These biographies for teen readers describe the lives and achievements of well-known, significant Americans of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was only fifteen years old when he made up his mind: "I wanted to do something special," he said, "to be recognized as the best."

Bill Gates, co-founder and chairman of Microsoft, is perhaps the most famous name in the PC (personal computer) revolution. This has helped make Gates one of the wealthiest men in the world, having been ranked the richest person on earth for the last thirteen consecutive years according to Forbes magazine.

One of the most visible and recognizable men in America today, Dr. Phillip C. McGraw is a best-selling author, life coach, and the star of "The Dr. Phil Show." Dr. Phil was not always wealthy and successful.

George W. Bush was only eight months into his presidency when terrorists attacked America. Keeping a steady helm in a turbulent world calls for tough decisions. President Bush, like all presidents, meets challenges on every front—from controversy over his war in Iraq to arguments over his Supreme Court nominations at home.

 In 1990, Jo Rowling was sitting on a train when she began to envision the story of a young wizard. She raced home to capture her ideas in a notebook—creating the first few pages of Harry Potter.

I think teachers have a more profound impact on our society and culture than any other profession," says Laura Bush. The little girl who loved dolls and books became a teacher and school librarian.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference." Four-time Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Robert Frost used simple language to describe nature and ordinary life. Frost himself switched paths in 1912, quitting his teaching position to become a full-time poet.

Sam Walton was the founder of the tremendously successful retail chain, Wal-Mart. In addition to his business accomplishments, Walton supported various charitable causes, including those of his church, the Presbyterian Church.

"The world’s biggest toy . . . for the world’s biggest boy . . . " That’s how Walt Disney's friend once described Disneyland Park.