Biography of country singer Blake Shelton. Blue Banner Biographies are up-to-date, well-written, and colorful. Series titles include people in the news from sports, entertainment, movies, and music. Students read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension and read on-level text with purpose and understanding. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive...

Biography of star pop singer and entertainer Pitbull. Blue Banner Biographies are up-to-date, well-written, and colorful. Series titles include people in the news from sports, entertainment, movies, and music. Students read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension and read on-level text with purpose and understanding. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills,...

James Harden wanted to be a basketball player from the time he could bounce the ball. However, this future star faced many challenges. He had to overcome poor health and a lazy attitude. He had to learn to listen to his teammates and become a leader. He even struggled with being the center of attention as a celebrity star. Through it all, James Harden worked hard and learned from his mistakes. He became one of the best basketball players in the world...

The Weeknd began his career under an air of mystery. This talented, young musician revealed neither his name nor his face with his first mixtape. Not even most record executives knew who the Weeknd was at this time. But that didn't stop them for trying to find out. When a label finally signed him, the Weeknd began performing live shows. He slowly began sharing his identity and experiences with the world through his music. And the world responded....

The New York Yankees have reserved a section of the stands. Fans there wear black robes, hold gavels, and stand at the order, "All Rise." They are waiting for a home run from "The Judge." They usually don't have to wait long. At 6'7" and 280 pounds, Aaron Judge is one of the biggest Major League Baseball players in history. No one hits the ball as hard. No one hits it as far. No one hit as many home runs as a rookie as Aaron. Yet he remains humble...

Charlie Puth did not grow up dreaming of being a pop star. Instead, he wanted to do what he loved most: write music. This young man who learned to play the piano at the age of four, had a clear talent for writing and composing, which led him to study jazz and classical music during his school years. He later earned a degree in music production and engineering. After graduating from the Berklee School of Music, he thought he would make his living helping...

Le'Veon Bell faced some tough challenges. He had a single mom. Money was tight. Yet his hardest challenge was how easily football came to him. It was so easy, he didn't have to work to win games. As a high school player, he realized top schools weren't looking at him. He knew he had to change his strategy. He began working harder at the game. It paid off. He was chosen by Michigan State University. Today he plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his family's...

Even before Ben Simmons played his first NBA game, people were comparing him to some of the game's greatest players-from Shaquille O'Neal to LeBron James. Ben has been smashing basketball records and racking up awards since he was young, growing up in Australia. In 2016, his childhood dream came true when the Philadelphia 76ers picked him first in the NBA draft. But it isn't just Ben's size, speed, and strength on the basketball court that makes him...

Jimmy Garoppolo started playing football when he was in sixth grade. At age 12 he was 6'2", and one of the biggest, strongest players. He played as a running back until coaches spotted his ability to throw. When Jimmy started playing quarterback, everything changed. He dominated the field in high school and college before being drafted by the New England Patriots. As Tom Brady's backup, he learned from the legendary quarterback. After being traded...