Charles Lindbergh, aviator
Feb. 4, 1902-Aug. 26, 1974
Flight by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Mike Wimmer (Putnam Juvenile paperback, 1997)
This is one of my all-time favorite picture book biographies. It is the dramatic account of Lindbergh’s solitary flight across the Atlantic in 1927 with picture-perfect artwork.
Information about the flight, flight timeline, Spirit of St. Louis, photos, documents, articles, and biographies can be found at CharlesLindbergh.com.
Rosa Parks, civil rights advocate
Feb. 4, 1913-Oct. 24, 2005
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Holt, 2005)
The story of the seamstress and African-American civil rights leader who refused to give up her sit on the bus is told in this compelling picture book biography of a true heroine.
The Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development offers a biography and timeline of Mrs. Parks.
Alexis Soyer, chef
Feb. 4, 1810-Aug. 5, 1858
The Adventurous Chef: Alexis Soyer by Anne Arnold (FSG, 2002)
French chef Soyer organized a soup kitchen during the Irish potato famine and worked with Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War.
To read more about Soyer, visit the Victorianweb.org site.