Information Books/Resources > Biography

Discover the lives of some impressive New Zealand men and women - people who have achieved fame through their exploits as scientists, pioneers, adventurers, leaders, inventors, artists and sportspeople.
Where have they come from? What was their early childhood like? What made them successful? This collection samples and celebrates 50 famous New Zealanders. As well as the greats - Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Peter Blake and Jean Batten - there are experts on Giant squid and orca, powerful women, one of the most famous film pro... read more

Before the two world titles, before the sponsorships, before the jet-setting life on the world tour, being paid to do the thing you love most: weaving through zippering Superbank barrels and paddling over the ledge at places like Pipline and Teahupo'o. Before the battles with scoliosis, snapping your hamstring muscle off the bone and losing the brother you worshipped. Before all these things is the one state of being where every surfer is equal. Before all these things you are ...a grom. The Grommet's Edition of Mick Fanning's best... read more

Introduce students to A. A. Milne, the author of children's favourites like Winnie the Pooh. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer.

In July 1942, thirteen-year-old Anne Frank and her family, fleeing the horrors of Nazi occupation, went into hiding in an Amsterdam warehouse. Over the next two years Anne describes not only the daily frustrations of living in such close quarters, but also her thoughts, feelings and longings as she grows up. This title presents her diary.

<b>Child prodigy, genius, freak, a man who lived frivolously and died a pauper �</b><br><br>In thi... read more

Discover how explorers use their strength and skill to adapt to challenging conditions during the expedition unpredictable weather, physical hardship, unforeseen perils. Find out which strategies and survival techniques succeed and which fail, sometimes with tragic results. Detailed maps, including a large gatefold map for each expedition, show the route and terrain in graphic style. Includes Sir Edmund Hillary.

The only place to get the lowdown on the real stars of Glee! Find out how the boys measure up to their characters, how they started out, and discover their own hopes and dreams! Perfect for every Gleek!

The 'Naked Chef' is a down-to-earth chef who makes cooking simple and fun. He is a best-selling author of cookbooks and a popular television chef. Jamie has tried to tackle unhealthy eating and obesity and promotes the use of organic produce. Let his amazing story inspire you!

The first-person account of a 26-year-old who fought in the war in Sierra Leone as a 12-year-old boy. 'My new friends have begun to suspect that I haven't told them the full story of my life. "Why did you leave Sierra Leone?" "Because there is a war." "You mean, you saw people running around with guns and shooting each other?" "Yes, all the time." "Cool." I smile a little. "You should tell us about it sometime." "Yes, sometime."' This is how wars are fought now: by children, hopped-up on drugs and wielding AK-47s. There ... read more

An account of the ascent of the 21,000ft Siula Grande peak in the Peruvian Andes. Joe Simpson and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, had achieved the summit before the first disaster struck. What happened and how they dealt with the psychological traumas that resulted is the subject of this book.

Inventor. Visionary. Genius. Dropout. Adopted. Steve Jobs was the founder of Apple and he was all of these things. Steve Jobs has been described as a showman, artist, tyrant, genius, jerk. Through his life he was loved, hated, admired and dismissed, yet he was a living legend; the genius who founded Apple in his parent's garage when he was just 21 years-old, revolutionising the music world. He single-handedly introduced the first computer that could sit on your desk and founded and nurtured a company called Pixar bringing t... read more

This story is the stirring portrait of Rick Husband, commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia. In these pages his widow leads you on Rick's journey -- from a childhood dream, through the heart of the American space program, and into the vastness of space itself.

Meet the people who helped shape the world we know today. "100 People Who Made History" is no ordinary history book. Inventors and explorers rub shoulders with political leaders, sports stars, and entertainers. From Marco Polo to Marie Curie via Pele, this top 100 comes from all over the world, taking in all types of people. Packed with engaging graphics and plenty of unusual facts, each profile describes the major influences and tells true stories about the movers and shakers from our history. You can take a seat and meet the p... read more

Introduce students to Beatrix Potter, the author of children's favourites like Peter Rabbit. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer.

Introduce students to Dr. Seuss, the author of children's favourites like Green Eggs and Ham. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer.

Introduce students to Maurice Sendak, the author of children's favourites like Where the Wild Things Are. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer.

Introduce students to Roald Dahl, the author of children's favourites like Matilda. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer.

Steve Jobs revolutionized the way we work, listen to music, watch movies, and communicate. By pushing boundaries and always thinking one step ahead, Jobs became an icon, equally as famous for his advanced ideas and design aesthetic as his sleek black turtlenecks. What inspired him? How did he do his job? What made him the man he was? Here is Steve Jobs--the innovator, the rebel, the genius--in an incisive biography of a man who changed the world. Also includes quotes from and about Jobs, chronologies detailing Jobs's achieveme... read more

In 2004, Barack Obama was a barely known senator from Illinois. Just five years later, he would be the 44th president of the United States, and the first African American to hold that office. Follow Obama's campaign as he fights for the Democratic Party nomination and the election that would make history.

This year Queen Elizabeth II enjoys 60 glorious years as monarch with a Diamond Jubilee celebration to be held on 5th June 2012. Queen Elizabeth II, Her Story recounts the life of our Queen from her birth to present day. It is the story of a princess who became Queen and head of the Royal House of Windsor. * Birth of a Princess * The Little Princesses * Life in the Palace * Princess at War * Elizabeth becomes Queen * The Royal Family * Royal Duties * The Royal family Tree Early photographs capture the Queen's early years and a Ro... read more