The Who Is Series Features Iconic Lives for Kids

Finding a biography that grabs a young reader’s attention can be a challenge, especially when they’re more interested in today’s superstars than historical figures. The who is series bridges that gap perfectly, bringing the lives of contemporary icons—from Taylor Swift to LeBron James—into a format that’s both educational and genuinely exciting for kids. It’s the modern-day counterpart to a beloved collection, making history and achievement feel immediate and relevant.
This approach transforms biography from a dusty school assignment into an inspiring look at the people shaping our world right now. It shows children that history isn’t just something that happened long ago; it’s being made every day by people they recognize.

At a Glance: What to Expect

• Living Legends, Accessible Stories: Discover how the series focuses on influential people who are still alive, making their stories relatable and current for young readers.
• A Modern Extension of a Classic: Understand how the “Who Is…?” books fit within the broader “Who Was…?” universe and why the distinction is important for choosing the right book.
• Diverse Role Models: Explore the wide range of figures featured, from tech moguls and pop stars to scientists and activists, offering a role model for every child.
• Engaging Educational Format: Learn about the signature style—with its big-head caricatures, timelines, and informational sidebars—that makes complex lives easy to digest.
• Practical Selection Guide: Get actionable tips for picking the perfect book based on a child’s interests, whether they love sports, science, art, or activism.

From “Was” to “Is”: The Evolution of a Biography Powerhouse

The “Who Is…?” books aren’t a standalone phenomenon; they are a vital, modern branch of a much larger literary family. The entire project began in 2002 with the Who Was…? series, which focused on historical figures like Amelia Earhart and Albert Einstein. These books established a winning formula: concise, illustrated biographies that tell a complete story without overwhelming young readers.
For years, the series looked exclusively to the past. But in 2009, a pivotal shift occurred with the publication of Who Is Barack Obama?, released during his first term as president. This marked the official launch of the who is series, a collection dedicated to the lives of influential people still living and working. This expansion was a game-changer, allowing the series to feel as current as the daily news. To get a full picture of the foundational series that started it all, you can Learn about the Who Was series.
The “Is” designation does more than just separate the living from the deceased. It signals to young readers that the person’s story is still unfolding, which adds a layer of excitement and relevance. It invites kids to follow along with the subject’s ongoing career and contributions.

A Universe of Modern Icons

The “Who Is…?” collection has grown to include a remarkably diverse array of personalities from nearly every field imaginable. This variety ensures that no matter what a child is passionate about, there’s likely a book featuring a role model they can connect with.

Innovators and Entrepreneurs

For kids fascinated by technology, business, and big ideas, the series offers compelling stories of visionaries who changed the world.

• Who Is Bill Gates? (2013) explores the life of the Microsoft co-founder, tracing his journey from a young computer enthusiast to a global philanthropist.
• Who Was Steve Jobs? (2012) details the career of the Apple mastermind, highlighting his relentless pursuit of innovation and design perfection. (Note: This was published post-mortem, but covers a contemporary tech figure).
• Who Is Jeff Kinney? (2015) gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creator of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, inspiring young writers and artists.

Athletes and Entertainers

These books are often a gateway for reluctant readers, using the star power of famous athletes and performers to draw them in. The stories go beyond a highlight reel, focusing on the hard work, perseverance, and challenges faced on the road to success.

• Who Is Taylor Swift? (2024) chronicles the journey of the music superstar, from her beginnings in country music to her status as a global pop icon.
• Who Is LeBron James? (2023) follows the basketball legend from his childhood in Akron, Ohio, to his record-breaking career and philanthropic work.
• Who Is RuPaul? (2021) tells the inspiring story of the drag superstar who built an entertainment empire and became a champion for self-expression and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Who Is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? (Not yet published, but a prime example of the type of figure featured) would detail his transition from wrestling champion to one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars.

Leaders and Activists

The series doesn’t shy away from people making a difference in the world of politics, law, and social justice. These biographies introduce complex topics in an age-appropriate way, emphasizing courage and the power of a single voice.

• Who Is Michelle Obama? (2013) shares the story of the former First Lady, focusing on her initiatives and her journey to the White House.
• Who Is Malala Yousafzai? (2015) powerfully recounts the story of the young Pakistani activist who stood up for education and survived a Taliban attack, later winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Who Is Ruth Bader Ginsburg? (2019) introduces the iconic Supreme Court Justice, explaining her lifelong fight for gender equality and justice.

Scientists and Trailblazers

For the curious mind, these books spotlight brilliant individuals who have pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration.

• Who Is Jane Goodall? (2012) takes readers into the forests of Tanzania with the pioneering primatologist, showcasing her groundbreaking research with chimpanzees.
• Who Is Temple Grandin? (2020) tells the remarkable story of the animal behaviorist and autism advocate who revolutionized the livestock industry.
• Who Is Neil deGrasse Tyson? (2021) explores the life of the famed astrophysicist and science communicator, making concepts like black holes and galaxies accessible to kids.

The Secret Sauce: Why the Format Works

The consistent structure of the who is series is key to its success. It’s a reliable format that kids, parents, and teachers have come to love.

• Iconic Cover Art: Each book features the signature caricature-style illustration with an oversized head. This quirky, fun design is instantly recognizable and makes the historical or contemporary figure seem approachable.
• Narrative Storytelling: The books are not dry encyclopedic entries. They are written as engaging narratives, telling a life story with a clear beginning, middle, and ongoing conclusion.
• Illustrated Timelines: Two timelines are included in each book—one for the person’s life and one for the history of the world during their lifetime. This provides crucial context and helps readers understand how the individual’s story fits into the bigger picture.
• Informational Sidebars: Throughout the text, breakout boxes provide deeper dives into related topics. For example, a book on Bill Gates might have a sidebar explaining what a computer virus is, while a book on Serena Williams might explain the scoring of a tennis match.
  This multi-layered approach allows a child to read the main story for enjoyment or dig deeper into the contextual details, making it a valuable tool for both casual reading and school projects.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

What is the target age range for the “Who Is Series”?
The series is primarily aimed at readers aged 8 to 12 (grades 3-7). The text is straightforward, and the concepts are explained simply, but the subject matter is substantial enough to engage older elementary and middle school students.
How does the series handle difficult or controversial topics?
The authors tackle complex issues with sensitivity and a focus on historical context. For example, in biographies of political figures or activists, the books present challenges and conflicts in a factual, age-appropriate manner, focusing on the person’s actions and impact without being overly political or one-sided.
Are all the “Who Is…?” subjects still alive?
Generally, yes. The “Is” is meant to denote a living person whose story is ongoing. However, sometimes a book is published, and the subject passes away later (like Ruth Bader Ginsburg). The title remains “Who Is…?” as a marker of the series it belongs to. This contrasts with figures like Steve Jobs, whose book was published posthumously as Who Was Steve Jobs?
How are the subjects for the books chosen?
The publisher, Penguin Workshop, selects individuals who have made a significant impact on culture, science, politics, or sports. They often choose figures who are highly recognizable to young readers, ensuring the books have immediate appeal. The inclusion of contemporary stars like Taylor Swift and athletes like Simone Biles reflects a commitment to staying relevant.

Choosing Your First “Who Is” Book

Getting started is easy. The best approach is to align the book with a child’s existing interests. This creates an instant connection and makes reading feel like a treat, not a task.
Here’s a simple guide to picking the right starting point: