This book is part of a book series called Contemporary Lives .

This book has been graded for interest at 11-17 years.

This book was published 2013 by Essential Library .

BARBARA KRAMER began writing biographies for children and young adults after following the advice of another author who said, "Write what you like to read. " She remembered how much she enjoyed biographies when she was a kid, especially stories about trailblazers such as Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and Elizabeth Blackwell and decided that's what she wanted to write. Her subjects have included both historical figures and people in the news.