Real-Life Reader Biographies present the lives of contemporary role models for young readers. These are the stories of real men and women who, dispite many obstacles, followed their dream.

When she sings, her vioce is strong, passionate, and spirited - much the same with dancing. As a result, her performances are electrifying. To hear her sing does not compare to seeing her perform. At 24 years old, she is poised to become the first Latin American pop star who has been successful first in Latin America and then in the United States. And who might be responsible for Shakira's success in the United States? If you guess the powerhouse producer Emilio Estefan, you would be right.

Born in Colombia, this youngest of eight children has been writing her own songs since pre-adolescence. Influenced by her writer-father, Shakira wanted to follow in his footsteps. He introduced her to Middle Eastern dancing that she later put into her performances. But her talents extend far beyond her singing and dancing. Shakira learned to read and write at a very early age. She is a prodigy in every sense of the word.