Walt Whitman, writer
May 31, 1819-March 26, 1892
Walt Whitman: Words for America by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick (Scholastic, 2004)
A poet and more, Whitman’s life is explored in this tribute to an American icon.
Poets.org offers a bio and photo of Whitman on their site as well as external links.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
May 29 Birthdays: Patrick Henry, John F. Kennedy and Tenzing Norgay
Patrick Henry, politician
May 29, 1736-June 6, 1799
A Picture Book of Patrick Henry by David A. Adler, illustrated by John C. Wallner and Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 2001)
Henry, the first and sixth governor of Virginia made the “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.
Listen to Henry’s speech (scroll down the page) as interpreted by Richard Schuman and read about Henry’s life at History.org.
John F. Kennedy, U.S. President
May 29, 1917-November 22, 1963
A Picture Book Biography of John F. Kennedy by David A. Adler, illustrated by Robert F. Casilla (Holiday House, 1992)
The 35th President of the United States was a huge advocate for the space program, created the Peace Corps and sought to end racial discrimination.
Go to The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum to read Kennedy’s White House Diary and take a virtual tour.
Tenzing Norgay, explorer
May 29, 1914-May 9, 1986
Tigers of the Snows: Tenzing Norgay: The Boy Whose Dream Was Everest by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Ed Young (Atheneum, 2006)
A Nepalese climber, Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first men on the summit of Mount Everest.
A profile of Norgay is posted on the Scholastic Teachers web site.
May 29, 1736-June 6, 1799
A Picture Book of Patrick Henry by David A. Adler, illustrated by John C. Wallner and Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 2001)
Henry, the first and sixth governor of Virginia made the “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.
Listen to Henry’s speech (scroll down the page) as interpreted by Richard Schuman and read about Henry’s life at History.org.
John F. Kennedy, U.S. President
May 29, 1917-November 22, 1963
A Picture Book Biography of John F. Kennedy by David A. Adler, illustrated by Robert F. Casilla (Holiday House, 1992)
The 35th President of the United States was a huge advocate for the space program, created the Peace Corps and sought to end racial discrimination.
Go to The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum to read Kennedy’s White House Diary and take a virtual tour.
Tenzing Norgay, explorer
May 29, 1914-May 9, 1986
Tigers of the Snows: Tenzing Norgay: The Boy Whose Dream Was Everest by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Ed Young (Atheneum, 2006)
A Nepalese climber, Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first men on the summit of Mount Everest.
A profile of Norgay is posted on the Scholastic Teachers web site.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
May 27 Birthdays: Amelia Bloomer, Rachel Carson and Isadora Duncan
Amelia Bloomer, women’s rights advocate
May 27, 1818-December 30, 1894
You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer by Shana Corey, illustrated by Chesley McLaren (Scholastic, 2000)
Active in the women’s rights movement, Bloomer’s name became synonymous with a new fashion piece of the time.
The National Parks Service hosts a bio and photo of Bloomer on their site.
Rachel Carson, biologist
May 27, 1907-April 14, 1964
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
Back in the day, Carson’s book Silent Spring, published in 1962, had a huge impact on the environmental movement…and still does.
RachelCarson.org is a “website devoted to the life and legacy of Rachel Carson.
Isadora Duncan, dancer
May 27, 1877-September 14, 1927
Isadora Dances by Rachel Isadora (Puffin, 2000)
Modern dancer Isadora Duncan’s life takes the stage in this picture book biography about her.
Learn more about Duncan at the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation.
May 27, 1818-December 30, 1894
You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer by Shana Corey, illustrated by Chesley McLaren (Scholastic, 2000)
Active in the women’s rights movement, Bloomer’s name became synonymous with a new fashion piece of the time.
The National Parks Service hosts a bio and photo of Bloomer on their site.
Rachel Carson, biologist
May 27, 1907-April 14, 1964
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
Back in the day, Carson’s book Silent Spring, published in 1962, had a huge impact on the environmental movement…and still does.
RachelCarson.org is a “website devoted to the life and legacy of Rachel Carson.
Isadora Duncan, dancer
May 27, 1877-September 14, 1927
Isadora Dances by Rachel Isadora (Puffin, 2000)
Modern dancer Isadora Duncan’s life takes the stage in this picture book biography about her.
