Books in the Greenwood Biographies series

Wilma Rudolph was born into a large family and struggled with health problems for the first several years of her life, including polio. Though she had trouble even walking, her love of sport and movement motivated her to rehabilitate her legs. Rudolph would blossom into athletic talent and after earning a scholarship to Tennessee State, qualified for the 1960 Olympic Games where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field.Throughout her life, Wilma Rudolph faced many barriers and yet she was able to overcome the odds to become an Olympic gold medalist. After hanging up her spikes, Wilma would teach second grade and coach track at her former high school. This work describes her life in detail, and includes a timeline of significant events in her life.

Although Beyonce Knowles is not yet 30, the sensual superstar has already succeeded on many levels: as a dancer, singer, composer, model, music producer, video director and actress.

Providing both an analysis of the Mexican Revolution and a compelling story of the notorious Pancho Villa, this book describes this historical period from the perspective of its most iconic figure. Doroteo Arango-much better known as "Pancho Villa"-was one of the revolutionary generals during Mexico's turbulent times in the early 1900s.

Kennedy's life from the emergence of the Kennedy family in the early 20th century to his assassination in 1963 Includes historical maps, such as a map of Germany in 1961Contains numerous photographs of the parents and family of John F.

Mohandas K Gandhi, is a revered figure for his nonviolent action to free India from British rule. This book follows Gandhi from his family's home, via sojourn in England to prepare for a law career, to his growth from a timid new barrister in South Africa to India's foremost negotiator with the British power structure.

The cofounder of Microsoft, Bill Gates helped transform society by ushering in the era of ubiquitous personal computing. This book examines the life and achievements of this standout American inventor and philanthropist.

This book is a revealing look at the life and work of Nobel laureate Toni Morrison.

This fresh biography unearths previously unpublished nuances about Malcolm X's life. Malcolm X: A Biography is a historical and political analysis of the black leader's life and times, offering a detailed treatment of its subject's multifaceted story.

This insightful biography introduces readers to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a remarkable woman with a single-minded pursuit of educational excellence, who rose from poverty in a Bronx housing project to a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.

From his upbringing in humble circumstances in Hawaii and Indonesia to becoming the fifth African American senator in U.S. history, and later, a presidential candidate, this well-researched volume highlights the hardships and successes, the people who most influenced his career, his personal life, and his meteoric rise to pop icon status.

History will remember Desmond Tutu, who has been called South Africa's Martin Luther King, Jr., as a great leader in the struggle against apartheid.

While other biographies provide extensive information about Fitzgerald's life and achievements, this volume meets the need of high school students for a concise, accessible, and informative discussion of Fitzgerald and his works.

This biography offers students and general readers an insightful look into Jerry Garcia's creative genius as a founding member of The Grateful Dead and the various influences on his work as he contributed to the countercultural movement in the United States.As a founding member of The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia became famous for his work as a key creative force in this band. Known for free flowing jam sessions, psychedelic drug use, and a loyal fan base, The Grateful Dead combined a variety of genres, including blues, folk and country rock to create new and different sounds than those used by other popular bands at the time, including The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Garcia contributed significantly to an era in American music that was influenced by social changes, war, and political strife. Yet Garcia's creative genius expanded beyond the fame that came as lead guitarist and vocalist for the Dead. From the time he was a young boy learning to play the piano in the Excelsior district of San Francisco, Garcia explored various genres and forms of music and visual art. This biography offers students and general readers an insightful look into Garcia's creative genius and the various influences on his work as he contributed to the counter-cultural movement in the United States.

This concise biography of the world's most notorious terrorist tells the fascinating story of the evolution of a wealthy businesman's son to the 9/11 mastermind who declared war on America.

In 1997 Ellen DeGeneres made television history when she came out to the American public on her nationally syndicated sitcom. In spite of the controversy stirred by this personal revelation, Ellen DeGeneres has gone on to become on one the most popular personalities in Hollywood. With her own highly rated daily talk show, a lucrative ad campaign with American Express, and a successful turn as Oscar host to her credit, she has become one of America's leading female comedians and won her has place a household name. High profile romances with actresses Anne Heche and fiance Portia de Rossi, have also made a her an unassuming champion for gay and lesbian rights. Ellen Degeneres' monumental success, however, belies a painful childhood and uncertain career beginnings. This comprehensive and intriguing biography explores the life events that shaped the hilarious public figure we know today.Complete with a chronology of significant events, illustrations, and a bibliography of print and electronic resources, this detailed biography is ideal for general readers looking to learn more about their favorite star or for those seeking information on groundbreaking members of the gay and lesbian community.

