by Anne on November 22, 2008
Sieur De La Salle a.k.a. Rene-Robert Cavelier, explorer
Nov. 22, 1643-Mar. 20, 1687
Despite All Obstacles: LaSalle and the Conquest of the Mississippi by Joan Elizabeth Goodman, illustrated by Tom McNeely (Mikaya Press, 2001)
Follow La Salle from his birth in France through his Mississippi adventures through a text filled with excerpts from letters, diaries and journals.
The Handbook of Texas Online provides a biographical sketch of La Salle.
by Anne on November 21, 2008
Isaac B. Singer, writer
Nov. 21, 1904-1991
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
Singer spent his childhood in a Jewish ghetto in Poland. He escaped the Holocaust, became a writer and won the Nobel Prize in literature for his work.
Isaac Bashevis Singer is profiled at the Jewish-American Hall of Fame.
by Anne on November 19, 2008
Indira Gandhi, politician
Nov. 19, 1917-Oct. 31, 1984
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
Indira Gandhi served as the Prime Minister of India during portions of the 1960s, 70s and 80s. This remarkable woman is highlighted in this book dedicated to women who have changed the world.
Remembering Indira Gandhi highlights Gandhi’s contributions.
James Garfield, U.S. President
Nov. 19, 1831-Sept. 19, 1881
Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)
One pithy paragraph about the 20th president who had a dog named Veto is included in this book about U.S. presidents.
Visit the White House to learn more about Garfield.
by Anne on November 18, 2008
Wilma Mankiller, Chief
Nov. 18, 1945-
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
Wilma Mankiller, the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation who served for over ten years during the 1980s and 90s, made health and education her top issues.
A brief bio of Mankiller is posted at the National Women’s Hall of Fame site.
by Anne on November 17, 2008
Isamu Noguchi, artist
Nov. 17, 1904-Dec. 30, 1988
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
Although Noguchi was discouraged from pursuing art, thank goodness he persisted. Now, works of this important Japanese-American sculptor can be found in Detroit and Atlanta, to name just a few places.
The Noguchi Museum has exhibitions and collections that feature Noguchi’s life and work. Visit online today.
Soichiro Honda, automaker
Nov. 17, 1906-Aug. 5, 1991
Honda: The Boy Who Dreamed of Cars by Mark Weston, illustrated by Katie Yamasaki (Lee & Low Books, 2008)
From sweeping the floor of a car garage to becoming the founder of one of the world’s largest automakers, the story of Soichiro Honda chronicles his journey of hard work, dedication and the pursuit of excellence. An inventor and visionary, Honda changed the industry.
Find a brief bio of Honda, with an emphasis on his contribution to motorcycle manufacturing at AutoHistory.org
