The Who Was…? Series is Filled with Fascinating Tales of Famous Figures and Historical Events

What Were the Salem Witch Trials?, by Joan Holub, Dede Putra, and Kevin McVeigh
Centuries before Linda Blair’s noggin spun around with the greatest of demonic ease in the film adaptation of The Exorcist, two Puritan girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, were afflicted with a mysterious illness. In January 1692, news spread through the village that nine-year-old Betty Parris, daughter of the local minister, and her eleven-year-old cousin, Abigail, were the victims of evil witchcraft. As more folks began to share the girls’ frightening symptoms, the townspeople reached near hysteria. Thus began the now-infamous era of the Salem witch trials, which resulted in the punishment and death of many innocent people, and still remains one the darkest chapters in U.S. history.

Who Was Edgar Allan Poe?, by Jim Gigliotti, Tim Foley, and Nancy Harrison
Young readers with a penchant for the dark and disturbing will happily devour this account of the life and raven-filled times of writer Edgar Allan Poe. The book takes readers back to Poe’s earliest days, chronicling his bumpy journey to adulthood. Though he grew up to be a brilliant writer who enjoyed critical success, Poe was plagued by tragedy for much of his life—a fact that is presented in an honest and forthright way.

Who is Malala Yousafzai?, by Dinah Brown and Andrew Thomson
Students of all ages will be inspired to make the most of the new school year after reading about one girl’s fierce determination to get an education. As a child in northwestern Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai loved attending school and dreamed of one day becoming a doctor. When Taliban fighters seized control of her town and began to destroy girls’ schools, Malala bravely spoke out and continued to attend classes, acts which prompted the regime to seek violent revenge. Now an advocate and Nobel Peace Prize-winner, Malala is a powerful champion of education for all.

Who is J.K. Rowling?, by Pamela Pollack and Meg Belviso
Muggles, witches, and wizards alike will be beguiled by this biography of J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. The book traces the rise of the reigning queen of kid-lit, who was once a single mother with a fertile imagination, and the childhood experiences that eventually found their way into her stories. As we follow Rowling on her path from secretary to internationally renowned author, it becomes clear that one person’s dream can make a tremendous—and utterly magical—impact. It’s enough to make any Potter fan want to toast Ms. R. with a frosty mug of butterbeer.

Who is Jane Goodall?, by Roberta Edwards, John O’Brien, and Nancy Harrison
Born with an insatiable curiosity about the natural world, British anthropologist Jane Goodall revolutionized humanity’s understanding of wild chimpanzees. This charming biography starts from Jane’s early years as a child in London, where she explored her environment with her trusty stuffed chimpanzee, Jubilee, and follows her to Africa, where she observed wild chimps in their natural habitat, and was ultimately accepted by them. Goodall’s story will surely have budding scientists, animal lovers, and nature explorers dreaming up adventures of their own.
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