This is the ninth volume of a series designed and written for young readers ages 9 and above. It contains three issues and profiles individuals whom young people want to know about most: entertainers, athletes, writers, illustrators, cartoonists, and political leaders. The publication was created to appeal to young readers in a format they can enjoy reading and readily understand. Each entry provides at least one picture of the individual profiled, and bold-faced rubrics lead the reader to information on birth, youth, early memories, education, first jobs, marriage and family, career highlights, memorable experiences, hobbies, and honors and awards. Each entry ends with a list of easily accessible sources (both print and electronic) designed to guide the student to further reading on the individual. Obituary entries also are included, written to provide a perspective on an individual's entire career. Each issue includes the following indices: general, places of birth, and birthday. This volume includes biographical profiles of K. A. Applegate, Backstreet Boys, Harry Blackmun, Katie Holmes, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Craig Kielburger, Ricky Martin, Walter Payton, Briana Scurry, Christina Aguilera, Daisy Bates, Carson Daly, Ron Dayne, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Johanna Johnson, John McCain, Freddie Prinze, Jr., CeCe Winans, Lance Armstrong, George W. Bush, Doris Haddock (Granny D), Jennifer Love Hewitt, Chamique Holdsclaw, John Lasseter, Peyton Manning, Viviana Risca, and George Thampy. (BT)