John Ericsson, inventor
July 31, 1803-March 8, 1889
Thank You Very Much, Captain Ericsson by Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge, illustrated by Andrew Glass (Holiday House, 2004)
Ericsson’s inventions centered on the sea. Read about his life and passion for ships in this biography.
Invent.org offers a Hall of Fame Inventor Profile of Ericsson.
Flo Hyman, athlete
July 31, 1954-January 24, 1986
Lives of the Athletes: Thrill, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1997)
Hyman was an African-American volleyball player and Olympic medalist who also played professional ball in Japan.
The African American National Biography, hosted by Harvard.edu offers a biography of Hyman online.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
July 30 Birthdays: Emily Bronte and Patricia Schroeder
Emily Bronte, writer
July 30, 1818-December 19,1848
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
An English writer with two famous sisters who also wrote, Bronte authored Wuthering Heights.
Emily Bronte: An Overview is offered on The Victoria Web: Literature, History & Culture in the age of Victoria.
Patricia Schroeder, politician
July 30, 1940-
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
Schroeder was a member of the House of Representatives for 24 years and is known for many “firsts.” She is currently the President of the Association of American Publishers.
Kids in the House, a U.S. government site educates visitors about Congress and how laws are made.
July 30, 1818-December 19,1848
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
An English writer with two famous sisters who also wrote, Bronte authored Wuthering Heights.
Emily Bronte: An Overview is offered on The Victoria Web: Literature, History & Culture in the age of Victoria.
Patricia Schroeder, politician
July 30, 1940-
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
Schroeder was a member of the House of Representatives for 24 years and is known for many “firsts.” She is currently the President of the Association of American Publishers.
Kids in the House, a U.S. government site educates visitors about Congress and how laws are made.
Monday, July 28, 2008
July 28 Birthdays: Beatrix Potter and Marcel Duchamp
Beatrix Potter, artist
July 28, 1866-December 22, 1943
Beatrix by Alexander Wallner (Holiday House, 1995)
Beloved English author and illustrator, Potter’s life is captured on the page in this tribute to her.
The Beatrix Potter Society was “founded in 1980 by a group of people professionally involved in the curatorship of Beatrix Potter material.” Click here and read about Some Places to Visit (with links) to Potter materials and memories.
Marcel Duchamp, artist
July 28, 1887-October 2, 1968
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
A French-American modern artist, Duchamp had dust two inches thick in his NY apt—on purpose.
Visit MoMA.org (The Museum of Modern Art) and peruse images of Duchamp’s work from their collection.
July 28, 1866-December 22, 1943
Beatrix by Alexander Wallner (Holiday House, 1995)
Beloved English author and illustrator, Potter’s life is captured on the page in this tribute to her.
The Beatrix Potter Society was “founded in 1980 by a group of people professionally involved in the curatorship of Beatrix Potter material.” Click here and read about Some Places to Visit (with links) to Potter materials and memories.
Marcel Duchamp, artist
July 28, 1887-October 2, 1968
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
A French-American modern artist, Duchamp had dust two inches thick in his NY apt—on purpose.
Visit MoMA.org (The Museum of Modern Art) and peruse images of Duchamp’s work from their collection.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
July 24 Birthdays: Amelia Earhart and Simon Bolivar
Amelia Earhart, aviator
July 24, 1897-July 2, 1937 (missing)
Sky Pioneer: A Photobiography of Amelia Earhart by Corinne Szabo (National Geographic Children’s Books, reprint, 2007)
What happened to Earhart and her plane? Though the answer remains a mystery, this book takes readers on a journey of what is known about her.
Tour the Official Site of Amelia Earhart to learn more about her life, achievements and disappearance.
Simon Bolivar, political leader
July 24, 1783-December 17, 1830
A Picture Book of Simon Bolivar by David A. Adler, illustrated by Robert Casilla (Holiday House, 1992)
Bolivar had an impressive resume: President of Greater Colombia, President of Bolivia, President of Peru, and President of Venezuela. Read about his life and politics in this simple biography.
