Queen Latifah

From Jersey Girl to Superstar

From the Series USA TODAY Lifeline Biographies

  • Interest Level: Grade 6 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 7

People who knew Queen Latifah as a kid in Newark, New Jersey, would never have guessed at the fame in her future. But Latifah always dreamed big. Her dreams—and hard work—paid off. While still a teenager, Latifah became the first female solo rapper to sign with a major label and earn widespread popularity. She crafted a unique style full of positive messages, completely changing the rap landscape.

That was just the beginning. Since 1989 Queen Latifah has made eight albums and thirty movies, starred in a top TV sitcom, hosted a talk show, launched business and charitable ventures, and won several prestigious awards.

As USA TODAY, the Nation’s No. 1 Newspaper, reports, it’s ordinary people who inspire Queen Latifah: “[A stranger once] told me how much I meant to her and to women of color, and women in general. When I hear that, I know that I’m doing the right thing.” What’s next for Latifah? The world will be watching, eager to find out.

Format Your Price Add
978-0-7613-8855-5
$38.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% when you buy direct!
Interest Level Grade 6 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 7
Genre Young Adult
Copyright 2012
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Twenty-First Century Books ™
Language English
Number of Pages 112
Publication Date 2012-01-01
Reading Counts! Level 7.4
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS YAN006050, YAN006140
Dewey 782.421649092
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 6 x 8.5
Lexile 950
Features Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Index, Photo captions, Reviewed, Sidebars, Source notes, Table of contents, and Websites

Author: Amy Ruth Allen

A seasoned communications professional with 17 years experience in writing, editing, public relations, and media relations, Amy Ruth Allen has worked in the areas of arts management, higher education and children's literature. She is the author of several children's books, and her many articles have appeared in newspapers and magazines nationwide, including in The Washington Post, Mademoiselle, and Crayola Kids. She lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, with her husband Leigh Allen.

Reviews

The Horn Book Guide

“Each book contains background about social movements, fashion, and musical influences, plus excerpts from USA Today articles. Queen Latifah’s childhood and family life, as well as Lady Gag’s development of her persona, are covered in detail, while topics such as drugs and sexual orientation are also discussed. Fans won’t mind the crowded layout. Latifah has a glossary; Gaga has a timeline.” —The Horn Book Guide

Booklist

“This very readable biography is a good starting place for curious fans.” --Booklist

VOYA

“Sparkling graphics, stylish layout, and engaging writing will attract young readers, especially those needing one-hundred-plus-page biographies for assignments….Admirable.” —VOYA