Aug. 30, 1797-Feb. 1, 1851

Through the Tempests Dark and Wild: A Story of Mary Shelley, Creator of Frankenstein by Sharon Darrow, illustrated by Angela Barrett (Candlewick, 2003)

Focused on the teen years “where some believe that Mary’s famous novel took root” this fictionalized picture book biography is a moving account of Shelley, who published her renowned Gothic at the age of nineteen.

A Wikipedia biography of Mary Shelley with additional links is available.

Read an interview with author Sharon Darrow (includes questions related to Through the Tempests) at Cynthia Leitich Smith’s blog.

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.

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.