Learn more about Duncan at the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation.
Monday, May 26, 2008
May 26 Birthdays: Miles Davis and Dorthea Lange
Miles Davis, musician
May 26, 1926-September 28, 1991
Lookin’ for Bird in the City by Robert Burleigh, illustrated Marek Los (Silver Whistle, 2001)
In this jazzy fictionalized account, Davis meets his idol, Charlie Parker.
An official site by the Davis estate offers the latest news, releases, and bio.
Dorothea Lange, artist
May 26, 1895-October 11, 1965
Dorothea Lange by Robyn Montana Turner (Little Brown, 1994)
A photographer during the Depression, Lange’s work put a face on what life was like for so many Americans.
From the Library of Congress, comes a bio of Lange and images of her work.
May 26, 1926-September 28, 1991
Lookin’ for Bird in the City by Robert Burleigh, illustrated Marek Los (Silver Whistle, 2001)
In this jazzy fictionalized account, Davis meets his idol, Charlie Parker.
An official site by the Davis estate offers the latest news, releases, and bio.
Dorothea Lange, artist
May 26, 1895-October 11, 1965
Dorothea Lange by Robyn Montana Turner (Little Brown, 1994)
A photographer during the Depression, Lange’s work put a face on what life was like for so many Americans.
From the Library of Congress, comes a bio of Lange and images of her work.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
May 25 Birthday: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson
May 25, 1803-April 27, 1882
Paths to Peace: People Who Changed the World by Jane Breskin Zalben (Dutton, 2006)
Buddies with Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau, Emerson had a great influence on the Transcendentalist movement.
An Emerson bio and samples of his work are featured on Thomas Hampson’s I Hear America Singing page at PBS.org.
May 25, 1803-April 27, 1882
Paths to Peace: People Who Changed the World by Jane Breskin Zalben (Dutton, 2006)
Buddies with Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau, Emerson had a great influence on the Transcendentalist movement.
An Emerson bio and samples of his work are featured on Thomas Hampson’s I Hear America Singing page at PBS.org.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
May 24 Birthdays: Ynes Mexia and Victoria, Queen
Ynes Mexia, botanist
May 24, 1870-July 12, 1938
How We are Smart by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Lee & Low Books, 2006)
Mexia discovered a new passion when she was 51. Botany. And thanks to her, more than 500 species of plants were discovered.
A biographical sketch of Mexia is available on the California Academy of Sciences site.
Victoria, Queen
May 24, 1819-January 22, 1901
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
Queen of England for 64 years and the mother of nine children, the Victorian Age was named after this monarch.
Read more about Queen Victoria on the History of the Monarchy page, hosted by the Household Division of the British Monarchy.
May 24, 1870-July 12, 1938
How We are Smart by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Lee & Low Books, 2006)
Mexia discovered a new passion when she was 51. Botany. And thanks to her, more than 500 species of plants were discovered.
A biographical sketch of Mexia is available on the California Academy of Sciences site.
Victoria, Queen
May 24, 1819-January 22, 1901
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
Queen of England for 64 years and the mother of nine children, the Victorian Age was named after this monarch.
Read more about Queen Victoria on the History of the Monarchy page, hosted by the Household Division of the British Monarchy.
Friday, May 23, 2008
May 23 Birthday: Margaret Wise Brown
Margaret Wise Brown, writer
May 23, 1910-November 13, 1952
The Days Before Now by Margaret Wise Brown, Joan W. Blos editor, illustrated by Thomas B. Allen (Simon and Schuster, 1994)
From the writing of Brown, creator of the children’s classic, Goodnight Moon, comes this autobiography of her life.
On a website devoted to Brown, read her story and view photos of her life.
May 23, 1910-November 13, 1952
The Days Before Now by Margaret Wise Brown, Joan W. Blos editor, illustrated by Thomas B. Allen (Simon and Schuster, 1994)
From the writing of Brown, creator of the children’s classic, Goodnight Moon, comes this autobiography of her life.
On a website devoted to Brown, read her story and view photos of her life.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
May 22 Birthday: Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt, artist
May 22, 1844-June 14, 1926
Mary Cassatt by Robyn Montana Turner (Little, Brown reissue, 1994)
Paintings of mothers and children were what Cassatt was most known for. This biography, with images of her work, tells the story of her life in America and France.
