Sarah Hale, author
Oct. 24, 1788-Apr. 30, 1879
Thank you, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Matt Faulkner (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2002)
It took thirty-eight years of letters to U.S. presidents from Sarah Hale before Thanksgiving became a national holiday. Lincoln made the day official in 1863. "Pick up your pen. Change the world."
Visit WomenWriters.net to read more about Hale's contributions as editor and writer.