October 16 Birthday: Princess Ka'iulani

Princess Ka'iulani, leader
Oct. 16, 1875-Mar. 6, 1899

The Last Princess: The Story of Princess Ka'iulani of Hawai'i by Fay Stanley, illustrated by Diane Stanley (HarperCollins, 2001)

Heir to the throne, the United States annexed Hawai'i before Ka'iluani would rule. This is the story of her all too brief life.

A photo of Ka'iulani and information about her can be found at a web site devoted to this Hawaiian royal.

October 14 Birthday: Dwight Eisenhower

Dwight Eisenhower, U.S. President
Oct. 14, 1890-Mar. 28, 1969

A Picture Book of Dwight Eisenhower by David A. Adler (Holiday House, 2004)

Opening with a 1945 parade in New York City at which General Eisenhower was given a medal, this book then highlights his childhood, West Point career, family life, WWII leadership and presidency.

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Library is the place to go for more information about this president.

October 13 Birthday: Art Tatum

Art Tatum, musician
Oct. 13, 1907-Nov. 5, 1956

Piano Starts Here: The Young Art Tatum by Robert Andrew Parker (Schwartz and Wade Books, 2008)

Mostly self-taught, Tatum began playing the piano as a young child. Because of his poor eyesight, he could not participate in many activities. The piano was his refuge and strength. Word spread and soon he was playing in cafes, bars and the local radio station in his hometown of Toledo. Written in first person, this is a humble story of a gifted child who becomes one of the all-time jazz greats.

Watch and listen to Art Tatum play “Humoresque” on YouTube, his signature tune.

October 13 Birthday: Mary Kingsley

Mary Kingsley, adventurer
Oct. 13, 1862-June 3, 1990

Uncommon Traveler: Mary Kingsley in Africa by Don Brown (Sagebrush, 2000)

Kingsley traveled through the pages of the books in her father's library as a child. Caregiver of her parents until the age of 30, upon their death, Kingsley traveled to Africa. When this British explorer returned to England, she wrote about her observations.

Living on Earth Today offers an online profile of Mary Kingsley.

October 10: Giuseppe Verdi

Giuseppe Verdi, composer
Oct. 10, 1813-Jan. 27, 1901

Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)

An opera composer from Italy, Verdi was playing the organ for his village by the age of ten. Aida and La Traviata are two of his most famous works.

October 9 Birthday: John Lennon

John Lennon, musician
Oct. 9, 1940-Dec. 8, 1980

John's Secret Dreams: The Life of John Lennon by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Hyperion, 2004)

In prose and song lyrics, John Lennon's life and music are examined in this tribute to a rock 'n' roll great.

The Official John Lennon web site offers a look at the history, bio, and discography of this famous Beatle.

October 8 Birthday: Faith Ringgold

Faith Ringgold, artist
Oct. 8,19??-
Faith Ringgold by Robyn Montana Turner (Little Brown, 1993)

Famous for her "story quilts," this Caldecott Honor Medalist's (Tar Beach) life and art are on display in this book about this gifted African American woman.

Learn more about Ringgold and her work at her web site.

October 6 Birthday: Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer, activist
Oct. 6, 1917-Mar. 14, 1977

Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)

Hamer was involved with voting rights in the 1960s in addition to being a champion for the poor and underprivileged. The tombstone of this great African American woman reads, "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."

Hamer was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993.

October 5 Birthday: Maya Lin

                               Maya Lin, architect
Oct. 5, 1959-

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005

Most famous for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lin, "M"is for Maya in this collective biography about women who've made a difference.

The Official web site of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is operated by the National Park Service.

October 5 Birthday: Chester Arthur

Chester Arthur, U.S. President
Oct. 5, 1829-Nov. 18, 1886

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

Krull gives us a quick snapshot of the 21st U.S president, nicknamed "Elegant Arthur," in her collective biography of U.S. leaders.

For a look at all of the U.S. Presidents, go to The White House web site links.

