by Anne on August 29, 2010
Wendell Scott, stock car racer
August 29, 1921-December 23, 1990
Racing Against the Odds: The Story of Wendell Scott, Stock Car Racing’s African-American Champion by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric A. Velasquez (Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books, 2009)
Scott’s foot was on the pedal of his family’s car well before he was old enough to get a license. At 14 he bought his first car. He began racing in 1947 and in 1963 was the first and only African-American to win a NASCAR race.
Legends of Nascar.com offers several articles about Scott along with a list of some of his awards.
by Anne on August 29, 2010
John McCain, politician
August 29, 1936-
My Dad, John McCain by Meghan McCain, illustrated by Dan Andreasen (Aladdin, 2008)
Written by McCain’s eldest daughter, this is a loving tribute to the life of her father that portrays his perseverance and strength as a child, naval officer, prisoner of war, US Senator and Republican candidate for the president.
McCain currently represents Arizona as a member of the US Senate. Visit his website to learn more about him and the issues and legislation he is interested in.
by Anne on August 29, 2010
Charlie Parker, musician
Aug. 29, 1920-Mar. 12, 1955
Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by Chris Raschka (Scholastic, 1992)
The words feel like they’re bouncing off the pages of this lively picture book biography of the master of be bop. A read-aloud must.
Visit the Official Site of Charlie “Yardbird” Parker.