An article about Bolivar’s involvement in Haiti is available on TheLouvertureProject.org site.
July 24, 1897-July 2, 1937 (missing)
Sky Pioneer: A Photobiography of Amelia Earhart by Corinne Szabo (National Geographic Children’s Books, reprint, 2007)
What happened to Earhart and her plane? Though the answer remains a mystery, this book takes readers on a journey of what is known about her.
Tour the Official Site of Amelia Earhart to learn more about her life, achievements and disappearance.
Simon Bolivar, political leader
July 24, 1783-December 17, 1830
A Picture Book of Simon Bolivar by David A. Adler, illustrated by Robert Casilla (Holiday House, 1992)
Bolivar had an impressive resume: President of Greater Colombia, President of Bolivia, President of Peru, and President of Venezuela. Read about his life and politics in this simple biography.
An article about Bolivar’s involvement in Haiti is available on TheLouvertureProject.org site.
Friday, July 18, 2008
July 18 Birthdays: Molly Brown and Nelson Mandela
Molly Brown, activist and philanthropist
July 18, 1867-October 26, 1932
The Heroine of the Titanic by Joan W. Blos, illustrated by Tennessee Dixon (HarperCollins, 1991)
A survivor of the Titanic, Brown was responsible for saving many lives during the disaster as well as spearheading a fund to raise money for surviving passengers who needed assistance after the tragedy.
Denver’s Historic Molly Brown House has a website devoted to “accurately portray the story of Margaret Tobin Brown.” There are lots of great things to explore in the Just for Kids section.
Nelson Mandela, political leader
July 18, 1918-
Mandela: From the Life of the South African Statesman by Floyd Cooper (Philomel, 1996)
Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist, became the first President of South Africa elected by blacks and whites.
You’ll find information about Mandela and his work at the Nelson Mandela Foundation site.
July 18, 1867-October 26, 1932
The Heroine of the Titanic by Joan W. Blos, illustrated by Tennessee Dixon (HarperCollins, 1991)
A survivor of the Titanic, Brown was responsible for saving many lives during the disaster as well as spearheading a fund to raise money for surviving passengers who needed assistance after the tragedy.
Denver’s Historic Molly Brown House has a website devoted to “accurately portray the story of Margaret Tobin Brown.” There are lots of great things to explore in the Just for Kids section.
Nelson Mandela, political leader
July 18, 1918-
Mandela: From the Life of the South African Statesman by Floyd Cooper (Philomel, 1996)
Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist, became the first President of South Africa elected by blacks and whites.
You’ll find information about Mandela and his work at the Nelson Mandela Foundation site.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July 16 Birthday: Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Ida B. Wells-Barnett, educator and journalist
July 16, 1862-Mar. 25, 1931
Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)
Born in Civil War times, Wells-Barnett was first a teacher. Then she was a part owner of a newspaper where she exposed the injustices of segregation in print.
Thomson Gale Co.is in the educational publishing business and posts a biography of Wells-Barnett on their website.
July 16, 1862-Mar. 25, 1931
Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)
Born in Civil War times, Wells-Barnett was first a teacher. Then she was a part owner of a newspaper where she exposed the injustices of segregation in print.
Thomson Gale Co.is in the educational publishing business and posts a biography of Wells-Barnett on their website.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
July 15 Birthday: Rembrandt Van Rijn
Rembrandt Van Rijn, artist
July 15, 1606-October 4, 1669
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
Rembrandt was a Dutch painter. The Night Watch is his most famous painting.
Check out the biography of Rembrandt at the WebMuseum, Paris.
July 15, 1606-October 4, 1669
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
Rembrandt was a Dutch painter. The Night Watch is his most famous painting.
Check out the biography of Rembrandt at the WebMuseum, Paris.