October 4 Birthday: Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton, actor
Oct. 4, 1895-Feb. 1, 1966

Keep Your Eye on the Kid: The Early Years of Buster Keaton by Catherine Brighton  (Roaring Brook Press, 2008)

Born into a vaudeville family, Keaton was nicknamed “Buster” because he could take a fall. And fall he did, over and over again onstage when he was a child. Audiences loved him. When Buster saw his first movie, he fell even harder. Eventually he made it to Hollywood and became a great comedic screen actor and movie-maker. Written in first person, this story is a class act.

The International Buster Keaton Society provides news, a biography, articles, and other resources related to this remarkable man.

October 4 Birthday: St. Francis

St. Francis
Oct. 4 is St. Francis' Feast Day
c. 1181/1182-Oct. 3, 1226

Francis: Poor Man of Assisi by Tomie dePaola (Holiday House, 1990)

Wealthy by birth, Francis gave away his possessions to help the poor and become a protector of animals.

The Catholic Encyclopedia writes about St. Francis.

October 4 Birthday: Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes, U.S. President
Oct. 4, 1822-Jan. 17, 1893
Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

Krull sums up Hayes' contributions in one paragraph in this collective biography. The 19th president's phone number was "1."

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center invites visitors to learn more about this former president.

October 2 Birthday: Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, peacemaker
Oct. 2, 1869-Jan. 30, 1948
Gandhi by Demi (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2001)

The life of this extraordinary leader who fought "the disease of prejudice" through nonviolent means is accompanied by stunning illustrations.

The Mahatma Gandhi.org web site provides additional information about Gandhi; his life, his work and his philosophy.

October 1 Birthday: Jimmy Carter

James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, U.S. President
Oct. 1, 1924-

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

Carter was a peanut farmer and a former governor of Georgia prior to taking office. This 39th president was and is an advocate for the homeless.

Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, Georgia for more information.

September 30 Birthday: Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel, writer, humanitarian
Sept. 30, 1928-

Paths to Peace: People Who Changed the World by Jane Breskin Zalben (Dutton, 2006)

Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner 1986 Wiesel is highlighted in this important collective biography about peacemakers.

Read a riveting interview with Wiesel on the Academy of Achievement-A Museum of Living History web site.

September 29 Birthday: Walter Anderson

Walter Anderson, artist, writer, naturalist
September 29, 1903-November 30, 1965

The Secret World of Walter Anderson by Hester Bass, illustrated by E. B. Lewis (Candlewick 2009)

Walter Anderson explored and studied and painted the wildlife of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. But it wasn't until after his death that his wife discovered the glorious art he made in a cottage on Horn Island for himself. It was his secret world and soon all would marvel at its detail and depth and design.

The Smithsonian Institute presented an exhibit in 2005, Walter Anderson: Everything I See is New and Strange.

September 29 Birthday: Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis, musician
Sept. 29, 1935-

Shake, Rattle and Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)

The ultimate showman, Lewis was raised in Louisiana and started playing the piano at age eight. In 1956 his career took off.

Lewis' Official Web site offers additional information. Or visit the Rock and Roll Fall of Fame to read more about this 1986 inductee.

September 29 Birthday: Miguel de Cervantes

Miguel de Cervantes, writer
Sept. 29, 1547-Apr. 23, 1616

Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt Harcourt, 1994)

Most famous for his book Don Quixote, Cervantes takes the stage in this collective biography.

The Cervantes Project hosted by Texas A and M University offers bio info, images, bibliographies and more.

September 27 Birthday: Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams, politician
Sept. 27, 1722-Oct. 2, 1803

A Picture Book of Samuel Adams by David A. Adler, Michael S. Adler, illustrated by Ronald Himler (Holiday House, 2005)

From childhood to the Boston Tea Party to signing the Declaration of Independence, Adams and the 1700s are center stage.

Read up on Adams and others associated with The American Revolution.

September 26 Birthday: Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed aka John Chapman, ecologist
Sept. 26, 1774-Mar. 1847

Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg (HarperCollins, 1988)

Kellogg blends fact with fiction in this story about an American icon. I love the illustrations—big and lush.

Note: There are many, many books published about Johnny Appleseed. This is one of my favorites.

Read an article about Chapman from Harper's New Monthly Magazine from 1871 posted on Cornell's web site.

