by Anne on January 16, 2012
Dian Fossey, ethologist
Jan. 16, 1932-Dec. 26, 1985
Light Shining Through the Mist: A Photobiography of Dian Fossey by Tom L. Matthews (National Geographic Children’s Books, 1998)
The Fossey name is synonymous with gorillas. Fossey studied them in their native habitat in the mountains of Rwanda and in the Congo. Photos add to this fascinating introduction of Fossey and her work.
Learn more about Fossey’s work, mountain gorillas, conservation and research at The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International site.
by Anne on January 15, 2012
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights advocate
Jan. 15, 1929-Apr. 4, 1968
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Jump at the Sun, 2001)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words live on. His most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” stirs hearts today. The youngest man to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. King, Jr., a gifted African-American political leader, minister and peacemaker is honored by a U.S. Federal holiday on his birthday.
Check out The Seattle Times for a photo gallery, timeline, quotes, and a biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a great American hero.
by Anne on January 12, 2012
Jose Limon, dancer
Jan. 12, 1908-Dec. 2, 1972
Jose! Born to Dance by Susanna Reich, illustrated by Raul Colon (Paula Wiseman Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2005)
Jose “wanted to give a gift to the world, but he didn’t know what it could be.” Until….he discovered dance. Thus began his spectacular career as a dancer, choreographer and creator of his own dance company.
Limon’s dance lives. Visit the Limon Dance Company and Foundation website to learn about upcoming performances and the heritage of the organization.
by Anne on January 12, 2012
Ira Hayes, WWII hero
Jan. 12, 1923-Jan. 24, 1955
Quiet Hero: The Ira Hayes Story by S.D. Nelson (Charlesbridge, 2006)
Ira Hayes served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII. A photographer captured a picture of Hayes and five of his buddies raising an American flag on Iwo Jima. That photo made him and the others instantly famous. This is the story of his childhood on an Indian reservation, his time in the military and the effects of war on his life.
For a photo of the U.S.M.C. War Memorial and a brief history of it, visit the National Park Service site.
by Anne on January 12, 2012
Jack London, author
Jan. 12, 1876- Nov. 22,1916
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
London went to seek fame in the California gold rush and found it by writing about it. His most famous work: The Call of the Wild.
A bio, FAQs, photos, images, writings, resources for students and teachers can be accessed at The Jack London Online Collection hosted by Sonoma State University.
