Collection: Biography & Memoir

Is there a number at the root of the universe? A primal number that everything in the world hinges on? This question exercised many great minds of the twentieth century, among them the groundbreaking physicist Wolfgang Pauli and the famous psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Their obsession with the power of certain numbers--including 137, which describes the atom's fine-structure constant and has great Kabbalistic significance--led them to develop an unlikely friendship and to embark on a joint mystical quest reaching deep into medieval alchemy, dream interpretation, and the Chinese Book of Changes. 137 explores the profound intersection of modern science with the occult, but above all it is the tale of an extraordinary, fruitful friendship between two of the greatest thinkers of our times.

Originally published in hardcover as Deciphering the Cosmic Number.

A raw, heartfelt memoir from Darius Rucker, the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish and Country music sensation--told through the remarkable stories of the music that coursed through his life.

"If I look back at my life and try to see into my past, everything seems blurry. But then I lean in and start to hear something. Melodies. Chords. Harmonies. Lyrics."--From the Introduction

Darius Rucker was raised by a single mother in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1986, he founded Hootie & the Blowfish at the University of South Carolina. What began as a party band playing frat houses and dive bars quickly became a global rock pop phenomenon through their multi-platinum selling debut album Cracked Rear View, which featured era-defining hit songs like "Only Want to Be With You," "Let Her Cry" and "Hold My Hand." Later, Darius would chart a pioneering path as a solo country music artist, with timeless anthems like "Wagon Wheel" and "Alright."

Nearly forty years after the band's founding, Darius tells the full story of his life and career through the music that has made him. He recounts the unlikely ascent of his band, wild tales of his road-hardened life--one which had no shortage of missteps, failures, and battles with demons. Ultimately, LIFE'S TOO SHORT is the story of a man, his music, and a life well-lived.

On the fortieth anniversary of the historic "Miracle on Ice," Mike Eruzione--the captain of the 1980 U.S Men's Olympic Hockey Team, who scored the winning goal--recounts his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, and winning the gold medal.

It is the greatest American underdog sports story ever told: how a team of college kids and unsigned amateurs, under the tutelage of legendary coach--and legendary taskmaster--Herb Brooks, beat the elite Soviet hockey team on their way to winning the gold medal at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. No one believed the scrappy Americans had a real shot at winning. Despite being undefeated, the U.S.--the youngest team in the competition--were facing off against the four-time defending gold medalist Russians. But the Americans' irrepressible optimism, skill, and fearless attitude helped them outplay the seasoned Soviet team and deliver their iconic win.

As captain, Mike Eruzione led his team on the ice on that Friday, February 22, 1980. But beating the U.S.S.R was only one of the numerous challenges Mike has faced in his life. In this inspiring memoir, he recounts the obstacles he has overcome, from his blue-collar upbringing in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to his battle to make the Boston University squad; his challenges in the minor leagues and international tournaments to his selection to the U.S. team and their run for gold. He also talks about the aftermath of that stupendous win that inspired and united the nation at a time of crisis in its history.

Eruzione has lived a hockey life full of unexpected twists and surprising turns. Al Michaels' famous call in 1980--"do you believe in miracles? YES!"--could have been about Mike himself. Filled with vivid portraits--from his hard-working, irrepressible father to the irascible Herb Brooks to the Russian hall of famers Tretiak, Kharlamov, Makarov, and Fetisov--this lively, fascinating look back is destined to become a sports classic and is a must for hockey fans, especially those who witnessed that miraculous day.

In this "laugh-out-loud funny" book (Hank Green, New York Times bestselling author), social media star and comedian Josh Sundquist takes readers on his hilarious journey to the fringes of viral stardom to discover if it's possible to be both very famous and very happy

As a semi-famous internet creator, Josh Sundquist knows what it's like to chase fame, but he also knows that more fame usually means more stress. So he set out on a pseudo-scientific investigation to find out if there is any way for fame and happiness to overlap.

He attempts to define the word "fame"--hint: it's harder than you'd think. He turns back time to identify the first facially-recognizable celebrity (you might know his former BFF Brutus). He digs into the numbers to debunk urban legends associated with stardom (ever heard of the 27 Club?). He talks to other semi-famous people (from K-pop sensations to former child stars) and asks them: Is this fame thing making you happy? If not, why are you doing it? If so, what's your secret? All while recounting funny stories about his own cringy fame-seeking (like his many attempts, and failures, to get onto MTV).

Packed with playful diagrams, fascinating insights from celebrities, and embarrassing truths from Josh's experience with semi-fame, this is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming famous...or at least going viral on TikTok.

In this book, you'll find a collection of Joel Augustus Rogers' newspaper columns from a series called "Your History." Think of it like a version of Ripley's "Believe It or Not." In each episode, there are many short stories based on Rogers' research.

When the Detroit Red Wings were rebooting their franchise after more than two decades of relative futility, they knew the best place to find world-class players who could help turn things around more quickly were conscripted servants behind the Iron Curtain.

