Extraordinary Lives

Rosa Parks, the woman known for refusing to give up her seat on the bus, triggered a great shift in the fight for civil rights. Raised in Alabama, Rosa Parks knew all about the racism of her society from an early age. Discover how she became the brilliant activist we know today in this book with real-life stories, timelines and facts to bring her extraordinary story to life. Extraordinary Lives is a bold, inclusive biography series shining a light on modern and historical figures.

In 1969 history was made when the first humans stepped on the moon. Back on earth, one woman was running the numbers that ensured they got there and back in one piece. As a child, Katherine Johnson loved maths. She went on to be one of the most important people in the history of space travel.

Michelle Obama is a lawyer, a writer, an activist and a first lady of the United States of America. She is a role model and feminist icon. Born and raised in Chicago, she studied and worked hard to become a lawyer and then took to the international stage as first lady. This book tells the extraordinary story of Michelle Obama's life, perfect for young listeners everywhere.

Mary Seacole is now known for her medical work in the Crimean war and as a brilliant woman who combated the racial prejudice she experienced in her lifetime. But for a long time her story was lost. From growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, as the daughter of a doctress to helping soldiers in the war, discover the details of the amazing life that Mary Seacole led with real-life stories, timelines and facts.

Serena Williams began playing tennis when she was just a child and is now an Olympic champion who's won more Grand Slam singles titles than anyone else. Throughout her life she's battled many things, from life-threatening illnesses and sports injuries, to sexism and racism in the tennis world. Now she's an icon in sport, fashion and activism, an inspiration to every young person who has dared to dream big. Extraordinary Lives is a bold, inclusive biography series shining a light on modern and historical figures. 

The story of the first Black president of South Africa. Nelson Mandela is known for dedicating his life to fighting for equality in South Africa and overthrowing racial segregation. He grew up hearing the elders' stories of his ancestors' fighting in the wars of resistance, and he dreamed of fighting for the freedom of his people. His childhood wish was granted when he became the first Black president of South Africa and an icon for hope, change and equality. Extraordinary Lives is a bold, inclusive biography series shining a light on modern and historical figures.