Books written by John Bankston

Melissa Gilbert

A biography of the actress and Screen Actors Guild president who got her big break in television playing Laura Ingalls on "Little House on the Prairie."
Diego Rivera

Examines the life and work of the twentieth-century Mexican painter known especially for his murals.
Atlanta United FC

Then it cost over one billion dollars to build a new stadium for football and soccer. When Atlanta United FC began playing, fans thought it was worth it. Today some games attract over 70,000 people.
The Life and Times of Alexander the Great

He spread democracy. In many ways, Alexander was more of a liberator than a conqueror. In this new book for young adults, middle grade readers can experience the life and times of Alexander the Great.
Leif Erikson

A viking explorer who led what was probably the first European expedition to North America, Leif Erikson followed in his father's footsteps (Erik the Red) to become the leader of the first settlement in Greenland after his father's death.
The Life and Times of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

As a little boy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart began writing musical compositions when most kids his age were still learning to read.
Abby Wambach

Abby Wambach began playing soccer before she was five.
Genghis Khan

Yet despite growing up poor, he united the Mongol tribes. As an adult, he successfully led an invasion of China, one of the most powerful countries in the world. He ruled over the largest empire in history. He became known as Genghis Khan.
Better Hygiene

Explains how cleanliness relates to one's overall health and welln ess.
Environmental Protection

Describes the charities and philanthropists who provide money and services for environmental protection and looks at the ways that these efforts can help to keep the Earth habitable.
Jodie Foster

A biography of the Academy Award winning actress, Jodie Foster, from her work as a child in advertisements through her motion picture successes and failures.
Ancient India/Maurya Empire

The Maurya Empire stretched from Afghanistan to the southern tip of India.
Ray Bradbury

A biography of Ray Bradbury, the author who became one of the most acclaimed writers of speculative fiction.
Mariano Rivera

Instead, a scout for the New York Yankees changed his life. In just a few years, Mariano went from poverty in Panama to winning World Series Titles. This is Mariano’s story. Mariano Rivera no soñaba con ser jugador de béisbol.
Jared Goff

For Jared Goff, throwing a football was always easy.
Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine

A biography of the scientist and humanitarian who discovered the vaccine for polio, a disease which crippled many people in the early part of the twentieth century.
Ariana Grande

Pop singer Ariana Grande got her start on Broadway in musicals including Annie and;13;before breaking through as a TV star on the Nickelodeon shows Victorious and Sam & Cat.
Drew Barrymore

A biography of the young star of the movie "E.T." who survived her troubled early years and has gone on to become a successful actress and movie producer.
Portland Timbers

They were such a popular team in Portland, Oregon that their biggest fans called themselves _The Timbers Army._ When Major League Soccer added Portland, Oregon, to the list of cities getting soccer teams, the Timbers kept their name.
Donovan Mitchell

"Donovan Mitchell is built like a running back. At 6'3'' and 215 pounds he's shorter than many top basketball stars. Yet he makes the most of his size, guarding the net against many larger players"--