by Anne on January 17, 2010

Mack Sennett, film pioneer
Jan. 17, 1880-Nov. 5, 1960
Mack Made Movies by Don Brown (Roaring Brook Press, 2003)
“In 1900, twenty-year-old Mack Sennett was a horse’s rear end.” Who can resist an opening line like that? Read more about the silent moviemaker of the slapstick Keystone Kops and Charlie Chaplin.
A mini-biography and a listing of Sennett’s is available on a movie database site.
Helen Keller, writer and activist
June 27, 1880-June 1, 1968

A Picture Book of Helen Keller by David A. Adler, illustrated by John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 1990)
While the childhood of Keller, who was born with visual and hearing impairments is the focus of this biography, her accomplishments as an adult are also highlighted.
From the American Foundation for the Blind, The Helen Keller Kids Museum Online offers a biography of Keller.
by Anne on February 25, 2009
Elenore Plaisted, pioneer
c. 1880-c. 1935

My Prairie Year: Based on the Diary of Elenore Plaisted by Brett Harvey, illustrated by Deborah Ray Kogan (Holiday House, 1986)
From Maine to the Dakotas in 1889, nine-year-old Elenore, describes her family’s life, blizzards, surprise packages from Maine, and wildflowers.
Curious about what happened to Elenore Plaisted? Elenore Plaisted Abbott studied with Howard Pyle and became a children’s book illustrator. Visit the
Rose Valley Museum & Historical Society for details. You’ve got to love a woman who supposedly painted her house pink.
See samples of Elenore Plaisted Abbott’s work at a Rutgers University exhibit.
by Anne on January 17, 2009
Muhammad Ali, athlete
Jan. 17, 1942-
I Shook Up the World: The Incredible Life of Muhammad Ali by Maryum Ali, illustrated by Patrick Johnson (Beyond Words Publishing, 2004)
Three-time winner of the World Heavyweight boxing championship, an Olympic gold medal and numerous other awards, Ali was born Cassius Clay, Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky. One of his most famous quotes is “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.”
Visit the Kids section of Ali’s Official Website that highlights the many accomplishments of this African-American super athlete.
Ben Franklin, founding father
Jan. 17, 1706-Apr. 17, 1790
The Life of Ben Franklin: An American Original by Yona Zeldis McDongough, illustrated by Malcah Zeldis (Holt, 2006)
Author, politician, and inventor were just a few of Franklin’s occupations. The story of his life and achievements are detailed in this biography.
Time Magazine’s Online Edition has a Special Report on Franklin, titled “Citizen Ben’s Great Virtues.”
Mack Sennett, film pioneer
Jan. 17, 1880-Nov. 5, 1960
Mack Made Movies by Don Brown (Roaring Brook Press, 2003)
“In 1900, twenty-year-old Mack Sennett was a horse’s rear end.” Who can resist an opening line like that? Read more about the silent moviemaker of the slapstick Keystone Kops and Charlie Chaplin.
A mini-biography and a listing of Sennett’s is available on a movie database site.
Helen Keller, writer and activist
June 27, 1880-June 1, 1968
A Picture Book of Helen Keller by David A. Adler, illustrated by John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 1990)
While the childhood of Keller, who was born with visual and hearing impairments is the focus of this biography, her accomplishments as an adult are also highlighted.
From the American Foundation for the Blind, The Helen Keller Kids Museum Online offers a biography of Keller.