Monday, July 14, 2008
July 14 Birthdays: Gerald Ford and Woody Guthrie
Gerald Ford, U. S. President
July 14, 1913-December 26, 2006
Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)
Number 38 loved orange chocolate cake. A former football star and congressman, Ford had a dog named Liberty when he was in the White House.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum has biographical and primary source materials on Ford.
Woody Guthrie, musician
July 14, 1912-October 3, 1967
Woody Guthrie: Poet of the People by Bonnie Christensen (Knopf, 2001)
This is a celebration of folk singer Guthrie’s life—through the good times and the bad.
The Official Woody Guthrie Website contains lyrics, photos, a biography and more.
July 14, 1913-December 26, 2006
Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)
Number 38 loved orange chocolate cake. A former football star and congressman, Ford had a dog named Liberty when he was in the White House.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum has biographical and primary source materials on Ford.
Woody Guthrie, musician
July 14, 1912-October 3, 1967
Woody Guthrie: Poet of the People by Bonnie Christensen (Knopf, 2001)
This is a celebration of folk singer Guthrie’s life—through the good times and the bad.
The Official Woody Guthrie Website contains lyrics, photos, a biography and more.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
July 12 Birthdays: Henry Thoreau and Kristi Yamaguchi
Henry Thoreau, writer
July 12, 1817-May 6, 1862
Walking with Henry: Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau by Thomas Locker (Fulcrum, 2002)
Based on Thoreau’s writing, this is a fictionalized account of a trek with the man who loved nature and believed in simple living.
Read Henry David Thoreau: Who He Was & Why He Matters at Thoreau.eserver.org.
Kristi Yamaguchi, athlete
July 12, 1971-
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
K is for Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic figure skater and champion of others.
Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation has a bio and photos of the skating star
July 12, 1817-May 6, 1862
Walking with Henry: Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau by Thomas Locker (Fulcrum, 2002)
Based on Thoreau’s writing, this is a fictionalized account of a trek with the man who loved nature and believed in simple living.
Read Henry David Thoreau: Who He Was & Why He Matters at Thoreau.eserver.org.
Kristi Yamaguchi, athlete
July 12, 1971-
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
K is for Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic figure skater and champion of others.
Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation has a bio and photos of the skating star
Friday, July 11, 2008
July 11 Birthdays: John Q. Adams, James Stevenson and E.B. White
John Q. Adams, U.S. President
July 11, 1767-February 23, 1848
Young John Quincy by Cheryl Harness (Bradbury Press, 1994)
This is a look at the early life of a future U.S. president. Adams was the son of President John Adams and his wife Abigail Adams.
Drop by the White House and read about John. Q. Adams.
James Stevenson, writer and illustrator
July 11, 19??-
When I Was Nine by James Stevenson (Greenwillow, 1986)
Stevenson writes and illustrates a slice-of-life story about his memorable summer in the 1930s. A charmer.
HarperCollinsChildrens.com highlights Stevenson’s titles.
E. B. White, writer
July 11, 1899-October 1, 1985
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
Some writer! White’s day job was as a writer for The New Yorker, but children will know him from his classic, Charlotte’s Web.
Meet the Author E.B. White at the Eduplace.com site by Houghton Mifflin Reading.
July 11, 1767-February 23, 1848
Young John Quincy by Cheryl Harness (Bradbury Press, 1994)
This is a look at the early life of a future U.S. president. Adams was the son of President John Adams and his wife Abigail Adams.
Drop by the White House and read about John. Q. Adams.
James Stevenson, writer and illustrator
July 11, 19??-
When I Was Nine by James Stevenson (Greenwillow, 1986)
Stevenson writes and illustrates a slice-of-life story about his memorable summer in the 1930s. A charmer.
HarperCollinsChildrens.com highlights Stevenson’s titles.
E. B. White, writer
July 11, 1899-October 1, 1985
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
Some writer! White’s day job was as a writer for The New Yorker, but children will know him from his classic, Charlotte’s Web.