Spend time at the WebMuseum, Paris. Read a biography of Cassatt and look at some of her work.
May 22, 1844-June 14, 1926
Mary Cassatt by Robyn Montana Turner (Little, Brown reissue, 1994)
Paintings of mothers and children were what Cassatt was most known for. This biography, with images of her work, tells the story of her life in America and France.
Spend time at the WebMuseum, Paris. Read a biography of Cassatt and look at some of her work.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
May 21 Birthday: Mary Anning
Mary Anning, paleontologist
May 21, 1799-Mar. 9, 1847
Rare Treasure: Mary Anning and Her Remarkable Discoveries by Don Brown (Houghton Mifflin, 2003)
Anning discovered the bones of an ichthyosaur as a child and from then on fossils dominated her life.
For more information, read about Anning on the UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology site.
May 21, 1799-Mar. 9, 1847
Rare Treasure: Mary Anning and Her Remarkable Discoveries by Don Brown (Houghton Mifflin, 2003)
Anning discovered the bones of an ichthyosaur as a child and from then on fossils dominated her life.
For more information, read about Anning on the UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology site.
Monday, May 19, 2008
May 19 Birthdays: Bob Switzer and Malcolm X
Bob Switzer, inventor
May 19, 1914-Aug. 20, 1997
The Day-Glo Brothers by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani (Charlesbridge, 2008)
Not yet published, but in the queue, this bio about the brothers who invented eye-popping colors is sure to be a hit.
Day-Glo worms? View “A Primer on Marine Flatworms for K-12 Students” at the University of New Hampshire site and you’ll be a believer.
The other half of this duo, Joe Switzer was born on August 16, 1915.
Malcolm X
May 19, 1925-Feb. 21, 1965
Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Leonard Jenkins (HarperCollins, 2000)
Malcolm X did not have an easy childhood and was assassinated at the age of 40. In an account of his life, readers will gain insights into this controversial and influential leader.
The Offical Web Site of Malcolm X contains a biography, chronology, achievements, photos, and fast facts about the civil right activist.
May 19, 1914-Aug. 20, 1997
The Day-Glo Brothers by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani (Charlesbridge, 2008)
Not yet published, but in the queue, this bio about the brothers who invented eye-popping colors is sure to be a hit.
Day-Glo worms? View “A Primer on Marine Flatworms for K-12 Students” at the University of New Hampshire site and you’ll be a believer.
The other half of this duo, Joe Switzer was born on August 16, 1915.
Malcolm X
May 19, 1925-Feb. 21, 1965
Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Leonard Jenkins (HarperCollins, 2000)
Malcolm X did not have an easy childhood and was assassinated at the age of 40. In an account of his life, readers will gain insights into this controversial and influential leader.
The Offical Web Site of Malcolm X contains a biography, chronology, achievements, photos, and fast facts about the civil right activist.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
May 17 Birthdays: Erik Satie and Splash, the dog
Erik Satie, musician
May 17, 1866-July 1, 1925
Strange Mr. Satie by M.T. Anderson, illustrated by Petra Mathers (Viking, 2003)
The eccentric French composer’s life and music is examined in this picture book biography about him.
Pictures and paintings of Satie can be seen on a site dedicated to him and his work.
Splash, dog of Senator Edward Kennedy
May 17, 1997-
My Senator and Me: A Dog’s Eye View of Washington D.C. by Edward Kennedy, illustrated by David Small (Scholastic, 2006)
Told from the dog’s point of view, Splash takes readers through a day in the life of Senator Edward Kennedy.
Read a behind-the-scenes interview with Cheryl Klein, the editor of this book on the Scholastic web site.
May 17, 1866-July 1, 1925
Strange Mr. Satie by M.T. Anderson, illustrated by Petra Mathers (Viking, 2003)
The eccentric French composer’s life and music is examined in this picture book biography about him.
Pictures and paintings of Satie can be seen on a site dedicated to him and his work.
