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.
by Anne on August 27, 2010
Lyndon Baines Johnson, U.S. President
Aug. 27, 1908-Jan. 22, 1973
Lives of Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)
Although the Vietnam War dominated the 36th president’s two terms of office, Johnson’s legacy also includes important Civil Rights legislation.
Fantastic resources about LBJ and his presidency are available at the LBJ Library and Museum Kids Homepage
by Anne on August 24, 2010
Duke Kahanamoku, athlete
Aug. 24, 1890-Jan. 22, 1968
Duke’s Olympic Feet by Ellie Crowe (Island Heritage, 2002)
Duke Kahanamoku is known by many names: The Ambassador of Aloha, father of surfing, and Olympic swimmer. In this gloriously illustrated picture book biography, Kahanamoku’s challenges as an untrained swimmer who not only participated in the 1912 Olympics, but won a Gold Medal are recorded. Additionally, how Kahanamoku introduced surfing to Australia is chronicled.
Visit the Surfing Museum bio link for more information about Kahanamoku.