All they had to do then was make history by drafting them, then figure out how to get them out. That's when the Wings turned to Keith Gave, the newsman whose clandestine mission to Helsinki, Finland, was the first phase of a of a years-long series of secret meetings from posh hotel rooms to remote forests around Europe to orchestrate their unlawful departures from the Soviet Union.

One defection created an international incident and made global headlines. Another player faked cancer, thanks to the Wings' extravagant bribes to Russian doctors, including a big American car. Another player who wasn't quite ready to leave yet felt like he was being kidnapped by an unscrupulous agent. Two others were outcast when they stood up publicly against the Soviet regime, winning their freedom to play in the NHL only after years of struggle.

They are the Russian Five: Sergei Fedorov, Viacheslav Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Vyacheslav Kozlov and Igor Larionov. Their individual stories read like pulse-pounding spy novels. The story that unfolded after they were brought together in Detroit by the masterful coach Scotty Bowman is unforgettable.

This story includes details never before revealed, and by the man who was there every step of the way - from the day Detroit drafted its first two Soviets in 1989 until they raised the Stanley Cup in 1997, then took it to Moscow for a victory lap around Red Square and the Kremlin.

The Russian Five did more to bridge Russian and American relations than decades of diplomacy and détente between the White House and the Kremlin. This is their story.

A 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Book from the Children's Book Council and National Council for the Social Studies

"Especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, middle school, and community library American History collections for young readers."--Midwest Book Review

"A strong addition to social studies and literacy curricula."--Amina Chaudhri, Booklist

"Full of awesome pictures and rich with historic info every kid (and their parents) should learn."--Red Tricycle, Best New Books of 2020, According to Our Kids

Did you know that the Lone Ranger was likely inspired by a black cowboy? Or that some of the most famous sharpshooters in the West were women? Or how a Native American rodeo star could ride even a buffalo? These are no tall tales! In fact, historians estimate that 1 in 4 cowboys were actually black, latino, or Native American-or even women! So saddle up for a tour of the Wild West with some of history's most unsung heroes and discover how the great Western story is really everyone's story.

Discover the life of Stan Lee-a story about creating your own adventures for kids ages 6 to 9

Stan Lee was a famous comic book writer, artist, editor, and publisher for Marvel Comics. Before he helped create heroes like the Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Black Panther, Stan was an imaginative boy who spent hours reading all sorts of different stories and letting his thoughts run wild. These stories inspired him to come up with exciting plots and new characters of his own. Explore how Stan went from being a young boy growing up in New York City to a comic book legend.

The Story of Stan Lee includes:

• Core curriculum-Discover the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Stan's life, and take a quick quiz to test your knowledge.
• Short chapters-Learn all about Stan Lee with quick chapters that make it fun for new readers like you to keep reading.
• A visual timeline-Watch Stan progress from kid to comic book icon with a visual timeline marking the major milestones of his life.

How will Stan's colorful imagination and hard work inspire you?

This book is about my life in a small town in southern Indiana during the 1950s, when Elvis's music first became popular, and about his influence in my life. It is also about my experiences along the way in finding other avenues for art instruction to expand my God-given talent, as art was not taught in my school. It also tells of the adventure and my quest for front row seats at an Elvis concert so that I might reach my life-long dream of giving one of my portraits of him to Elvis in person. It also tells of the unexpected pleasure and joy of meeting Elvis's father, Vernon, and being welcomed into his home. I have also shared here the accounts of hearing God's voice and seeing the signs He gave to me along the way while calling me to becoming a pastor: words which were true and signs I could not miss.

Hands-on STEM projects shine a light into the world of engineering and encourage kids ages 8 to 11 to learn about five female engineers who changed the way things work in this full-color book that teaches critical and creative thinking.

Have you crossed over a bridge today? Have you ridden an elevator to a top floor? Have you opened up a carton of milk? All of these things were made possible through engineering! In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Engineers with STEM Projects for Kids, readers ages 8 to 11 meet five female engineers who revolutionized the role of women in engineering, including Ellen Swallow Richards, Emily Warren Roebling, Kate Gleason, Lillian Moller Gilbreth, and Mary Jackson. Short sidebars highlight the accomplishments of contemporary female engineers and reveal the ways that women are finding success in engineering today, pointing the way for young people to imagine their place in engineering in the future.

- Through hands-on STEM projects such as researching organizational psychology, conducting a virtual tour of a model bridge, and creating a presentation about processed food, kids gain the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in engineering.

- Essential questions, cool facts about female engineers, and links to online resources all reinforce high-level learning.

- Using a fun narrative style, engaging illustrations combined with photography, fascinating facts, essential questions, and hands-on projects, this book deepens readers' creative thinking skills.

About the Gutsy Girls Go for Science set and Nomad Press

Engineers is part of a set of four Gutsy Girls Go for Science books that explore career connections for young scientists. The other titles in this series include Paleontologists, Astronauts, and Programmers.

