#ByWhoHQ

Who Is Lionel Messi? (Who HQ Now)

Author: James Buckley Jr. Genre: Sports Illustrator: Manuel Gutierrez

Read all about Argentinian soccer superstar Lionel Messi and his legendary career in this book from Who HQ Now, the series featuring the trending topics and news makers of today. Lionel Messi loved soccer from an early age, often playing with his family members with encouragement from his grandmother. Now, he is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time! He is also one of the most decorated footballers in the world--having won 44 collective trophies, including seven Ballon d'Or awards, 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year, 2019 and 2022 Best FIFA Men's Player, and more. From making his first team debut at just sixteen years old in 2003 to breaking numerous longstanding records in 2012, to helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, Messi continues to wow fans with his finesse of the soccer ball. However, Lionel Messi stays true to his roots, never forgetting a small tribute to his grandmother each time he scores a goal by looking up and pointing to the sky. Learn about Lionel's epic career and his lifelong love for soccer in this illustrated biography for young readers. Read more

Who Is Michael Jordan? (Who Was?)

Author: Kirsten Anderson Genre: Sports Illustrator: Dede Putra

Grab your Js and hit the court with this Who Was? biography about NBA superstar Michael Jordan. 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. Look for more Who HQ titles: Who Is LeBron James? Who Was Kobe Bryant? Who Is Shaquille O'Neal? Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan Read more

Who Is Shaquille O'Neal? (Who Was?)

Author: Ellen Labrecque Genre: Sports Illustrator: Manuel Gutierrez

NBA champion, sports analyst, and successful businessman Shaquille O'Neal is a lively and entertaining addition to the #1 New York Times Bestselling Series! Shaquille O'Neal discovered his love of basketball while spending time in an afterschool program called the Boys & Girls Club of America. Standing over six feet tall by the time he turned eleven years old, Shaq--as he is affectionately known--continued to practice the game and stunned the country with his phenomenal skills. From leading his high-school team to its first-ever state title to becoming the first pick in the 1992 NBA draft and going on to win four NBA championships, Shaq proved that he could dominate almost any player. But the fifteen-time All Star who played for six teams throughout his nineteen-year NBA career isn't just a force on the court, he is also an actor, television host, musician, and businessman who is always ready to crack a joke or bust a dance move. With such a welcoming personality and immense talent, it is easy to see why Shaquille O'Neal is often considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. Read more

Who Is Shohei Ohtani? (Who HQ Now)

Author: James Buckley Jr. Genre: Sports Illustrator: Gregory Copeland

Learn about Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani and what makes him one of the greatest players of all time! Shohei Ohtani, also known as "Shotime," is widely known for his skills in both pitching and hitting. At the 2016 Japan Series, Ohtani led his team, the Fighters, to victory. He later signed to the Los Angeles Angels in 2017 and earned the title of American League Rookie of the Year in 2018. In 2021, Ohtani made Major League Baseball history with over ten homeruns, over twenty stolen bases, and over one hundred strikeouts. That same year, at only age twenty-seven, he was given the American League Most Valuable Player Award. Young readers will learn about the life and athletic achievements of one of baseball's most iconic players. Read more

Who Is Tom Brady? (Who HQ Now)

Author: James Buckley Jr. Genre: Sports Illustrator: Gregory Copeland

The inspiring story of the seven-time Super Bowl champion, told in the new Who HQ Now format for trending topics. On February 7, 2021, Tom Brady lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy into the air for the seventh time in his career. After winning the Super Bowl six times with the New England Patriots, this was Brady's first win with his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The record-breaking win further solidified what many people had already believed for two decades: Tom Brady is the GOAT: Greatest Of All Time. This moving story details the life of Tom Brady and the victories that led him to become the 264-game-winning NFL quarterback we cheer for today. Read more

Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?: Rosa Parks: A Who HQ Graphic Novel

Author: Insha Fitzpatrick Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Abelle Hayford

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. Read more

The Who Was? History of the World

Author: Paula K. Manzanero Genre: Anthology Illustrator: Robert Squier

Based on The New York Times Best-Selling series, this timeline of world history gives a fresh take on global events, from King Tut to Malala Yousafzai. For the first time ever, the Who Was? subjects are gathered into a single title! The Who Was? History of the World is a journey along the timeline of history, noting the birthdays of 150 people in the series and what was happening in the world at that moment in time. Follow the timeline to learn who was doing what when, from the days of ancient Egypt, all the way up to the present. Read more

Who Was a Daring Pioneer of the Skies?: Amelia Earhart: A Who HQ Graphic Novel

Author: Melanie Gillman Genre: Graphic Novel Illustrator: A.C. Esguerra

"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. Read more

The Who Was? History of the World: Deluxe Edition

Author: Paula K. Manzanero Genre: Anthology Illustrator: Robert Squier

This timeline of world history gives a fresh take on global events, from King Tut to Malala Yousafzai, and includes ten pages of bobblehead stickers! More than 150 Who Was? subjects gathered into a single hardcover title! This deluxe edition serves as a companion to the entire series, with a foil cover and ten additional pages of bobblehead stickers. The Who Was? History of the World is a journey along the timeline of history, noting the birthdays of 150 people featured in the series, and what was happening in the world at that moment in time. Follow the timeline to learn who was doing what when, from the days of ancient Egypt, all the way up to the present. And be sure to keep this beautiful edition handy for homework help and quick reference. World history the Who Was? way! Read more

Who Was Babe Ruth?

Author: Joan Holub Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Ted Hammond

Just in time for baseball season! Babe Ruth came from a poor Baltimore family and, as a kid, he was a handful. It was at a reform school that Babe discovered his talent for baseball, and by the age of nineteen, he was on his way to becoming a sports legend. Babe was often out of shape and even more often out on the town, but he had a big heart and an even bigger swing! Kids will learn all about the Home Run King in this rags-to- riches sports biography. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, a true sports legend is brought to life. Read more

What Is the Super Bowl? (What Was?)

Author: Dina Anastasio Genre: Sports Illustrator: David Groff

With over 110 million viewers every year, the Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events in the United States. The final showdown between the two best football teams in the NFL attracts some of the biggest musicians to perform at the half-time show. But the Super Bowl is more than just a spectacle – it’s a high-stakes game to win the championship and claim a place in history. Go back in time and relive all the magic from years past – from excruciating fumbles to game winning plays. Read more

Who Was Ben Franklin?

Author: Dennis Brindell Fradin Genre: History Illustrator: John O'Brien

Ben Franklin was the scientist who, with the help of a kite, discovered that lightning is electricity. He was also a statesman, an inventor, a printer, and an author-a man of such amazingly varied talents that some people claimed he had magical powers! Full of all the details kids will want to know, the true story of Benjamin Franklin is by turns sad and funny, but always honest and awe-inspiring. Read more