by Anne on January 24, 2010

Maria Tallchief, ballerina
Jan. 24, 1925-
Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina by Maria Tallchief, with Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Viking Juvenile, 1999)
Native American ballerina Maria Tallchief tells the story of her own childhood up to her move to New York at seventeen in pursuit of a dance career.
A few images of Tallchief can be seen at The Ballerina Gallery.
by Anne on October 21, 2009
Celia Cruz, musician
Oct. 21, 1925-July 16, 2003

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Julie Maren (Dial, 2005)
When this salsa superstar was a child, her neighbors crowded the street to hear her sing to her family. Jewel toned illustrations add much to this vibrant story of her life.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History featured Celia Cruz in a exhibit called Azucar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz.
by Anne on September 16, 2009
B.B. King, musician
Sept. 16, 1925-

The Blues Singers: Ten Who Rocked the World by Julius Lester, illustrated by Lisa Cohen (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2001)
Guitarist and songwriter B. B. King made his first hit record in 1952. And he’s been recording ever since.
Visit the Official B.B. King web site for more info on B.B. King and his famous guitar named “Lucille.”
Bill Haley, musician
July 6, 1925-February 9, 1981

Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
Bill Haley and the Comets started singing C&W music but switched to rock and roll. Their song Rock Around the Clock was a huge hit and some say started the rock ‘n’ roll craze.
RockHall.com posts a bio of 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Haley.
Malcolm X, civil rights advocate
May 19, 1925-Feb. 21, 1965

Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Leonard Jenkins (HarperCollins, 2000)
Malcolm X did not have an easy childhood and was assassinated at the age of 40. In an account of his life, readers will gain insights into this controversial and influential leader.
The Offical Web Site of Malcolm X contains a biography, chronology, achievements, photos, and fast facts about this civil rights activist.