Muhmmad Ali took to win his final match against fellow heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier, known as the Thrilla in Manila. A story of athleticism, heart, and determination, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into the explosive power of the boxing champion and civil rights activist-- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page. A 2023 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers!

Who HQ brings you the stories behind the most well-known characters of our time. Discover the origins of one of literature''s most famous couples, Romeo and Juliet, and their creator, William Shakespeare, in this fun and informative addition to the What Is the Story Of? series. In 1597, Shakespeare debuted his newest play, a tragedy about a young Italian couple whose families were sworn enemies. Romeo and Juliet quickly became one of the most famous couples in literary history, and this play became one of Shakespeare''s most performed shows. But did you know that much of Romeo and Juliet''s story was adapted from tales by other writers? Learn all about how William Shakespeare''s dynamic and romantic teenage duo sprouted from the Italian story of The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet in 1562 and grew into adaptions like West Side Story and even Gnomeo & Juliet in this nonfiction book for young readers.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Travel to the age of the Renaissance and learn why Henry VIII is one of the most famous kings in English history. Mainly remembered for his six marriages and his self-appointment as the "Supreme Head of the Church of England," Henry VIII was also attractive, educated, and athletic. When Henry Tudor ascended to the English thrown at the age of 17, his reign looked promising. But by the time of his death in 1547, King Henry VIII was characterized as an extremely egotistical, harsh, and insecure king. Though Henry VIII''s legacy isn''t free from scandal, his monarchy thrived due to the achievements of his daughter Queen Elizabeth I.

This new title in the Who HQ Now format for trending topics details superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson''s legendary career from the ring to the big screen. This new title in the Who HQ Now format for trending topics details superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson''s legendary career from the ring to the big screen.

Your favorite characters are now part of the Who HQ library! Journey to deep space and learn how James Tiberius Kirk became one of the greatest space heroes in the Star Trek universe in this addition to the New York Times bestselling series. From appearances in live action and animated television shows, a series of films, comics, video games, and more, James T. Kirk is an established space captain in pop culture. Star Trek remains one of the most popular science-fiction series of all time, and Captain Kirk is one of the most famous and highly decorated captains in the history of Starfleet. As the commanding officer of starships like the U.S.S. Enterprise, viewers follow his adventures through space. But did you know that Kirk wasn''t even the show''s first Captain? And that the Star Trek series almost didn''t happen? Author M. D. Payne takes readers aboard Starfleet starships as Kirk explores new worlds, encounters new villains, and "boldly goes where no man has gone before."

Learn all about the life of Gen Z actress Jenna Ortega and discover how she went from starring roles on Disney Channel to Wednesday, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and more in this biography for young readers! Jenna Ortega’s role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s series Wednesday made her an international star. Since then, the actress has worked at full speed, taking on starring roles in horror films such as X, Scream IV, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Jenna has become a role model for young Latina girls across the world and has used her voice to advocate for anti-bullying programs, AIDS healthcare support, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and gun control laws. Jenna knew she wanted to become an actress early in life, and by time she was nine, she was signed to an acting agency! She and her mother made the trip from the Coachella Valley to Los Angeles up to five days a week, securing roles in commercials and guest star appearances. Eventually, she landed her first lead role in Disney Channel’s 2016 series Stuck in the Middle. After working with Disney, Jenna wanted to find more mature roles, and found herself as a supporting actress in Netflix’s You. The experience sparked her interest in working in horror movies, and her career took off. Learn all about the life of rising star, goth style expert, and inspirational actress Jenna Ortega in this book for young readers!

Who HQ brings you the stories behind the most beloved characters of our time. We''re off to see the Wizard...along with Dorothy, Toto, and all of her friends as they make their way onto the What Is the Story of? list. When L. Frank Baum wrote about the adventures of a young farm girl named Dorothy and her pet dog in the magical Land of Oz in 1900, he wanted to create a beautiful story based on the America he knew and treasured. But he had no idea his book would become a bestseller and grow into the cultural phenomenon that it is today. After the iconic 1939 film, numerous sequels, retellings, and musicals, it''s easy to see why The Wizard of Oz has been called "America''s greatest and best-loved homegrown fairytale." From Baum''s first book through Wicked, the story of The Wizard of Oz is as fascinating as the tale itself.

Learn about the phenomenon of a solar eclipse just in time for the Great American Eclipse that will take place on April 8, 2024 in this title in the Who HQ Now series featuring newsmakers and trending topics. Just in time for the third North American total solar eclipse of the twenty-first century, this book explains how to safely observe solar eclipses, how long eclipses last, and why they result in a blackout period during the day. Young armchair astronomers and astronauts will be inspired by the wonders of outer space and what exists beyond our atmosphere as they learn more about the moon, the sun, and our earth. What really happens during a solar eclipse and how does it affect the energy in our atmosphere? You''ll find the most up-to-date eclipse information in this exciting new book.

The beloved plays of Shakespeare are still produced everywhere, yet the life of the world''s most famous playwright remains largely a mystery. Young Will left the town of Stratford to pursue theater in London, where his work eventually thrived and made him a famous and wealthy man. With black-and-white illustrations that include a diagram of the famous Globe theater, Celeste Davidson Mannis puts together the pieces of Shakespeare''s life and work for young readers.

Meet the man who created Alice, the Mad Hatter, and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum! Lewis Carroll is the pen name of Charles L. Dodgson, a mathematician and church deacon, who taught at Oxford University. He was inspired to write his best known works, Alice''s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, by one of the Dean''s daughters, Alice Liddell. The books were hugely successful and brought Carroll wide acclaim, especially for the nonsense poems "Jabberwocky" and The Hunting of the Snark. Children and adults continue to be delighted by the fantasy of the Alice stories, which have been the basis of plays and movies since their publication in Victorian England during the 1860s and 1870s.

Discover the story behind Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott in this compelling graphic novel -- written by Oh My Gods! author Insha Fitzpatrick and illustrated by #DrawingWhileBlack organizer Abelle Hayford. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series! From refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger to sparking civil rights protests across America, explore how Rosa Parks''s powerful act earned her the title "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement." A story of resistance, strength, and unwavering spirit, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves in the life of the American Civil Rights leader -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

How did a young boy from Ohio go on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time? Read about the incredible life and career of LeBron James in this addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series. Today, LeBron James is an international superstar who has won four NBA Championships, earned two Olympic gold medals, written books, and starred in blockbuster movies. He has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and has gained fans across the country as he led each of those three teams to victory. Many basketball lovers consider LeBron James to be one of the greatest players of all time. But how did LeBron come to be "King James?" Find out all about LeBron''s childhood, how he started playing basketball at the age of nine, and went on to rule the court in this new book for young readers! Look for more Who HQ titles: Who Is Michael Jordan? Who Was Kobe Bryant? Who Is Shaquille O''Neal? What Are the Summer Olympics?

Explore how French naval officer Jacques Cousteau forever changed the way people experience life underwater in this STEM-driven graphic novel by GLAAD Media Award–winning author Ned Wolfe and illustrator Caroline Hu. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series! Dive into the sea with Jacques Cousteau as he works to develop the Aqua-Lung—the first modern scuba device—which allowed for safer, longer, and deeper diving. A story of friendship, experimentation, and innovation, this graphic novel immerses readers in Jacques’s journey of combining his passions for tinkering, filmmaking, and the sea. This accessible narrative makes a splash with bright, full-color illustrations that will transport readers below the water''s surface.