#ByWhoHQ

Who Is Aaron Judge?

Author: James Buckley Jr. Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: Sports Illustrator: Andrew Thomson

Learn about the exciting record-breaking career of home run hero Aaron Judge in the Who HQ Now format featuring newsmakers and trending topics. Since making his Major League Baseball debut in 2016, Aaron Judge has taken the world of baseball by storm. He has won Home Run Derby competitions and has been named an All-Star. In 2022, he broke the American League record for most home runs in a season when he hit 62 homers. Young readers will learn about how Aaron became the star he is today after excelling in college baseball at Fresno State University and growing up playing football, basketball, and baseball. Get to know more about #99 on the New York Yankees in this nonfiction title perfect for baseball fanatics and young athletes. Read more

Who Was Rosa Parks?

Author: Yona Zeldis McDonough Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Stephen Marchesi

In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This seemingly small act triggered civil rights protests across America and earned Rosa Parks the title "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement." This biography has black-and-white illustrations throughout. Read more

Who Is Cristiano Ronaldo?

Author: James Buckley Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books Genre: Sports Illustrator: Gregory Copeland

Discover how a young boy born in Portugal with a passion for soccer worked hard to become one of the most famous athletes of all time in this exciting addition to the Who HQ Now series that features newsmakers and trending topics. When he was just twelve years old, Cristiano Ronaldo was recruited to play professional soccer for a team in Portugal, 600 miles from his home on the island of Madeira, a region of Portugal. For the next twenty-five years, Cristiano would prove to the world that he is one of the greatest to ever play the game. Author James Buckley Jr. takes readers through each exciting moment--from his first championship with Manchester United to each of his five Ballon D'or award-winning seasons. He has spent his career playing for teams in Portugal, England, Spain, and Italy. And he is the first player with league championships in England, Spain, and Italy. Outside the world of soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous people in the world - a true international superstar. Look for more Who HQ titles: Who Is Pelé? What Is the World Cup? Who Is David Beckham? Who Is Megan Rapinoe? Read more

Who Was the Girl Warrior of France?

Author: Sarah Winifred Searle Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Maria Capelle Frantz

Discover the story behind Joan of Arc and her journey to triumph in the Hundred Years' War in this captivating graphic novel -- written by Sincerely, Harriet author Sarah Winifred Searle and illustrated by award-winning cartoonist Maria Capelle Frantz. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series! Follow Joan of Arc on her journey to convince the Dauphin to let her lead the French army in the Battle of Orleans and win the Hundred Years' War. A story of faith, courage, and determination, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves in the life of the teenage French heroine -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page. Read more

Who Is LeBron James?

Author: Crystal Hubbard Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: Sports Illustrator: Stephen Marchesi

How did a young boy from Ohio go on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time? Read about the incredible life and career of LeBron James in this addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series. Today, LeBron James is an international superstar who has won four NBA Championships, earned two Olympic gold medals, written books, and starred in blockbuster movies. He has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and has gained fans across the country as he led each of those three teams to victory. Many basketball lovers consider LeBron James to be one of the greatest players of all time. But how did LeBron come to be "King James?" Find out all about LeBron's childhood, how he started playing basketball at the age of nine, and went on to rule the court in this new book for young readers! Look for more Who HQ titles: Who Is Michael Jordan? Who Was Kobe Bryant? Who Is Shaquille O'Neal? What Are the Summer Olympics? Read more

Who Is Lionel Messi?

Author: James Buckley Jr. Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: Sports Illustrator: Manuel Gutierrez

Read all about Argentinian soccer superstar Lionel Messi and his legendary career in this book from Who HQ Now, the series featuring the trending topics and news makers of today. Lionel Messi loved soccer from an early age, often playing with his family members with encouragement from his grandmother. Now, he is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time! He is also one of the most decorated footballers in the world--having won 44 collective trophies, including seven Ballon d'Or awards, 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year, 2019 and 2022 Best FIFA Men's Player, and more. From making his first team debut at just sixteen years old in 2003 to breaking numerous longstanding records in 2012, to helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, Messi continues to wow fans with his finesse of the soccer ball. However, Lionel Messi stays true to his roots, never forgetting a small tribute to his grandmother each time he scores a goal by looking up and pointing to the sky. Learn about Lionel's epic career and his lifelong love for soccer in this illustrated biography for young readers. Read more

Who Is Michael Jordan?

Author: Kirsten Anderson Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: Sports Illustrator: Dede Putra

Grab your Js and hit the court with this Who Was? biography about NBA superstar Michael Jordan. Meet the man who changed the game forever. Michael Jordan has always been competitive--even as a young boy, he fought for attention. His need to be the best made him a star player on his college basketball team and helped him become an NBA legend, both for his skills and his endorsements. His Nike contract for Air Jordan basketball shoes set an unmatched precedent for professional athletes. Author Kirsten Anderson takes readers through each exciting moment, detailing the iconic reverse lay-ups and jump shots of Michael Jordan's storied career. Look for more Who HQ titles: Who Is LeBron James? Who Was Kobe Bryant? Who Is Shaquille O'Neal? Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan Read more

Who Is Shaquille O'Neal?