Meet the Author E.B. White at the Eduplace.com site by Houghton Mifflin Reading.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
July 8 Birthday: Kathe Kollwitz
Kathe Kollwitz, artist
July 8, 1867-April 22, 1945
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
Kollwitz, a German sculptress was interested in social justice and publicly opposed the Nazis.
The Kathe-Kollwitz-Museum in Berlin is open online everyday. Look at the exhibition and artist’s work.
July 8, 1867-April 22, 1945
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
Kollwitz, a German sculptress was interested in social justice and publicly opposed the Nazis.
The Kathe-Kollwitz-Museum in Berlin is open online everyday. Look at the exhibition and artist’s work.
Monday, July 07, 2008
July 7 Birthdays: Marc Chagall and Satchel Paige
Marc Chagall, artist
July 7, 1887-March 28, 1985
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
Chagall, a Russian painter, studied in Paris, was arrested during a Nazi raid, and later released because of American intervention. He worked everyday up until his death at 97.
Go to the Guggenheim Museum for a short bio of Chagall and collection selections.
Satchel Paige, athlete
July 7, 1906 (?)-June 8, 1982
Satchel Paige by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2000)
Major league pitching great, Satchel Paige first played (and set records) in the Negro Leagues. When the major league integrated, he was the first African-American pitcher in the American League.
Paige: The Official Web Site hosts a biography, photos, quotes and stats.
July 7, 1887-March 28, 1985
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
Chagall, a Russian painter, studied in Paris, was arrested during a Nazi raid, and later released because of American intervention. He worked everyday up until his death at 97.
Go to the Guggenheim Museum for a short bio of Chagall and collection selections.
Satchel Paige, athlete
July 7, 1906 (?)-June 8, 1982
Satchel Paige by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2000)
Major league pitching great, Satchel Paige first played (and set records) in the Negro Leagues. When the major league integrated, he was the first African-American pitcher in the American League.
Paige: The Official Web Site hosts a biography, photos, quotes and stats.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
July 6 Birthdays: Bill Haley, Frida Kahlo and Dalai Lama
Bill Haley, musician
July 6, 1925-February 9, 1981
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
Bill Haley and the Comets started singing C&W music but switched to rock and roll. Their song Rock Around the Clock was a huge hit and some say started the rock ‘n’ roll craze.
RockHall.com posts a bio of 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Haley.
Frida Kahlo, artist
July 6, 1907-July 13, 1954
Frida by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Ana Juan (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2002)
Kahlo, a Mexican painter, often used herself as the subject of her work. She was married to muralist Diego Rivera.
The Tate Gallery in London posts an exhibit and information about Kahlo on its site.
Dalai Lama, religious leader
July 6, 1935-
The Dalai Lama: Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama by Demi (Holt, 1998)
This biography tells the story of 14th Dalai Lama, a Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader and his teachings.
The Official Website of The Office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has news, FAQs, photos, teachings, and a biography.
July 6, 1925-February 9, 1981
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
Bill Haley and the Comets started singing C&W music but switched to rock and roll. Their song Rock Around the Clock was a huge hit and some say started the rock ‘n’ roll craze.
RockHall.com posts a bio of 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Haley.
Frida Kahlo, artist
July 6, 1907-July 13, 1954
Frida by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Ana Juan (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2002)
Kahlo, a Mexican painter, often used herself as the subject of her work. She was married to muralist Diego Rivera.
The Tate Gallery in London posts an exhibit and information about Kahlo on its site.
Dalai Lama, religious leader
July 6, 1935-
The Dalai Lama: Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama by Demi (Holt, 1998)
This biography tells the story of 14th Dalai Lama, a Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader and his teachings.
The Official Website of The Office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has news, FAQs, photos, teachings, and a biography.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
July 5 Birthday: Chuck Close
Chuck Close, artist
July 5, 1940-
Chuck Close Up Close by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan (DK Children, reprint, 2000)
What cool art. What an inspiration. Close is known for his large photorealist paintings. A spinal problem in 1988 rendered Close a quadriplegic and with adaptations, he continues to paint.
