by Anne on November 21, 2010
Isaac B. Singer, writer
Nov. 21, 1904-1991

Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1994)
Singer spent his childhood in a Jewish ghetto in Poland. He escaped the Holocaust, became a writer and won the Nobel Prize in literature for his work.
Isaac Bashevis Singer is profiled at the Jewish-American Hall of Fame.
by Anne on November 17, 2010
Isamu Noguchi, artist
Nov. 17, 1904-Dec. 30, 1988

Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
Although Noguchi was discouraged from pursuing art, thank goodness he persisted. Now, works of this important Japanese-American sculptor can be found in Detroit and Atlanta, to name just a few places.
The Noguchi Museum has exhibitions and collections that feature Noguchi’s life and work. Visit online today.
by Anne on August 7, 2010
Ralph Bunche, peacemaker
Aug. 7, 1904-Dec. 9, 1971

Paths to Peace: People Who Changed the World by Jane Breskin Zalben (Dutton, 2006)
Sixteen profiles of world peacemakers include a double-page spread of American diplomat Bunche. Stunning collages accompany each biography. Bunche was the first person of color to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.
To learn more about Dr. Ralph Bunche, visit the PBS site Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey.
Johnny Weissmuller, athlete
June 2, 1904-January 20, 1984

Lives of the Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1997)
An Olympian in swimming, Weissmuller also made his mark as Tarzan in the movies. His motto—”Le’s go.”
See at photo of Weissmuller aboard the S.S. President Roosevelt, July 1928 (coming or going) to the Olympic Games.
by Anne on April 11, 2010
Salvador Dali, artist
May 11, 1904-Jan. 23, 1989

Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces and Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1995)
A Spanish painter known for his surrealist style is spotlighted in this collective biography.
The Salvador Dali Museum hosts a site with images from the collection.