One of Hollywood's first openly Latin stars, Jennifer Lopez has held fast to her New York Bronx roots, while rising above them to become the highest paid Latina actress in history.

Over ten years since his death, Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., is considered one of the most influential rappers of all time, a credit continually given by numerous hip-hop artists.

Over the past decade, fans have watched her evolve from Hollywood's rebellious wild child - infamous for her bold tattoos and shocking two-year marriage to actor Billy-Bob Thornton - to a mother and committed human rights advocate.

LeBron James is simultaneously on the cutting edge of basketball greatness and as a cultural icon. Through the international exposure of the National Basketball Association and its televised games in more than 100 countries, and as a global marketing presence, the star of the Cleveland Cavaliers is rapidly becoming one of the world's most familiar faces. This biography traces the key events in the life of LeBron James during his dizzying rise to fame in high school to his emergence as the first overall pick in the NBA draft as an 18-year-old, to his carrying the underdog Cavaliers to the 2007 NBA Finals.Hyped relentlessly from the time he was a high school sophomore in Ohio, James has lived up to all advance billing and with his charm, smile, and extraordinary basketball skills. James' all-around talent and unselfishness on the court are the trademarks of his play that have made him one of the most feared scorers in the league, but also one of its most versatile rebounders and passers. This biography offers a well-rounded portrait James from the difficulties encountered being raised by a single mother and overcoming poverty, which at times caused the family to move from home to home. Lew Freedman of the Chicago Tribune chronicles the milestones in the life of LeBron James during his dizzying rise to fame. Also highlighted are James' remarkable endorsement deals, particularly his $90 million deal with Nike. The volume is rounded out with a timeline and a bibliography of print and electronic sources to provide suggested readings for students and sports fans alike.

A musician of rare artistry, the self-effacing yet charismatic Yo-Yo Ma connects with his audiences with startling effectiveness. Above all, he is committed to the ever-evolving musical odyssey of his Silk Road Ensemble, itself part of a broader Silk Road Project aiming to explore the deep and varied artistic connections between East and West.

In July 1979, Saddam Hussein became the President of Iraq. Since his capture, Saddam has been transferred to Iraqi legal custody and awaits his trial for atrocities committed during his regime. This biography details Saddam's difficult childhood in Tikrit and his politically influential teenage years in Baghdad with his uncle.

Useful for student research assignments, this title features important figures - contemporary and historical - drawn from a range of curriculum subject areas, including history, science, politics, literature, and the arts. It includes timeline highlighting significant biographical events and career contributions.

Explores Hillary Rodham Clinton's childhood and undergraduate political activism, and her work toward positive legislation for families, the elderly, and international women's issues - as a governor's wife, and later as a first lady. This biography includes photos, a timeline, a bibliography, and an index.

As the Material Girl, Eva Peron in Evita, and queen of the disco floor, Madonna's transformations and assumed identities keep her fans wanting more. This biography traces Madonna's ambitious journey from a Midwest upbringing as part of a large family to achieving fame on a global scale.

Everyone should know the life story of Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders of all time, the first black president of South Africa, the most famous African, and a major world statesman.

A revered political, spiritual, and military leader, Sitting Bull was legendary for his stubbornness and battle prowess as head of the Lakota Sioux in the 1860s. This biography explores: Sitting Bull's early years and successes as a young warrior; and the Battle of Little Bighorn and Sitting Bull's eventual flight to Canada.

With the possible exceptions of boxer Muhammad Ali and baseball player Babe Ruth, no athlete has made a greater impact on American society-or in the world-than Michael Jordan.

In an era far removed from the African American celebrity athletes of today, Olympic great Jesse Owens achieved fame by running faster and jumping farther than anyone in the world.

Billie Holiday (1915-1959), the legendary jazz singer whose vocal stylings were deeply affecting, continues to enthrall. The narrative further chronicles Holiday's relationships, descent into drug addiction, the subsequent diminishment of her talent, and tragic early death.

Condoleezza Rice's story encapsulates some of the great changes that have occurred in US society. This work covers the time period (1954-2005), which was a time of struggle for many in the United States and around the world. It provides a timeline that describes significant events in Rice's life, and lists a bibliography.