Splash, dog of Senator Edward Kennedy
May 17, 1997-
My Senator and Me: A Dog’s Eye View of Washington D.C. by Edward Kennedy, illustrated by David Small (Scholastic, 2006)
Told from the dog’s point of view, Splash takes readers through a day in the life of Senator Edward Kennedy.
Read a behind-the-scenes interview with Cheryl Klein, the editor of this book on the Scholastic web site.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
May 13 Birthdays: Joe Louis, Ritchie Valens, Arthur Sullivan and Stevie Wonder
Joe Louis, athlete
May 13, 1914-Apr. 12, 1981
Joe Louis: America’s Fighter by David A. Adler, illustrated by Terry Widener (Gulliver, 2005)
After seeing boxers at a gym, Louis found his calling. He was known as the "Brown Bomber."
Read more about Louis at his Official Site.
Arthur Sullivan, musician
May 13, 1842-November 22, 1900
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
Half of the popular Gilbert & Sullivan duo, Sullivan was an English composer who first worked with Gilbert in 1871.
Visit the Gilbert and Sullivan Archive at Boise State today.
Ritchie Valens, musician
May 13, 1941-February 3, 1959
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
Valens was the California music sensation and singer of Donna and La Bamba. He was the first Mexican-American rock and roll star. Unfortunately he died in a small plane crash along with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.
Go to the Ritchie Valens Official Web Site for information on his life, his music and his family.
Stevie Wonder, musician
May 13, 1950-
Little Stevie Wonder by Quincy Troupe, illustrated by Lisa Cohen (Houghton Mifflin, 2005)
Written in free verse, this picture book about singing great Stevie Wonder will make readers cheer. The gifted African-American artist who is visually impaired is an inspiration to all.
Dissertations, theses and papers published about Wonder, songs, tours/appearances and awards are posted on the Stevie Wonder World of Wonder site hosted in the UK.
May 13, 1914-Apr. 12, 1981
Joe Louis: America’s Fighter by David A. Adler, illustrated by Terry Widener (Gulliver, 2005)
After seeing boxers at a gym, Louis found his calling. He was known as the "Brown Bomber."
Read more about Louis at his Official Site.
Arthur Sullivan, musician
May 13, 1842-November 22, 1900
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
Half of the popular Gilbert & Sullivan duo, Sullivan was an English composer who first worked with Gilbert in 1871.
Visit the Gilbert and Sullivan Archive at Boise State today.
Ritchie Valens, musician
May 13, 1941-February 3, 1959
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
Valens was the California music sensation and singer of Donna and La Bamba. He was the first Mexican-American rock and roll star. Unfortunately he died in a small plane crash along with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.
Go to the Ritchie Valens Official Web Site for information on his life, his music and his family.
Stevie Wonder, musician
May 13, 1950-
Little Stevie Wonder by Quincy Troupe, illustrated by Lisa Cohen (Houghton Mifflin, 2005)
Written in free verse, this picture book about singing great Stevie Wonder will make readers cheer. The gifted African-American artist who is visually impaired is an inspiration to all.
Dissertations, theses and papers published about Wonder, songs, tours/appearances and awards are posted on the Stevie Wonder World of Wonder site hosted in the UK.
Monday, May 12, 2008
May 12 Birthday: Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale, nurse
May 12, 1820-Aug. 13, 1910
A Picture Book of Florence Nightingale by David A. Adler, illustrated by John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 1997)
Nurse extraordinaire, Nightingale changed her profession for the better and served with compassionate care.
Read a bio of Nightingale at the The Florence Nightingale Museum in the UK.
May 12, 1820-Aug. 13, 1910
A Picture Book of Florence Nightingale by David A. Adler, illustrated by John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 1997)
Nurse extraordinaire, Nightingale changed her profession for the better and served with compassionate care.
Read a bio of Nightingale at the The Florence Nightingale Museum in the UK.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
May 11 Birthdays: Salvador Dali and Harriet Quimby
Salvador Dali, artist
May 11, 1904-Jan. 23, 1989
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces and Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
A Spanish painter known for his surrealist style is spotlighted in this collective biography.
The Salvador Dali Museum hosts a site with images from the collection.
