by Anne on February 27, 2012
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, 2012
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 24, 2012
Dave the Potter, artist, poet, slave
c. 1880s
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Little Brown, 2010)
A lyrical portrayal of the artistic process of Dave, who handcrafted beautiful jars from clay and sometimes wrote poems on them.
To see examples of Dave’s work and learn more about him, visit Dave the Potter, hosted by the University of South Carolina.
by Anne on February 23, 2012
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.
by Anne on February 22, 2012
George Washington, U.S. President
Feb. 22, 1732-Dec. 14, 1799
George: George Washington, Our Founding Father by Frank Keating, illustrated by Mike Wimmer (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon and Schuster, 2012)
Written in first person, this moving portrait of one of our founding fathers captures the heart and soul of Washington.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens offers a virtual mansion tour. Visit today.
