#ByWhoHQ

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

What Was Built to Be a Ship of Dreams?: The Titanic: A Who HQ Graphic Novel

Author: Emmett Nahil Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Shazleen Khan

Discover the story of the Titanic ’s ill-fated voyage through three diverse perspectives of survivors in this affecting graphic novel by Let Me Out author Emmett Nahil and award-winning illustrator Shazleen Khan. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series! Follow the journeys of Syrian Lebanese siblings Jamilah and Ilyas Yarred, the Haitian French Laroche family, and American socialite Margaret Brown as history’s most famous ship heads toward disaster. A story of class disparity, family, and survival, this graphic novel immerses readers in the different experiences that passengers from varying backgrounds faced before, during, and after the Titanic ’s sinking. This gripping narrative is brought to life by atmospheric full-color illustrations that will transport readers to that fateful wreck. Read more

Who Was Jackie Robinson?

Author: Gail Herman Genre: Sports Illustrator: John O'Brien

As a kid, Jackie Robinson loved sports. And why not? He was a natural at football, basketball, and, of course, baseball. But beyond athletic skill, it was his strength of character that secured his place in sports history. In 1947 Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the long-time color barrier in major league baseball. It was tough being first- not only did "fans" send hate mail but some of his own teammates refused to accept him. Here is an inspiring sports biography, with black-and-white illustrations throughout. Read more

What Was the Gold Rush?

Author: Joan Holub Genre: History Illustrator: Tim Tomkinson

In 1848, gold was discovered in California, attracting over 300,000 people from all over the world, some who struck it rich and many more who didn't. Hear the stories about the gold-seeking "forty-niners!" With black-and white illustrations and sixteen pages of photos, a nugget from history is brought to life! Read more