September 23 Birthday: Ray Charles

Ray Charles, musician
Sept. 23, 1930-June 10, 2004

The Blues Singers: Ten Who Rocked the World by Julius Lester, illustrated by Lisa Cohen (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2001)

What would we do without Georgia On My Mind? In this collective biography of ten greats, Ray Charles soars.

Ray Charles.com highlights the man, the music, the legacy, the movie and more.

September 23 Birthday: John Coltrane

John Coltrane, musician
Sept. 23, 1926-July 17, 1967

Before John was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Henry Holt, 2008)

The sounds of Coltrane’s childhood in the 1930s are explored in this simple and lyrical story that celebrates listening.

See and hear Coltrane perform live on YouTube.

September 19 Birthday: Sadie Delany

Sadie Delany, teacher and author
Sept. 19, 1889-Jan. 25, 1999

Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)

Sadie Delany was the first African American home ec teacher in a NYC high school. She shares the page in this collective biography with her sister Bessie Delany.These two remarkable sisters wrote the story of their lives. Their book, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years, became a best seller.

A short bio of Sadie Delany's life can be read at Columbia's site.

September 17 Birthday: Jacob Lawrence

Jacob Lawrence, artist
Sept. 17, 1917-June 9, 2000

Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence by John Diggleby (Chronicle, 1998)

Lawrence, an accomplished African American painter who grew up in Harlem fostered his talent at a young age and by 30 was considered an incredible talent. A story of determination.

The University of Washington site has an excellent bio and links.

September 17 Birthday: Maureen Connolly

Maureen Connolly, athlete
Sept. 17, 1934-June 21, 1969

Lives of the Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1997)

Tennis anyone? Maureen Connolly was the first woman to win the "grand slam" of tournaments: Wimbledon, French Open, Australian Open and U.S. Open.

Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame for additional information on "Little Mo" and other tennis greats.

September 16 Birthday: Nadia Boulanger

Nadia Boulanger, composer
Sept. 16, 1887-Oct. 22, 1979

Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)

A composer and teacher, Boulanger's nickname was "Tender Tyrant." Among her famous pupils were Aaron Copland and Philip Glass.

Visit the Nadia Boulanger web site for more information about this influential woman.

September 16 Birthday: B.B. King

B.B. King, musician
Sept. 16, 1925-

The Blues Singers: Ten Who Rocked the World by Julius Lester, illustrated by Lisa Cohen (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2001)

Guitarist and songwriter B. B. King made his first hit record in 1952. And he's been recording ever since.

Visit the Official B.B. King web site for more info on B.B. King and his famous guitar named "Lucille."

September 15 Birthday: William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft, U.S. President
Sept. 15, 1857-Mar. 8, 1930

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

Nicknamed Sleeping Beauty, this largest U.S. president learned to surf in Hawaii. Krull devotes one pithy page about number 27 in this collective biography.

Read his inaugural address, March 4, 1909 on The Avalon Project web site at Yale.

September 13 Birthday: Clara Schumann

Clara Schumann, musician
Sept. 13, 1819-May 20, 1896

Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)

Pianist and composer in Romantic era, her career spanned sixty years. She had a major influence on the music of Johannes Brahams and her husband, Robert Schumann.

Timelines of Schumann's childhood and youth, marriage with Robert Schumann, and her later years are available at a Rutger's site.

September 12 Birthday: Jessie Owens

Jesse Owens, athlete
Sept. 12, 1913-Mar. 31, 1980

Lives of the Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1997)

In poor health as a child, Jesse Owens took up running. And never stopped. This talented African American track and field star shined at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, and beyond.

Visit the Official Jesse Owens Web Site today.

September 7 Birthday: Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly, musician
Sept. 7, 1936-Feb. 3, 1959

Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly by Anne Bustard, illustrated by Kurt Cyrus (Simon and Schuster/Paula Wiseman, 2005)

In this folksy narrative, the life of 1950s rock 'n' roll pioneer Buddy Holly is celebrated. Rave on!

Visit the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock, Texas.

