by Anne on February 27, 2010
Marian Anderson, musician
Feb. 27, 1897-Apr. 8, 1993
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick (Scholastic, 2002)
When African-American contralto Marian Anderson was 57 years old, she sang with the Metropolitan Opera. This is the story of her journey, from childhood church singer to European sensation to opera star.
Marian Anderson: A Life in Song exhibit at the Penn Library not only contains information about Anderson’s tours, but includes video and audio excerpts from interviews and performances.
by Anne on February 26, 2010
Fats Domino, musician
Feb. 26, 1928-
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
Domino learned to play piano when he was ten. Born and raised in New Orleans, he’s still rockin’.
Domino was an inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
by Anne on February 25, 2010
Elenore Plaisted, pioneer
c. 1880-c. 1935
My Prairie Year: Based on the Diary of Elenore Plaisted by Brett Harvey, illustrated by Deborah Ray Kogan (Holiday House, 1986)
From Maine to the Dakotas in 1889, nine-year-old Elenore, describes her family’s life, blizzards, surprise packages from Maine, and wildflowers.
Curious about what happened to Elenore Plaisted? Elenore Plaisted Abbott studied with Howard Pyle and became a children’s book illustrator. Visit the
by Anne on February 24, 2010
Vijaya Latshimi Pandit, diplomat
1900-1990
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy(Charlesbridge, 2005)
Meet Pandit, an Indian diplomat and first female president of the UN. In a few short paragraphs we learn about her great accomplishments. I love her quote: “The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war.”
Read up on the United Nations at their web site.
by Anne on February 23, 2010
George Frideric Handel, musician
Feb. 23, 1685-Apr. 14, 1759
Handel, Who Knew What He Liked by M.T. Anderson, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (Candlewick, 2001)
Here’s a humorous (and detailed) take on Handel’s life and music, including the a debunking of the myth that the tradition of standing during the Hallelujah Chorus began with the king.
Read an introduction to the Handel House, it’s history, restoration and about Handel’s London at the Handel House Museum.
