Heather E. Schwartz

Kendrick Lamar is American hip-hop royalty, with twenty-three tracks and three albums that have sold more than a million copies and gone platinum. As a respected MC, Lamar speaks to socially conscious issues and racial injustice in his lyrics. His fans connect with his music and message, and he rocketed to star status. Born in Compton, California, Lamar witnessed hardships early in life, from seeing a shooting and racial riots to poverty. He turned those experiences and thoughts into words when he realized his love for writing, especially lyrics. Lamar learned songwriting from some of his musical heroes--DMX, Snoop Dogg, and Jay Z. Then his mixtapes got him signed to a label and his music started hitting the charts. Soon Lamar was going on tour and winning Grammys, and today this rapper's music influences and reaches fans around the world.

Esports is one of the fastest growing industries to work in. People who work in esports combine their love of video games with skills in coding, leadership, and communications. From streamers to shoutcasters, meet the people who make esports possible.

The world's biggest esports championship events feature thrilling on-screen action that attracts millions of fans in person and online. Explore the growing world of esports championships and find out what it takes to win big prizes and become an esports superstar.

Expanding your child’s reading horizons is easy with fiction books from Teacher Created Materials! In “Cupcake Conundrum” by Heather E. Schwartz tells the story of how third grader Jazmine and her friends want to bake and sell cupcakes to earn money for a good cause. But they run into problems when they learn their plan will cost money, too. Find out more in this fun lesson in careful spending your child will love. Includes ‘Book Club’ literacy and comprehension questions. This fiction book is written in Spanish.

A determined Russian girl will do anything to see Moscow. When her dad travels to Moscow on a business trip, she decides to stowaway to see what the big city is really like. This Spanish fiction book supports early fluent readers on their journey to independent reading. Engage students’ natural curiosity with fun and inspiring real-world stories. Perfect for shared or guided reading, this book builds a foundation for a lifelong love of reading. This fiction book is written in Spanish.

Attempted escapes, suspected paranormal activity, and more mark Alcatraz's history. Alone on an island off the coast of California sits the famous prison Alcatraz. Before closing in 1963, it was home to some of the most well-known and dangerous criminals. Many tried to escape. Most failed, but the 1962 attempt by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers remains unsolved. People still wonder whether they made it off the island. But escape attempts aren't the only mysteries that surround Alcatraz. Past prisoners and recent tourists alike have claimed to hear ghostly activity in the building. Discover the history of Alcatraz, including famous prisoners, the 1962 escape plan, paranormal theories, and more.

From the time she sat coloring next to her father while he studied for law school, Ketanji Brown Jackson was interested in the US legal system. She became a star student, attended Harvard University, and chased her goal of one day getting a judicial appointment. Jackson believes the courts are a tool to further individual rights and justice for all Americans, a value she has carried across her diverse career. Learn more about Jackson's journey and how it led her to become the first Black woman justice on the US Supreme Court.

From the time she sat coloring next to her father while he studied for law school, Ketanji Brown Jackson was interested in the US legal system. She became a star student, attended Harvard University, and chased her goal of one day getting a judicial appointment. Jackson believes the courts are a tool to further individual rights and justice for all Americans, a value she has carried across her diverse career. Learn more about Jackson's journey and how it led her to become the first Black woman justice on the US Supreme Court.

The Sunrise Movement is a youth-led organization fighting the climate crisis and building a fairer future. Climate change is harming our planet and could cause food and water scarcity, severe weather, and more. The Sunrise Movement is working to stop climate change by protesting, proposing policies, and helping elect leaders who will fight alongside them. They are also working to create millions of jobs that will help protect the environment. In 2017 the Sunrise Movement was created by eight young activists: Sara Blazevic, Michael Dorsey, Victoria Fernandez, Dyanna Jaye, Matthew Lichtash, Stephen O'Hanlon, Varshini Prakash, and Evan Weber. The founders came from different backgrounds, but all of them were determined to create a better future. Learn about the activists, how they created a movement, and much more.

Pop Star With an X Factor

Zendaya is a triple threat She dances, sings, and acts. Zendaya has been performing since she was a kid. Find out how she got her start on Disney Channel, her latest blockbuster movies, and what she plans for the future. Read about your favorite stars in the In the Spotlight series--part of the UpDog Books(TM) collection. Dive into some of their greatest achievements and how they rose to fame. Special features include important stats on the stars and a reflection page about how you can do great things too

Tyler "Ninja" Blevins is a gaming superstar This famous streamer knows what it takes to be the best. Find out how he went pro, how he rose to the top, and what he might do next. Read about your favorite stars in the In the Spotlight series--part of the UpDog Books(TM) collection. Dive into some of their greatest achievements and how they rose to fame. Special features include important stats on the stars and a reflection page about how you can do great things too