Nomad Press books in the Gutsy Girls Go for Science series integrate content with participation, encouraging readers to engage in student-directed learning. Combining content with inquiry-based projects stimulates learning and makes it active and alive. Nomad's unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies. All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

A deeply moving and painfully honest memoir from the trailblazing, World Cup-winning, Olympic gold medalist, and U.S. Women's soccer goalie Briana Scurry with New York Times bestselling author Wayne Coffey

Foreword by Robin Roberts

Briana Scurry was a pioneer on the U.S. Women's National Team. She won gold in Atlanta in 1996, the first time women's soccer was ever played in the Olympics. She was a key part of the fabled "99ers," making an epic save in the decisive penalty-kick shootout in the final. Scurry captured her second Olympic gold in 2004, cementing her status as one of the premier players in the world. She was the only Black player on the team, and she was also the first player to be openly gay. It was a singularly amazing ride, one that Scurry handled with her trademark generosity and class--qualities that made her one of the most popular players ever to wear a U.S. jersey.

But Scurry's storybook career ended in 2010 when a knee to the head left her with severe head trauma. She was labeled "temporarily totally disabled," and the reality was even worse. She spiraled into depression, debt, and endured such pain that she closed out her closest friends and soccer soulmates. She pawned her gold medals. She walked to the edge of a waterfall and contemplated suicide. It seemed like the only way out until Scurry made her greatest save of all.

A memoir of startling candor, My Greatest Save is a story of triumph, tragedy, and redemption from a woman who has broken through barriers her entire life.

Powerful text and beautiful illustrations make this dazzling picture book biography the perfect read for everyone ready to get in touch with and shine their inner light like Beyoncé.

Beyoncé was quiet.
A push-an-empty-swing kind of quiet.
That's how most of the world saw her, until . . .

She can sing! Do you know she can sing?

one teacher looked closer.

Onstage, Beyoncé became a different person.
Dazzling!
Confident
Bold
This was where she belonged.

Beyoncé is bold, talented, confident, and an inspiring voice and power to millions of people all around the world. This captivating picture book biography celebrates the icon's rise from a shy little girl to a world-famous superstar. Discover the story of Beyoncé as she finds her voice, through trials and triumphs, and understand that you, too, can shine your light like Beyoncé.

From a "graceful, luminous writer with an eye for detail" (Minneapolis Star Tribune), this riveting memoir explores a year on a sustainable farm.

When Kristin Kimball left New York City to interview a dynamic young farmer named Mark, her world changed. On an impulse, she shed her city self and started a new farm with him on five hundred acres near Lake Champlain. The Dirty Life is the captivating chronicle of the couple's first year on Essex Farm, from the cold North Country winter through their harvest-season wedding in the loft of the barn.

Kristin and Mark's plan to grow everything needed to feed a community was an ambitious idea, and a bit romantic. It worked. Every Friday evening, all year round, over a hundred people travel to Essex Farm to pick up their weekly share of the "whole diet"--beef, pork, chicken, milk, eggs, maple syrup, grains, flours, dried beans, herbs, fruits, and forty different vegetables--produced by the farm. In The Dirty Life, Kristin discovers the wrenching pleasures of physical work, learns that good food is at the center of a good life, falls deeply in love, and finally finds the engagement and commitment she craved in the form of a man, a small town, and a beautiful piece of land.

A landmark work of literary criticism

Northrop Frye's Anatomy of Criticism is the magnum opus of one of the most important and influential literary theorists of the twentieth century. Breaking with the practice of close reading of individual texts, Frye seeks to describe a common basis for understanding the full range of literary forms by examining archetypes, genres, poetic language, and the relations among the text, the reader, and society. Using a dazzling array of examples, he argues that understanding "the structure of literature as a total form" also allows us to see the profoundly liberating effect literature can have.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER - From the Pulitzer Prize-winner and bestselling author, "a grand memoir.... Bragg tells about the South with such power and bone-naked love ... he will make you cry" (Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

This haunting, harrowing, gloriously moving recollection of a life on the American margin is the story of Rick Bragg, who grew up dirt-poor in northeastern Alabama, seemingly destined for either the cotton mills or the penitentiary, and instead became a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times. It is also the story of Bragg's father, a hard-drinking man with a murderous temper and the habit of running out on the people who needed him most.

But at the center of this soaring memoir is Bragg's mother, who went eighteen years without a new dress so that her sons could have school clothes and picked other people's cotton so that her children wouldn't have to live on welfare alone.

Evoking these lives--and the country that shaped and nourished them--with artistry, honesty, and compassion, Rick Bragg brings home the love and suffering that lie at the heart of every family. The result is unforgettable.

Beyond the Game is a new nonfiction chapter book series about athletes who have stepped up beyond sports to make a difference in the world, from acclaimed author, Andrew Maraniss and illustrator DeAndra Hodge. This is the story of LeBron James and his social justice work.

Before he became one of the most famous basketball players on the planet, before he began speaking out for justice, LeBron James was just a kid.

In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Andrew Maraniss, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge, readers learn more about the life and work of LeBron James--from growing up with a single mother in Akron, Ohio, to his journey to the NBA and ten NBA championships, to his social justice work creating I PROMISE and speaking up for Black Lives Matter.

While known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James has changed the world beyond sports.

Complete with black-and-white illustrations throughout, statistics, resources, and ways for kids to make a difference on their own--BEYOND THE GAME is a giftable and inspirational series for every reader.