May 172024
 

Eloise Greenfield (born Parmele, North Carolina, 1929; died Washington, DC, August 5, 2021) wrote at least 48 books (fiction, biographies, non-fiction, and poetry) for children. Her biography Paul Robeson received the 1976 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award. Africa Dream earned Greenfield the 1976 Coretta Scott King Medal. She received the 2018 Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Edward Jenner (born Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England, 1749; died Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England, January 26, 1823) discovered the vaccine for smallpox. In 1980 health experts declared that the world was free from smallpox. Children can learn MUCH more at this very interesting website: Edward Jenner.

Grace Lin (born New Hartford, New York, 1974) has written and/or illustrated at least 25 books for children. Her book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon received a 2010 Newbery Honor Award. Her book Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same! received a 2011 Theodor Geisel Award. Her work A Big Mooncake for Little Star received a 2019 Caldecott Honor Award. Children can learn more at her website: Grace Lin.

Gary Paulsen (born Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1939; died Tularosa, New Mexico, October 13, 2021) wrote more than 200 books for young adults. Dogsong earned a 1986 Newbery Honor Award. His book The Winter Room received a 1990 Newbery Honor Award. Perhaps his most notable work was Hatchet. He received the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 1997 for his body of work.