Tyra Banks is more than just a pretty face. In addition to working as a model on fashion runways, and magazine covers for years, she is also a competent and determined businesswoman. Her savvy business sense, down-to-earth personality, strong work ethic, and desire to help young women discover their own inner strengths have made her "America's Next Top Model" reality show and eponymous talk show enormous hits. Banks, however, wasn't always successful. Tall and skinny as a young girl, she felt awkward, ugly, and out of place. Though she grew into her tall frame in high school, her apparent beauty did not guarantee jobs as modeling agencies repeatedly turned her away. Through perseverance and determination, Banks worked her way to become a supermodel, television personality, and household name. In "Tyra Banks: Model and Talk Show Host", discover how a shy, insecure girl grew up to be a powerhouse in the entertainment industry....

Find the nations from your region and use these books to add depth and interest to your collection. The history and lifestyles are respectfully presented, showing how these rich, impressive cultures have endured....

Osceola was a Seminole Indian who fought to keep his people from being pushed out of Florida. During his lifetime, Osceola became a skilled hunter, refused to make an agreement with the United States government, and fought in the Second Seminole War. Can y

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Tecumseh was a Shawnee Indian who fought to keep the lands and ways of his people. During his lifetime, Tecumseh became a skilled warrior, told other American Indians why they should work together, and fought in the War of 1812. Can you imagine what it was

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With a combination of speed, strength, power, and agility, Roger Maris knew how to best help his team win games, whether it was running extra bases, bunting to advance a teammate, or throwing a man out at home plate from right field. In 1961, Maris found himself in a home-run race with fellow Yankee slugger Mickey Mantle to take over Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60. On the last day of the regular season, Maris cracked home run number 61, adding him to the record books. Considered by some sport critics to be a one-year wonder, Maris reached the World Series seven times in his 12-season career and was voted the Most Valuable Player in the American League for two consecutive years. In "Roger Maris", read how this "Sultan of Swat" used his instincts to become a talented baseball player, as well as a doting father and a loving husband....

Venus and Serena Williams have dominated the tennis scene for years - winning numerous Grand Slam singles titles to become the first- and second-ranked tennis players in the world. Venus is known for her 127-mile-per-hour serve and her graceful agility on the court. Serena is known for her aggressive court style and fashion flair. By focusing on their dreams and steering clear of the drugs and gang violence that permeated their youth, the Williams sisters have shown the world that two inner-city African Americans can not only make a name for themselves in the predominantly white, upper-class sport of tennis, but they can also raise the level of the game. As millions have watched their success on court, Venus and Serena Williams have ensured that tennis will never be the same....

Vera Wang is a top fashion designer whose name is known around the world. Working first at "Vogue" magazine and then for Ralph Lauren, Wang opened her own business in 1990. She started with bridal gowns, but her collection has since grown to include evening-wear and daywear, as well as fine jewelry, fragrances, eyewear, and tablewares. A perfectionist with an eye for detail, Wang has infused her work with a simple gracefulness that is truly timeless. In this elegant biography, readers will learn what motivates and inspires this strong-willed visionary to create distinct fashions that bring out a woman's spirit....