Who Is Taylor Swift?

By (author) Anderson, Kirsten; By (author) Who HQ; Illustrated by Copeland Gregory
Short description/annotation:
Learn how a young girl who lived on a Christmas tree farm grew up to become one of the most celebrated musical artists of the twenty-first century in this addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Series.
Description:
Taylor Swift always knew she wanted to be a country music artist, so at age thirteen, she convinced her parents to move their family out of Pennsylvania to Nashville. As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Taylor wrote songs about teenage heartbreak and fitting in with her peers, and she performed these and other tunes at open mic nights and karaoke events. Breaking into the music industry took longer than she expected because record executives thought there was no place in country music for her songs. But Taylor was fearless and proved them wrong. Since the release of her self-titled debut album in 2006, Taylor Swift has dominated the music charts, reinvented her sound, won numerous awards, shaken off public criticism, and spoken up for herself and others. Whether you''re a lifelong Swiftie or someone who just loves learning about musicians, this enchanting book will teach you all about the experiences that helped Taylor Swift become the successful superstar many kids and adults looks up to.
Biographical note:
Kirsten Anderson is a writer and actress who lives in New York City with her charming Pomeranian, Sunflower. She has written several biographies for children, including Who Is Zendaya? and Who Is Kamala Harris?

Gregory Copeland is an award-winning illustrator who specializes in representational art and portraiture, as well as historical and horror/fantasy subjects. He paints both digitally and traditionally with oils. In addition to many national publications and book-cover commissions, Greg''s work has been awarded by prominent illustration competitions such as the Society of Illustrators New York, Communication Arts Illustration Annual, Spectrum Fantasy Art, and 200 Best Illustrators Worldwide.
Excerpt:
Who Is Taylor Swift?
 
It was the summer of 2006. A country music radio station in Nashville, Tennessee, was taking song requests from listeners.
 
The host answered a call live on the air. It sounded like a young girl.
 
“Hi, can you play that ‘Tim McGraw’ song you played earlier?” she asked.
 
Tim McGraw was one of country music’s biggest stars, and he had a lot of hits, so the host asked the caller which Tim McGraw song she wanted to hear.
 
“The one by Taylor Swift.”
 
Listening to the radio as she drove through Nashville, sixteen­year-old Taylor Swift screamed, “YES!” and nearly slid off the road. Someone had actually called a radio station to request her new song! Maybe her dream of becoming a country music star was coming true.
 
Even though Taylor was young, she had already experienced a lot of difficulties trying to break into the music industry. She’d been told that teens didn’t listen to country music and adults wouldn’t be interested in her songs. She’d walked away from a deal with a record company because she wasn’t sure they would let her record her own music.
 
But Taylor felt that she had something to say. She knew there were plenty of girls who would be able to relate to her songs. They were trying to fit in at school and find friends, too. They were going through first loves and first breakups just like Taylor.
 
On that day, driving down a street in Nashville, she felt like she had taken a big step in her career. Then again, it was just one step. There was going to be a lot more work for Taylor and her team to do, but she was ready for it.
 
Taylor Swift planned to make music the focus of her life—­and she would bring her fans along for the thrilling r