As a member of the first generation of African Americans who were born just after the end of slavery, Scott Joplin faced a world of unique challenges. His musical family scraped out a living by sharecropping and cleaning houses-but Scott was exceptionally gifted, and his mother made sure he got piano lessons. Classically trained, he spent several years playing in churches and saloons. While for a time he wanted to compose classical music, he was drawn...

A biography of the reclusive inventor of dynamite and the story of how he came to establish the prestigioius prizes that bear his name.

This book profiles the life and career of country musician, Luke Bryan.

A biography of the young Grammy award-winning singer.

A biography of the young star of the movie "E.T." who survived her troubled early years and has gone on to become a successful actress and movie producer.

Chronicles the life and career of Alexander the Great, who became a great soldier, united Greece under one ruler, battled in Asia and more.

A biography of rap artist Eminem.

Profiles high school librarian Michael L. Printz, whose efforts in championing authors and their books led to the creation of the Michael L. Printz Award to honor excellence in Young Adult literature.