September 7 Birthday: Grandma Moses

Grandma Moses, artist
Sept. 7, 1860-Dec, 13, 1961

Grandma Moses by Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 2004)

A recognized artist at 80, glimpses into Moses' childhood and beyond show her lifelong interest in art. An inspiring read for any age.

See some of Moses' work at the Cal State Pomona web site.

September 3 Birthday: Bessie Delany

Bessie Delany, dentist and author
Sept. 3, 1891- Sept. 25, 1995

Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)

Bessie Delany, who lived to be 104, came to national attention when she and her sister and a New York Times reporter collaborated on the story of her and her sister's life: Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years. Delany was the second African American woman to become a dentist in NY.

Unknown Birthday: George Crum

George Crum, chef
1822-July 22, 1914

George Crum and the Saratoga Chip by Gayila Taylor, illustrated by Frank Morrison (Lee & Low, 2006)

Thank you, George Crum. For inventing a most tasty treat. August 24 is National Potato Chip Day, though by all accounts, Americans celebrate potato chips every day of the year. Crum, part African-American and part American Indian is the king of snack-makers.

The Lemelson-MIT Program highlighted George Crum as an Inventor of the Week.

Unknown Birthday: Cleopatra

Cleopatra, leader
69 BC-August 12, 30 BC

Cleopatra by Peter Vennema and Diane Stanley, illustrated by Diane Stanley (HarperTrophy, 1997)

The woman was a savvy ruler. Incredible artwork accompanies the story of the last queen of Egypt.

Take a look at the Field Museum of Chicago's Cleopatra of Egypt: From History to Myth exhibit.

August 30 Birthday: Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley, author
Aug. 30, 1797-Feb. 1, 1851

Through the Tempests Dark and Wild: A Story of Mary Shelley, Creator of Frankenstein by Sharon Darrow, illustrated by Angela Barrett (Candlewick, 2003)

Focused on the teen years "where some believe that Mary's famous novel took root" this fictionalized picture book biography is a moving account of Shelley, who published her renowned Gothic at the age of nineteen.

A Wikipedia biography of Mary Shelley with additional links is available.

August 29 Birthday: Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker, musician
Aug. 29, 1920-Mar. 12, 1955

Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by Chris Raschka (Scholastic, 1992)

The words feel like they're bouncing off the pages of this lively picture book biography of the master of be bop. A read-aloud must.

Visit the Official Site of Charlie "Yardbird" Parker.

August 27 Birthday: Lyndon Baines Johnson

Lyndon Baines Johnson, U.S. President
Aug. 27, 1908-Jan. 22, 1973

Lives of Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

Although the Vietnam War dominated the 36th president's two terms of office, Johnson's legacy also includes important Civil Rights legislation.

Fantastic resources about LBJ and his presidency are available at the LBJ Library and Museum Kids Homepage.

August 26 Birthday: Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa, humanitarian, Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Aug. 26, 1910-Sept. 5, 1997

Mother Teresa by Demi (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon&Schuster, 2005)

Mother Teresa's message of service shines through this eloquent biography about her and her devotion to serve the "poorest of the poor."

See the Vatican tribute to Mother Teresa.

August 24 Birthday: Duke Kahanamoku

Duke Kahanamoku, athlete
Aug. 24, 1890-Jan. 22, 1968

Duke's Olympic Feet by Ellie Crowe (Island Heritage, 2002)

Duke Kahanamoku is known by many names: The Ambassador of Aloha, father of surfing, and Olympic swimmer. In this gloriously illustrated picture book biography, Kahanamoku's challenges as an untrained swimmer who not only participated in the 1912 Olympics, but won a Gold Medal are recorded. Additionally, how Kahanamoku introduced surfing to Australia is chronicled.

Visit the Surfing Museum bio link for more information about Kahanamoku.

August 20 Birthday: Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison, U.S. President
Aug. 20, 1833-Mar. 13, 1901

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

"Human Iceberg" Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd U.S. president and grandson of a president is highlighted in one paragraph in this collective biography.

See a snapshot biography of Benjamin Harrison at the White House Kids site.

