Vanessa Oswald

She is one of the most iconic performers of her generation. From her early days in Destiny's Child to her career as a highly successful solo artist, she has created numerous hit albums, starred in many films, and performed for legions of passionate fans who often refer to her as Queen Bey. This book examines Beyonce's relationship with her family, her career as a performer and businesswoman, and how she has channeled her fame into activism. Fact-filled sidebars, annotated quotations, and full-color photographs add extra insight to this fascinating biography.

The Reign of Queen Bey

Beyoncé

The black arts movement was led by African Americans between the 1960s and 1970s, and included artists of all kinds, such as poets, writers, actors, musicians, painters, and dancers. The main goal was to encourage black artists to make art that would tell the meaningful stories of black people and their experiences and struggles throughout history. Readers dive deep into this movement as they explore the main text that features annotated quotes from artists and historians. Sidebars and a timeline provide additional information. Historical images including primary sources give readers an up-close look at this pivotal cultural period.

Creating a Cultural Identity

The Black Arts Movement

The emergence of indie rock as a genre has helped categorize artists who belong to independent record labels. These musicians, due to their refusal to appeal to the mainstream, have boycotted the corporate rock scene to maintain more creative control. Readers learn about the debate behind whether indie bands later picked up by major labels should still be considered "indie" and why some see them as "sell outs." Detailed sidebars, an essential albums list, and annotated quotes from artists and critics are also included to expose readers to the musicians responsible for the inception and continuance of indie rock.

Finding an Independent Voice

Indie Rock

Shawn Corey Carter, known to most of the world as JAY-Z, has made a name for himself as one of the most successful artists in hip-hop. Not only has he achieved this success with rapping, but also as an entrepreneur. Having grown up in a housing project in Brooklyn, his story is a tale of struggles and successes. Engaging main text, full-color photographs, and a detailed timeline give readers an inside look into this rap star's exciting life. Annotated quotes from JAY-Z and others provide first-person perspectives on his rise to the top of the worlds of hip-hop and business.

Building a Hip-Hop Empire

JAY-Z

For the past decade, Katy Perry has been a visible part of the pop music scene. However, fans may be surprised to learn that despite the themes of some of Perry's early songs, she grew up in a conservative family. This and other fun facts about Perry's life are presented to readers alongside annotated quotes from the famous singer and those who know her best. With the release of her album Witness, Perry has shifted her focus to songs that explore deeper emotions and issues. Full-color photographs and a detailed timeline give readers a glimpse at the real Katy Perry.

Purposeful Pop Icon

Katy Perry

Sean Sheehan

Jui Lin Yong

Trinidad and Tobago are two tropical islands located off the northern coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, but together they make one nation. Both are home to a vibrant culture. Through this detailed book, readers explore many aspects of this country, such as its history, geography, lifestyle, language, festivals, and food. Informative sidebars, comprehensive maps, a detailed glossary, and eye-catching, full-color photographs bring extra insight to this social studies curriculum topic. Readers will gain useful knowledge as they learn about the customs of this unique nation.

Vanessa Oswald

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