Harriet Quimby, pilot
May 11, 1875-July 1, 1912
Brave Harriet: The First Woman to Fly the English Channel by Marissa Moss, illustrated by C.F. Payne (Silver Whistle, 2001)
Quimby’s incredible accomplishment was overwhelmed by the press coverage of the sinking of the Titanic. Nonetheless, she made history.
Visit the Harriet Quimby Home Page for photos and more.
May 11, 1904-Jan. 23, 1989
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces and Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
A Spanish painter known for his surrealist style is spotlighted in this collective biography.
The Salvador Dali Museum hosts a site with images from the collection.
Harriet Quimby, pilot
May 11, 1875-July 1, 1912
Brave Harriet: The First Woman to Fly the English Channel by Marissa Moss, illustrated by C.F. Payne (Silver Whistle, 2001)
Quimby’s incredible accomplishment was overwhelmed by the press coverage of the sinking of the Titanic. Nonetheless, she made history.
Visit the Harriet Quimby Home Page for photos and more.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
May 10 Birthdays: Quah Ah and Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
Quah Ah aka Tonita Pena, artist
May 10, 1893-Sept. 9, 1949
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
A Pueblo painter, Pena’s lively work inspired other women to stretch their artistic bounds.
See a photo of Pena at the Purdue site.
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, astronomer
May 10, 1900-Dec. 7, 1979
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
“Stellar Atmospheres, A Contribution to the Observational Study of High Temperature in the Reversing Layers of Stars” anyone? That was the title of Payne-Gaposchkin’s dissertation, who excelled at Harvard as a student and a professor.
On a site about Notable American Unitarians, read more about Payne-Gaposchkin.
May 10, 1893-Sept. 9, 1949
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
A Pueblo painter, Pena’s lively work inspired other women to stretch their artistic bounds.
See a photo of Pena at the Purdue site.
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, astronomer
May 10, 1900-Dec. 7, 1979
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
“Stellar Atmospheres, A Contribution to the Observational Study of High Temperature in the Reversing Layers of Stars” anyone? That was the title of Payne-Gaposchkin’s dissertation, who excelled at Harvard as a student and a professor.
On a site about Notable American Unitarians, read more about Payne-Gaposchkin.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
May 7 Birthdays: Johannes Brahms, Eva Peron and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky
Johannes Brahms, musician
May 7, 1863-Apr. 3, 1897
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
Brahms, a German composer who made a living from music from the age of 15 on is featured in this collective biography. Interestingly, he had a great friendship with musician Clara Schumann.
A bio, catalog of works, pictures, and links about Brahms can be found on a site dedicated to him.
Eva Peron, politician
May 7, 1919-July 26, 1952
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
The First Lady of Argentina was a powerful presence in the political arena in Latin America and the world.
Read about Peron’s legacy at the Official Evita Peron Website.
Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky, musician
May 7, 1840-Nov. 6, 1893
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
Composer of the Nutcracker Suite, this Russian musician also scored the 1812 Overture. Da-da-da-daaaa.
The PBS Great Performances site hosts a biography of Tchaikovsky.
May 7, 1863-Apr. 3, 1897
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
Brahms, a German composer who made a living from music from the age of 15 on is featured in this collective biography. Interestingly, he had a great friendship with musician Clara Schumann.
A bio, catalog of works, pictures, and links about Brahms can be found on a site dedicated to him.
Eva Peron, politician
May 7, 1919-July 26, 1952
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
The First Lady of Argentina was a powerful presence in the political arena in Latin America and the world.
Read about Peron’s legacy at the Official Evita Peron Website.
Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky, musician
May 7, 1840-Nov. 6, 1893
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
Composer of the Nutcracker Suite, this Russian musician also scored the 1812 Overture. Da-da-da-daaaa.
The PBS Great Performances site hosts a biography of Tchaikovsky.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
May 6 Birthday: Willie Mays
Willie Mays, athlete
May 6, 1931-
Say Hey! A Song of Willie Mays by Peter Mandel, illustrated by Don Tate (Jump At The Sun, 2000)
This rhyming picture book about the home-run hero takes readers from his birth to the ballpark. Batter up!
Go to The National Baseball Hall of Fame for stats on Mays.
May 6, 1931-
Say Hey! A Song of Willie Mays by Peter Mandel, illustrated by Don Tate (Jump At The Sun, 2000)
This rhyming picture book about the home-run hero takes readers from his birth to the ballpark. Batter up!