August 19 Birthday: William "Bill" Clinton

William "Bill" Clinton, U.S. President
Aug. 19, 1946-

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

The jazz sax playing 42nd president of the U.S. is highlighted in humor and fact within the pages of this collective biography.

To learn more about Clinton and his presidency, visit the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.

August 19 Birthday: Orville Wright

Orville Wright, pioneer of flight
Aug. 19, 1871-Jan. 30, 1948

Into the Air: The Story of the Wright Brothers' First Flight by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Bill Wylie (Silver Whistle/Harcourt, 2002)

Trial and error. And lots of perseverance and smarts. That's what it took to get the first successful flying machine off the ground. Comic-book style art brings the Wright's triumph to life.

Find an online biography of Wright at NASA as well as information at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

August 18 Birthday: Meriwether Lewis

Meriwether Lewis, explorer
Aug. 18, 1774-Oct. 11, 1809

A Picture Book Biography of Lewis and Clark by David A. Adler, illustrated by Ronald Himler (Holiday House, 2003)

The spirit of adventure is captured in this book about Lewis and Clark's most celebrated journey-the expedition of the West.

Visit Discovering Lewis & Clark, an online "hyperhistory in progress" and retrace the steps of these explorers and more.

August 17 Birthday: Davy Crockett

Davy Crockett, "King of the Wild Frontier"
Aug. 17, 1786-Mar. 6, 1836

A Picture Book of Davy Crockett by David A. Adler, illustrated by John Wallner (Holiday House, 1996)

Remember the Alamo. The life and times of Davy Crockett, real-hero and folk hero, are brought to life in this picture book biography of an American icon.

Visit The Alamo today.

August 16 Birthday: George Littlechild

George Littlechild, artist and author
Aug. 16, 1958-

This Land is My Land by George Littlechild (Children's Book Press, 1993)

Part autobiography, part history, Littlechild matches his words with his bold, colorful art in this book about his life and the lives of other Native American peoples. Littlechild is a member of the Plains Cree Nation.

Resources about George Littlechild can be found in the Native American Authors Project page.

August 13 Birthday: Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley, sharpshooter
Aug. 13, 1860-Nov. 3, 1926

Bull's-Eye: A Photobiography of Annie Oakley by Sue Macy (National Geographic Children's Books, 2001)

This book hits the target with its engaging text, period photos and drawings.

The online version of the PBS documentary of Annie Oakley on American Experience offers a program transcript, timeline, values, posters from the Wild West Show and other fascinating facts.

August 12 Birthday: Katharine Lee Bates

Katharine Lee Bates, author of words to America the Beautiful
Aug. 12, 1859-Mar. 28, 1929

Purple Mountain Majesties: The Story of Katharine Lee Bates and "America the Beautiful" by Barbara Younger, illustrated by Stacey Schuett (Turtleback Books, 2002)

Where do ideas come from? In this case, from majestic scenery. Inspired by view from Pikes Peak, Katharine Lee Bates began to write a poem that would become a national treasure.

View images from Pikes Peak Cam Top Peak Pics in Colorado Springs, Colorado for a sense of Bates' wonder.

August 11 Birthday: Maria Mitchell

Maria Mitchell, astronomer
Aug. 11, 1818-June 28, 1889

Maria's Comet by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Deborah Lanino (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1999)

Maria Mitchell's passion and determination shine through this fictionalized account of her childhood.

The Maria Mitchell Association in Nantucket continues Mitchell's legacy through education programs, museums and research.

August 10 Birthday: Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover, U. S. President
Aug. 10, 1874-Oct. 20, 1964

Lives of Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

One brief paragraph in this collective biography is devoted to Herbert Hoover, millionaire and 31st president of the United States.

Check out the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum to learn more about Hoover and his legacy.

August 8 Birthday: Esther Morris

Esther Morris, pioneer
Aug. 8, 1814-Apr. 2, 1902

When Esther Morris Headed West: Women, Wyoming, and the Right to Vote by Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge, illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers (Holiday House, 2001)

Go, Esther! What one woman (and others) did to make the West a more equitable place to live.

Online information about Esther Morris can be viewed at the WOW Museum-Women of the West Museum.