Author: Ellen Labrecque Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: Sports Illustrator: Manuel Gutierrez

NBA champion, sports analyst, and successful businessman Shaquille O'Neal is a lively and entertaining addition to the #1 New York Times Bestselling Series! Shaquille O'Neal discovered his love of basketball while spending time in an afterschool program called the Boys & Girls Club of America. Standing over six feet tall by the time he turned eleven years old, Shaq--as he is affectionately known--continued to practice the game and stunned the country with his phenomenal skills. From leading his high-school team to its first-ever state title to becoming the first pick in the 1992 NBA draft and going on to win four NBA championships, Shaq proved that he could dominate almost any player. But the fifteen-time All Star who played for six teams throughout his nineteen-year NBA career isn't just a force on the court, he is also an actor, television host, musician, and businessman who is always ready to crack a joke or bust a dance move. With such a welcoming personality and immense talent, it is easy to see why Shaquille O'Neal is often considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. Read more

Who Is Shohei Ohtani?

Author: James Buckley Jr. Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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?

Author: James Buckley Jr. Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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?

Author: Insha Fitzpatrick Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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 Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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?

Author: Melanie Gillman Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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

Author: Paula K. Manzanero Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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 Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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?

Author: Dina Anastasio Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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 Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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?

Author: Emmett Nahil Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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 Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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 Publisher: Penguin Workshop 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

Who Was Jane Goodall?

Author: Roberta Edwards Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: John O'Brien

Discover the wild history of Jane Goodall’s life and work in this Who HQ biography exploring one of history’s most influential scientists. In this exceptional Who HQ biography that is accessible for young readers, the life and legacy of Jane Goodall, one of the world’s most influential scientists to date, comes alive. Born in London, England, in 1934, Jane loved animals from a very young age, and made it her goal to study them in their natural habitats. So, at age twenty-six, she set off to Africa to do just that! Goodall's up-close observations of chimpanzees changed what we know about them and paved the way for many female scientists who came after her. Complete with comprehensive, age-appropriate text and black-and-white illustrations throughout, this Who HQ biography of Jane Goodall is the perfect way for young readers to learn all about one of the most influential scientists of our time in an accessible and memorable way. Read more

What Was the Holocaust?

Author: Gail Herman Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: History Illustrator: Jerry Hoare

A thoughtful and age-appropriate introduction to an unimaginable event—the Holocaust. The Holocaust was a genocide on a scale never before seen, with as many as twelve million people killed in Nazi death camps—six million of them Jews. Gail Herman traces the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, whose rabid anti-Semitism led first to humiliating anti-Jewish laws, then to ghettos all over Eastern Europe, and ultimately to the Final Solution. She presents just enough information for an elementary-school audience in a readable, well-researched book that covers one of the most horrible times in history. This entry in the New York Times best-selling series contains eighty carefully chosen illustrations and sixteen pages of black and white photographs suitable for young readers. Read more

Who Was Joan of Arc?

Author: Pam Pollack Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Andrew Thomson

Joan of Arc was born in a small French village during the worst period of the Hundred Years' War. For generations, France had been besieged by the British. At age 11, Joan began to see religious visions telling her to join forces with the King of France. By the time she was a teenager, she was leading troops into battle in the name of her country. Though she was captured and executed for her beliefs, Joan of Arc became a Catholic saint and has since captured the world's imagination. Read more

Who Discovered How to Breathe Underwater?

Author: Ned Wolfe Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Caroline Hu

Explore how French naval officer Jacques Cousteau forever changed the way people experience life underwater in this STEM-driven graphic novel by GLAAD Media Award–winning author Ned Wolfe and illustrator Caroline Hu. An NSTA-CBC 2026 Best STEM Book! A NCSS-CBC 2026 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People! Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series! Dive into the sea with Jacques Cousteau as he works to develop the Aqua-Lung—the first modern scuba device—which allowed for safer, longer, and deeper diving. A story of friendship, experimentation, and innovation, this graphic novel immerses readers in Jacques’s journey of combining his passions for tinkering, filmmaking, and the sea. This accessible narrative makes a splash with bright, full-color illustrations that will transport readers below the water's surface. Read more

Who Was Kobe Bryant?

Author: Ellen Labrecque Publisher: Penguin Workshop Genre: Sports Illustrator: Gregory Copeland

Told in a new Who HQ Now format for trending topics, this Who Was? biography details NBA superstar Kobe Bryant's legendary career and the impact of his legacy on the sports world and beyond. Kobe Bryant was just an eighteen-year-old high-school basketball player when he decided to enter the National Basketball Association's draft. Though he was the thirteenth overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, he would never play a single game for them. Instead, Kobe was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend his entire twenty-season career, winning five championships and numerous awards. Author Ellen Labreque takes readers through each exciting moment, from his iconic dunks to his 81-point game--all the milestones that span Kobe Bryant's legendary career and legacy. Read more