1954-

Describes the work of marine biologist John Calambokidis, who studies whales off the coast of California.

Examines the life and achievements of Condoleeza Rice, President George W. Bush's National Security Advisor, and considers her place in the history of the United States.

Profiles the life of Sonia Sotomayor born in the Bronx of poor immigrant parents. Raised in public housing projects by a mother who valued education. In 2009 she was confirmed as a associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the land.

A biography of the African American actor who won an Academy Award for his role in the movie "Glory.".

Viktor Yushchenko was able to win the first truly democratic election (despite overwhelming odds) in his nation's history to become president of the Ukraine. As president he faced the challenges of running a country still struggling with independence, past problems with corrupt leadership, and a struggling economy.

Angela Merkel was born in West Germany but raised in East Germany. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Merkel started her rise to become Germany's first female chancellor. A scientist by training, she uses her analytical skills as she confronts issues in Germany, Europe, and the world with skill and tact.

Written by former Under Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Brown, this book tells his side of the response to Hurricane Katrina, one of the greatest natural disasters to occur in the United States. Without making excuses for himself, Brown describes in detail the federal response to the disaster. What Brown and others in government did not anticipate, was the fact that New Orleans' levees could be breached, waffling leadership, interfering media, and self-serving politicians seeking to score points with the government.

Traces the life and accomplishments of the former educator and national security advisor to President George W. Bush who became the second woman, and the second African American, to be Secretary of State.