by Anne on October 23, 2009
Pele, athlete
Oct. 23, 1940-
Young Pele: Soccer’s First Star by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome (Schwartz & Wade Books, 2007)
Soccer was Pele’s passion from an early age. He played and dreamed and dreamed and played, all the while honing his skills and talent. When he finally had the opportunity to play in a youth soccer tournament, he saw that it would be possible for him, a child from humble means, to achieve his goal.
ESPN posts a biography of the “King of Futbol” on their site.
by Anne on October 9, 2009
John Lennon
Oct. 9, 1940-Dec. 8, 1980
John’s Secret Dreams: The Life of John Lennon by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Hyperion, 2004)
In prose and song lyrics, John Lennon’s life and music are examined in this tribute to a rock ‘n’ roll great.
The Official John Lennon web site offers a look at the history, bio, and discography of this famous Beatle.
Patricia Schroeder, politician
July 30, 1940-
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, 2005)
Schroeder was a member of the House of Representatives for 24 years and is known for many “firsts.” She is currently the President of the Association of American Publishers.
Chuck Close, artist
July 5, 1940-
Chuck Close Up Close by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan (DK Children, reprint, 2000)
What cool art. What an inspiration. Close is known for his large photorealist paintings. A spinal problem in 1988 rendered Close a quadriplegic and with adaptations, he continues to paint.
The life, the process, the collaboration and learning resources on Close are only a click away. Visit Chuckclose.coe.uh.edu today.
Wilma Rudolph, athlete
June 23, 1940-November 12, 1994
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz (Harcourt, 1996)
A sickly child, Rudolph grew up to be the first woman to win three, count ‘em, three Olympic gold medals. What an inspiration!
The National Women’s Hall of Fame posts a short bio of Rudolph and her many athletic honors.
