by Anne on April 23, 2008
James Buchanan, U.S. President
Apr. 23, 1791-June 1, 1868
Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)
Number 15 was the only president who never married. He had numerous pets, including a pair of bald eagles.
The Internet Public Library offers facts about Buchanan’s personal life and public service.
Sergei Prokofiev, musician
April 23, 1891-March 5, 1953
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1993)
The Russian composer of Peter and the Wolf, dreamed of composing from an early age.
“All Prokifiev. All the time,” is how The Prokofiev Page describes itself. Drop by for a biography, photographs, interviews and links.
by Anne on April 22, 2008
Isabella I, political leader
Apr. 22, 1451-Nov. 26, 1504
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
As Queen of Spain, Isabella I financed the travels of Christopher Columbus.
Learn more about Isabella of Castile at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
by Anne on April 21, 2008
John Muir, preservationist
Apr. 21, 1838-Dec. 24, 1914
John Muir: America’s First Environmentalist by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Stan Fellows (Candlewick, 2006)
The life and accomplishments of Muir, an environmental pioneer, who among other things promoted the establishment of Yosemite as a park, are heralded in this book. Selections from his diary are woven throughout the story and add depth to the telling.
The Sierra Club maintains an exhibit to John Muir, founder of the organization.
Charlotte Bronte, writer
Apr. 21, 1816-Mar. 31, 1855
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
The author of Jane Eyre, was the eldest of the three Bronte sisters, all English writers.
A brief biography of Bronte can be found on the Victorian Web.org, a site about literature, history and culture in the age of Victoria.
by Anne on April 20, 2008
Tito Puente, musician
Apr. 20, 1923-May 31, 2000
How We are Smart by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Lee & Low Books, 2006)
Known as “The Mambo King,” Puente played Latin jazz and mambo music.
Read more about the talented Puente on the Thomson/Gale site.
by Anne on April 18, 2008
Murasaki Shikibu, artist
c. 973-c. 1014 or 1025
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt(Harcourt, 1994)
Novelist. Poet. Servant in royal court. Japan’s Shikibu is best known as author of The Tale of Genji, one of the earliest published novels of all time.
Read parts of Murasaki Shikibu’s diary online at Penn’s digital library site.
