by Anne on December 23, 2008
Sarah Breedlove Walker, philanthropist
Dec. 23, 1867-May 25, 1919
Vision of Beauty: The Story of Sarah Breedlove Walker by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Nneka Bennett (Candlewick, 2000)
Born to former slaves, Sarah Breedlove Walker triumphed over numerous adversities to become the owner and operator of a hair products business which became one of the largest companies in America by 1912. Her generosity was legendary as she shared her wealth with others.
The Official Website of Madam C. J. Walker a.k.a Sarah Breedlove Walker offers a bio and more.
by Anne on December 22, 2008
Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, environmentalist and former First Lady
Dec. 22, 1912-July 11, 2007
Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein (HarperCollins, 2005)
One person can make our world a more beautiful place. Here’s proof. Thank you, Lady Bird.
Visit The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.
by Anne on December 19, 2008
Esther, leader
Esther’s Story by Diane Wolkstein, illustrated by Juan Wijngaard (HarperTrophy, 1998)
Esther saved the day. Literally. In this biblical account, written in the form of a diary, Esther tells the story of her life and how as Queen Esther she saved her people from Haman, who wished to destroy the Jewish people.
Queen Esther: The Merit of Things Hidden from the Women in Judaism.
by Anne on December 18, 2008
Eratosthenes, mathematician and librarian
c. 276 BC-194 BC
The Librarian Who Measured the Earth by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (Little Brown, 1994)
Sun and shadows. Those were the keys to the Eratosthenes’ discovery of how to measure the Earth’s circumference. A fascinating look at ancient times and at how geometry can make sense of our world.
Learn how Eratosthenes figured it out at the Cornell website.
by Anne on December 16, 2008
Jane Austen, writer
Dec. 16, 1775-July 18, 1817
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
The English author of Emma, Pride and Prejudice, and four other works was not famous until after her death.
Drop by Jane Austen’s house on the Web .
