Jackie Robinson, athlete

Jan. 31, 1919-Oct. 24, 1972

First in the Field: Baseball Hero Jackie Robinson by Derek Dingle (Hyperion, 1998) The first African-American Major League Baseball player of modern era is featured in this photobiography about his childhood and early adulthood.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame provides basic info and additional links on Robinson’s phenomenal career. Search for Robinson under the “The Hall of Famers” tab on the homepage.

Jan. 30, 1882-Apr. 12, 1945

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

This president had “fireside chats” broadcast over the radio, a collection of miniature pigs and a vibrant wife, Eleanor. FDR was number 32.

Visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum today.

Jan. 29, 1954-

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)

T.V. talk show host, book lover, actress, philanthropist and more, Ms. O, an African-American, is dedicated to making the world a better place.

One of the richest people in the world, Winfrey recently opened a Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Read an article about the school here.