by Anne on November 30, 2009
Mark Twain, writer
Nov. 30, 1835-Apr. 21, 1910
American Boy: The Adventures of Mark Twain by Don Brown (Houghton Mifflin, 2003)
Brown takes readers on a journey through the childhood and life of the plucky Twain. A fitting introduction to an American legend.
The Hannibal Courier Post looks at the life and works of Samuel Clemens.
book source: library
by Anne on November 29, 2009
Tzu Hsi, royal
Nov. 29, 1835-Nov. 15, 1908
Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 2000)
Chinese Empress Dowager Cixi ruled her country for 47 years. It was said that she loved to read.
Fordham University posts information about the Court Life in China.
book source: library
by Anne on November 29, 2009
Louisa May Alcott, writer
Nov. 29, 1832-Mar. 6, 1888
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
Based on her own childhood with her three sisters in Concord, Massachusetts, Alcott’s most famous work, Little Women was followed by other classics such as Little Men, Jo’s Boys, and Eight Cousins. Alcott also wrote works for adults.
Visit Orchard House, where Alcott lived when writing Little Women.
book source: library
by Anne on November 27, 2009
Bruce Lee, athlete
Nov. 27, 1940-July 20, 1973
Be Water, My Friend: The Early Years of Bruce Lee by Ken Mochizuki, illustrated by Dom Lee (Lee & Low Books, 2006)
A master of Kung fu, Chinese American Bruce Lee turned the West on to martial arts.
A photo and article about Lee is posted at Time.com.
book source: library
by Anne on November 24, 2009
Frances H. Burnett, writer
Nov. 24, 1849-Oct. 29, 1924
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
Burnett, the author of the children’s classic, The Secret Garden, originally illustrated by Tasha Tudor, was nicknamed “Fluffy.” Who knew?
A biography of Burnett is posted on a site of an ardent fan.
book source: library