Go to The National Baseball Hall of Fame for stats on Mays.
Monday, May 05, 2008
May 5 Birthday: Nellie Bly
Nellie Bly
May 5, 1864-Jan. 27, 1922
The Daring Nellie Bly: America’s Star Reporter by Bonnie Christensen (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2003)
Serious female reporters were a rare breed in the late 1880s. Bly not only took up the call, but succeeded brilliantly.
An article called,Nellie Bly: The Best Reporter in America is posted on the CUNY web site.
May 5, 1864-Jan. 27, 1922
The Daring Nellie Bly: America’s Star Reporter by Bonnie Christensen (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2003)
Serious female reporters were a rare breed in the late 1880s. Bly not only took up the call, but succeeded brilliantly.
An article called,Nellie Bly: The Best Reporter in America is posted on the CUNY web site.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
May 3 Birthdays: James Brown, Septima P. Clark and Golda Meir
James Brown, musician
May 3, 1933-Dec. 25, 2006
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
"The Hardest Working Man in Show Business" picked cotton, shined shoes, boxed, and played baseball before making it big.
James Brown: Godfather of Soul offers information about the man, the message and the soul.
Septima P. Clark
May 3, 1898-Dec. 15, 1987
Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)
A teacher, Clark fought for equality in civil rights movement. Injustices done to her with regards to her lost job were repaid.
Read about Clark on the African American Registry
Golda Meir
May 3, 1898-Dec. 8, 1978
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
One of the founders of the State of Israel as well as serving at its Prime Minister for five years, Meir made a remarkable contribution to Israel and the world.
The Jewish Virtual Library posts a bio of Meir on their site.
May 3, 1933-Dec. 25, 2006
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
"The Hardest Working Man in Show Business" picked cotton, shined shoes, boxed, and played baseball before making it big.
James Brown: Godfather of Soul offers information about the man, the message and the soul.
Septima P. Clark
May 3, 1898-Dec. 15, 1987
Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)
A teacher, Clark fought for equality in civil rights movement. Injustices done to her with regards to her lost job were repaid.
Read about Clark on the African American Registry
Golda Meir
May 3, 1898-Dec. 8, 1978
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
One of the founders of the State of Israel as well as serving at its Prime Minister for five years, Meir made a remarkable contribution to Israel and the world.
The Jewish Virtual Library posts a bio of Meir on their site.
Friday, May 02, 2008
May 2 Birthday: Elijah McCoy
Elijah McCoy, inventor
May 2, 1843(4?)-October 10, 1929
The Real McCoy: The Life of an African-American Inventor by Wendy Towle, illustrated by Wil Clay (Scholastic, paper, 1995)
An engineer, McCoy invented (among other things) an automatic lubricator for trains and heavy machinery. It was so much better than what was in common use that people insisted on “the real McCoy.”
A short bio on a web site hosted by Northern California Council of Black Professional Engineers highlights McCoy.
May 2, 1843(4?)-October 10, 1929
The Real McCoy: The Life of an African-American Inventor by Wendy Towle, illustrated by Wil Clay (Scholastic, paper, 1995)
An engineer, McCoy invented (among other things) an automatic lubricator for trains and heavy machinery. It was so much better than what was in common use that people insisted on “the real McCoy.”
A short bio on a web site hosted by Northern California Council of Black Professional Engineers highlights McCoy.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Unknown Birthday: Sitting Bull
Sitting Bull, leader
c. 1831-Dec. 15, 1890
A Boy Called Slow by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Rocco Baviera (Putnam, 1998)
From "Slow" to "Sitting Bull," this moving account of the greatest Lakota Sioux warrior's 1830s childhood shows how he grew into his new name.
The PBS site on New Perspectives on the West offers a biography of Sitting Bull with a number of hot links.
c. 1831-Dec. 15, 1890
A Boy Called Slow by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Rocco Baviera (Putnam, 1998)
From "Slow" to "Sitting Bull," this moving account of the greatest Lakota Sioux warrior's 1830s childhood shows how he grew into his new name.
The PBS site on New Perspectives on the West offers a biography of Sitting Bull with a number of hot links.
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