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Who Is "Weird Al" Yankovic?

Part of Who Was?

Author Wes Locher, Who HQ
Illustrated by Robert Squier
Ebook
Penguin Young Readers | Penguin Workshop
On sale Jan 06, 2026 | 112 Pages | 9780593889718
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Read all about how a young boy from California who listened to polka music and played the accordion became a comedian, parody songwriter, and Grammy winner in this biography for young readers about “Weird Al” Yankovic!

When Alfred Yankovic was seven years old, a salesman knocked on the door of his family home selling guitars and accordions. Al's life was never the same! He drew inspiration from comedian, radio broadcaster, and novelty songwriter Dr. Demento. By the time he was sixteen years old, Al graduated high school at the top of his class and had his first parody song on the radio. 

While in college studying architecture, Alfred Yankovic became “Weird Al." He got a job at his university radio station where he worked on novelty songs, comedy sketches, and developing his public image, which included his signature Hawaiian shirt. His hard work led him to a record deal with Scotti Bros. Records, a time slot with MTV, and a headlining tour act. After releasing fourteen albums, two children’s books, and a comedy movie, Weird Al received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. Today, he is as famous for his Hawaiian shirt as he is for his hit songs, including "Eat It," "Smells Like Nirvana," and "Amish Paradise." Find out more about the life and career of “Weird Al” Yankovic in this biography for young readers.
Wes Locher is a writer of prose, journalism, video games, and comic books. In 2021, he published the first two titles in his “tiny books” series: Networking: What Is It, How Do You Do It, and Why Is It So Scary? and Game Writing: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Get Started. He has authored several books in the Who HQ nonfiction series for young readers. View titles by Wes Locher
Who HQ is your headquarters for history. The Who HQ team is always working to provide simple and clear answers to some of our biggest questions. From Who Was George Washington? to Who Is Michelle Obama?, and What Was the Battle of Gettysburg? to Where Is the Great Barrier Reef?, we strive to give you all the facts. Visit us at WhoHQ.com View titles by Who HQ
Robert Squier View titles by Robert Squier

About

Read all about how a young boy from California who listened to polka music and played the accordion became a comedian, parody songwriter, and Grammy winner in this biography for young readers about “Weird Al” Yankovic!

When Alfred Yankovic was seven years old, a salesman knocked on the door of his family home selling guitars and accordions. Al's life was never the same! He drew inspiration from comedian, radio broadcaster, and novelty songwriter Dr. Demento. By the time he was sixteen years old, Al graduated high school at the top of his class and had his first parody song on the radio. 

While in college studying architecture, Alfred Yankovic became “Weird Al." He got a job at his university radio station where he worked on novelty songs, comedy sketches, and developing his public image, which included his signature Hawaiian shirt. His hard work led him to a record deal with Scotti Bros. Records, a time slot with MTV, and a headlining tour act. After releasing fourteen albums, two children’s books, and a comedy movie, Weird Al received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. Today, he is as famous for his Hawaiian shirt as he is for his hit songs, including "Eat It," "Smells Like Nirvana," and "Amish Paradise." Find out more about the life and career of “Weird Al” Yankovic in this biography for young readers.

Author

Wes Locher is a writer of prose, journalism, video games, and comic books. In 2021, he published the first two titles in his “tiny books” series: Networking: What Is It, How Do You Do It, and Why Is It So Scary? and Game Writing: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Get Started. He has authored several books in the Who HQ nonfiction series for young readers. View titles by Wes Locher
Who HQ is your headquarters for history. The Who HQ team is always working to provide simple and clear answers to some of our biggest questions. From Who Was George Washington? to Who Is Michelle Obama?, and What Was the Battle of Gettysburg? to Where Is the Great Barrier Reef?, we strive to give you all the facts. Visit us at WhoHQ.com View titles by Who HQ
Robert Squier View titles by Robert Squier

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