The life, the process, the collaboration and learning resources on Close are only a click away. Visit Chuckclose.coe.uh.edu today.
July 5, 1940-
Chuck Close Up Close by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan (DK Children, reprint, 2000)
What cool art. What an inspiration. Close is known for his large photorealist paintings. A spinal problem in 1988 rendered Close a quadriplegic and with adaptations, he continues to paint.
The life, the process, the collaboration and learning resources on Close are only a click away. Visit Chuckclose.coe.uh.edu today.
Friday, July 04, 2008
July 4 Birthdays: Calvin Coolidge and Stephen Foster
Calvin Coolidge, U.S. President
July 4, 1872-January 5, 1933
Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)
President # 30 served two terms. In a brief paragraph, Krull highlights Coolidge's eccentricities.
To view a portrait of Coolidge and facts about his life, visit The Internet Public Library POTUS site.
Stephen Foster, musician
July 4, 1826-January 13, 1864
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
Foster, the writer of My Old Kentucky Home, Oh, Susanna and Beautiful Dreamer is remembered in this collective biography.
Listen to samples of Foster’s talent, download pages of sheet music and cast your vote for your favorite Foster song at the PBS American Experience site about him.
July 4, 1872-January 5, 1933
Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)
President # 30 served two terms. In a brief paragraph, Krull highlights Coolidge's eccentricities.
To view a portrait of Coolidge and facts about his life, visit The Internet Public Library POTUS site.
Stephen Foster, musician
July 4, 1826-January 13, 1864
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
Foster, the writer of My Old Kentucky Home, Oh, Susanna and Beautiful Dreamer is remembered in this collective biography.
Listen to samples of Foster’s talent, download pages of sheet music and cast your vote for your favorite Foster song at the PBS American Experience site about him.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
July 2 Birthday: Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall, judge
July 2, 1908-January 24, 1993
A Picture Book Biography of Thurgood Marshall by David A. Adler, illustrated by Robert Casilla (Holiday House, 1997)
This is the bio of the first African-American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall with an emphasis on his childhood.
Read more about Marshall on this ThinkQuest project site.
July 2, 1908-January 24, 1993
A Picture Book Biography of Thurgood Marshall by David A. Adler, illustrated by Robert Casilla (Holiday House, 1997)
This is the bio of the first African-American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall with an emphasis on his childhood.
Read more about Marshall on this ThinkQuest project site.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
July 1 Birthday: Louis Bleriot and Princess Diana
Louis Bleriot, aviator
July 1, 1872-August 2, 1936
The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot July 25, 1909 by Alice and Martin Provensen (Viking Juvenile, 1983)
This Caldecott Medal Winner takes readers on the glorious journey of the man who flew across the English Channel first.
A photo and information about Bleriot, are on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission site.
Princess Diana a.k.a. Lady Diana Frances Spencer, advocate
July 1, 1961-August 31, 1997
Paths to Peace: People Who Changed the World by Jane Breskin Zalben (Dutton, 2006)
Dedicated to others, Princess Diana walked the walk.
Photos and features about Princess Diana are posted on The Royal Family page on the Official Web Site of the British Monarchy.
July 1, 1872-August 2, 1936
The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot July 25, 1909 by Alice and Martin Provensen (Viking Juvenile, 1983)
This Caldecott Medal Winner takes readers on the glorious journey of the man who flew across the English Channel first.
A photo and information about Bleriot, are on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission site.
Princess Diana a.k.a. Lady Diana Frances Spencer, advocate
July 1, 1961-August 31, 1997
Paths to Peace: People Who Changed the World by Jane Breskin Zalben (Dutton, 2006)
Dedicated to others, Princess Diana walked the walk.
Photos and features about Princess Diana are posted on The Royal Family page on the Official Web Site of the British Monarchy.
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