Who Is Zendaya?
#10 in Who Was . . . ? Series, Who HQ Now
What’s inside...
Kids voted for who they wanted to learn about in the next WhoHQ Now title and the #1 New York Times bestselling series now features one of Hollywood's brightest young stars... Zendaya! Zendaya began her acting career at age thirteen when she landed one of the starring roles in the Disney Channel's Shake It Up. Since then, the actress has not slowed down, starring in action-packed superhero films, dazzling movie musicals, and highly acclaimed TV shows. At only twenty-four, Zendaya won her first Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the hit TV show Euphoria. The Hollywood star is an actress, singer, model, style icon, and also an activist who advocates for causes like feminism, anti-bullying, anti-racism, and voter registration. Learn all about the star-studded career and the inspiring life of Zendaya in this new book that was voted for by young readers worldwide!
Discussion points
What challenges did Zendaya face growing up and how did she overcome them?
Zendaya has many talents, including acting and singing. Which of her skills inspires you the most and why?
Zendaya often speaks about the importance of being oneself. What does being yourself mean to you?
In the book, Zendaya advocates for equality and kindness. How can you apply these values in your school or community?
How does Zendaya use her fame to influence and inspire others? Can you think of ways you can make a difference too?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore the book with your child, emphasize Zendaya’s resilience and how she turned obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Highlight the diverse aspects of Zendaya’s career and passions to help your child understand the richness of pursuing multiple interests.
Encourage your child to reflect on their own identity and aspirations by discussing Zendaya's emphasis on authenticity and self-expression.
Discuss the social issues Zendaya champions, linking them to real-world scenarios your child might relate to or observe.
Promote empathy by exploring how Zendaya uses her platform to speak out for others, asking your child how they feel about these issues.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The book highlights Zendaya's journey of embracing her unique identity and diverse heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and accept their own differences and backgrounds, promoting self-confidence and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Zendaya's career illustrates how she overcame challenges and continued to pursue her dreams despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and hard work in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: Zendaya values education and often speaks about its importance in interviews, showing her commitment to learning both on and off the set.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take their education seriously and understand that learning is a lifelong process.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: Zendaya uses her platform to advocate for inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and embrace diversity, fostering a more inclusive attitude towards others regardless of their background.