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 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.
by Anne on February 22, 2010
George Washington, U.S. President
Feb. 22, 1732-Dec. 14, 1799
A Picture Book of George Washington by David A. Adler, illustrated by John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner
Washington and his times are featured in this simple biography about his life.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens offers a virtual mansion tour. Visit today.
by Anne on February 20, 2010
Joshua Slocum, navigator
Feb. 20, 1884-Nov. 14, 1909
Born in the Breezes: The Voyages of Joshua Slocum by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop (Orchard, 2001)
Sail the high seas with this story about Slocum’s life and his love of it.
The Joshua Slocum Society International website attempts to “maintain a complete record of all single-handed circumnavigators, to popularize the legendary first solo circumnavigator, Captain Joshua Slocum.”
