Kirsten Anderson – författare

Michelangelo created some of the world's most recognisable art, from the statue of David to the intricate ceiling fresco of the Sistine Chapel. Beyond his well-known painting and sculpting, he was a gifted poet and architect. Young readers can learn about the entirety of Michelangelo's life, from his time as a young apprentice, his relationships with several Catholic popes and the Medici family, to his unwillingness to stop working into his late eighties. A perfect read for art lovers and fans of the Renaissance.

Walt Whitman was a printer, journalist, editor, and school teacher. But today, he’s recognised as one of America’s founding poets, a man who changed American literature forever. Throughout his life, Walt journeyed everywhere, from New York to New Orleans, Washington D.C. to Denver, taking in all that America had to offer. With the Civil War approaching, he saw a nation deeply divided, but he also understood the power of words to inspire unity. So in 1855, Walt published a short collection of poems, Leaves of Grass, a book about the America he saw and believed in. Though hated and misunderstood by many at the time, Walt’s writing introduced an entirely new writing style: one that broke forms, and celebrated the common man, human body, and the diversity of America. Generations later, readers can still find themselves in Whitman’s words, and recognise the America he depicts. Who Was Walt Whitman? follows his remarkable journey from a young New York printer to one of America’s most beloved literary figures.

Working in the aptly named “Factory,” Warhol’s paintings, movies, and eccentric lifestyle blurred the lines between pop culture and art, ushering in the Pop Art movement and, with it, a national obsession. Who Was Andy Warhol? tells the story of an enigmatic man who grew into a cultural icon.

How does a little boy from the London suburbs named Reginald Kenneth Dwight grow up to become one of the biggest pop stars of all time? A lot of talent and a lot of personality! Elton John, as he would later call himself, started playing piano at the age of three. Although he was trained to play classical music, Elton's real love was rock and roll. He cut his first album in 1969 and has dominated the airwaves ever since with songs like "Your Song," "Crocodile Rock" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." Known for his outlandish stage costumes and giant glasses, Elton John continues to write songs for Broadway musicals, Hollywood soundtracks, and Top-40 hits.

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.

Meet the man who changed the game forever. Michael Jordan has always been competitive - even as a young boy, he fought for attention. His need to be the best made him a star player on his college basketball team and helped him become an NBA legend, both for his skills and his endorsements. His Nike contract for Air Jordan basketball shoes set an unmatched precedent for professional athletes. Author Kirsten Anderson takes readers through each exciting moment, detailing the iconic reverse lay-ups and jump shots of Michael Jordan’s storied career.

On June 26, 2018, twenty-eight-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a bartender from New York City, became the youngest woman ever elected to serve on Congress. Her win shocked the political world and she became a celebrity overnight. Soon, everyone knew her by her initials: AOC. As soon as she was sworn into office, AOC became a vocal champion for healthcare for all and the fight against climate change. This exciting story details the defining moments of what led to her victory and all the monumental ones since that have shaped her into a smart politician willing to fight for others, the environment, and the future of America.

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.

Zendaya began her acting career at age thirteen when she landed one of the starring roles in the Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. Since then, the actress has not slowed down, starring in action-packed superhero films, dazzling movie musicals, and highly acclaimed TV shows. At only twenty-four, Zendaya won her first Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the hit TV show Euphoria. The Hollywood star is an actress, singer, model, style icon, and also an activist who advocates for causes like feminism, anti-bullying, anti-racism, and voter registration. Learn all about the star-studded career and the inspiring life of Zendaya in this new book that was voted for by young readers worldwide!

On November 24, 1971, an unidentified man hijacked an airplane that was flying from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington. He demanded US$200,000 and told a flight attendant that he had weapons. After stopping in Seattle, the hijacker was given the money and he released the attendants. But he demanded that the pilots stay on-board, refuel, and fly him to Mexico City. Just thirty minutes after the plane took off, the man jumped out of the aircraft and parachuted away... never to be seen or heard from again. Did he escape with the money? Did he even survive the jump? Over fifty years later, the FBI still does not know what happened to the man they call 'D. B. Cooper.' Find out what we do know about one of America's most famous, unsolved mysteries in this book for young readers.

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.

Taylor Swift always knew she wanted to be a country music artist, so at age thirteen, she convinced her parents to move their family out of Pennsylvania to Nashville.As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Taylor wrote songs about teenage heartbreak and fitting in with her peers, and she performed these and other tunes at open mic nights and karaoke events. Breaking into the music industry took longer than she expected because record executives thought there was no place in country music for her songs. But Taylor was fearless and proved them wrong.Since the release of her self-titled debut album in 2006, Taylor Swift has dominated the music charts, reinvented her sound, won numerous awards, shaken off public criticism, and spoken up for herself and others. Whether you're a lifelong Swiftie or someone who just loves learning about musicians, this enchanting book will teach you all about the experiences that helped Taylor Swift become the successful superstar many kids and adults looks up to.

Ever since she was a child, Ariana Grande has been performing. When she was just fifteen years old, she made her Broadway debut in the musical 13. Shortly after, she appeared in the Nickelodeon TV show Victorious as the character Cat Valentine. During her time as a young actress, Ariana began her career in pop music. She released her first album when she was twenty years old and has gone on to release five more albums since. Ariana won her first Grammy Award in 2019 and her second in 2021. She has also won two Billboard Music Awards and three American Music Awards. Worldwide, Ariana has sold over 90 million records and earned over 98 billion streams. In 2024, she will star as Glinda in the blockbuster movie musical Wicked.

Tools of the Trade presents a collection of academic papers from the 2005 Chacmool archaeological conference, which includes a wide range of contributions from international archaeologists, senior professors, and students alike.Each chapter focuses on the discussion and application of unique and innovative 'tools' for archaeological analysis and interpretation, including micro- and macro-botanical analysis, experimental study, off-site survey, lithic use-wear, ceramic petrography, DNA analysis, chaîne opératoire, space syntax, and Geographic Information Systems.As a collective volume, the book also covers an impressive diversity of geographic regions and time periods, such as Precolumbian Mesoamerica, Plio-Pleistocene Africa, prehistoric and historic North America, and ancient Polynesia.Finally, this volume provides a somewhat introspective look at the origins of tool use, technological development, and the means by which we have become the only species to ask the questions: What does it mean to be us and how can we find out?

Learn how a young girl who once lived on a Christmas tree farm grew up to become one of the most celebrated musical artists of the twenty-first century in this deluxe addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.This gorgeous deluxe edition hardcover biography features lavender-sprayed edges, printed endpapers, purple interior illustrations, and a foil-effect cover, sure to please Taylor fans everywhere.Taylor Swift always knew she wanted to be a country music artist, so at age thirteen, she convinced her parents to move their family from Pennsylvania to Nashville.Since the release of her self-titled debut album in 2006, Taylor Swift has dominated the music charts, reinvented her sound, won numerous awards, shaken off public criticism, and spoken up for herself and others. Whether you're a lifelong Swiftie or someone who just loves learning about musicians, this enchanting book will teach you all about the experiences that helped Taylor Swift become the successful superstar many kids and adults looks up to.

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!