First published 2024
Taylor Swift grows up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania with big dreams of country music stardom. At thirteen, she persuades her parents to uproot the family and move to Nashville so she can pursue her musical ambitions. Swift writes songs about teenage heartbreak and the struggles of fitting in, performing them at open mic nights and karaoke venues throughout the city. Record executives repeatedly reject her work, insisting her songs have no place in the country music world. Swift refuses to give up despite the constant rejections. After years of persistence, she releases her debut album in 2006 and begins her rise to superstardom. Anderson traces Swift's journey from determined teenager to chart-topping artist who reinvents her sound, collects numerous awards, and uses her platform to advocate for herself and others. The book shows how Swift overcomes industry skepticism and public criticism to become a role model for fans of all ages.
Genres: biography, american, young-adult, non-fiction, music, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, overcoming-adversity, rags-to-riches
Setting: Nashville, Pennsylvania
Period: 21st Century
112 pages · Paperback · Penguin Workshop