National Cheese Pizza Day is today! Cheese pizza accounts for about 41 prcent of all pizzas consumed. Idea: Children could poll friends and family as to how they like their cheese pizza, New York thin crust of Chicago deep dish. They could munch on cheese pizza while they research Amazon Rainforest Day, also celebrated today.
First Prayer of First Continental Congress
First Continental Congress met secretly in 1774 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In response to the Intolerable Acts, 56 representatives from 12 colonies discussed their grievances. Georgia did not send members. Peyton Randolph from Virginia was the president. The First Continental Congress, which ended on October 26, 1774, had accomplished two goals. The group decided that the colonies would boycott British goods starting in September 1775. Also they agreed to meet again in May 1775. Idea: Children could find out how people were chosen to attend the First Continental Congress. They could also read the journals of the meetings at: Journals.
Gasoline pump was operated for the first time in 1885. Created by Sylvester F. Bowser of Fort Wayne, Indiana, it could hold a barrel of gasoline. Automobiles were not invented then, so why a gasoline pump? He was using it to measure and sell kerosene. Later, he adapted it to measure automobile gasoline.
Orbiting Geophysical Observatory I
Orbiting Geophysical Observatory 1 was launched 1964. Five other Orbiting Geophysical Observatories were launched between 1965 and 1969. These satellites measured the earth’s magnetosphere and provided data about the earth and sun. The last of the six stopped operating in March 1972. Older children can learn more at: OGO.
Voyager I
Voyager I was launched in 1977. It approached Jupiter in 1979 and Saturn in 1980. It continues to explore deep space and send back data. Traveling at a maximum speed of 38,000 miles per hour, Voyager I has traveled far beyond Pluto’s orbit. Children can visit a VERY INTERESTING WEBSITE: Voyager.
Sunday Outing
Paul Fleischman (born Monterey, California, 1952) has written at least 35 books for children. He is the son of Sid Fleischman. Graven Images received a 1983 Newbery Honor Award. His book Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices earned the 1989 Newbery Medal. Idea: Children could read and enjoy some of his works. One of his books, Bull Run, describes the Civil War from various points of view. That book was awarded the 1989 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Children can visit his website at: Paul Fleischman.
Erin Entrada Kelly (born Lake Charles, Louisiana, 1977) writes books for children. She received the 2018 Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe. She also received a 2021 Newbery Honor Award for We Dream of Space. Children can learn more at: Erin Entrada Kelly.
Gloria Jean Pinkney (born Lumberton, North Carolina, 1941) is a children’s book author and an ordained minister. She is the wife of Jerry Pinkney and the mother of Brian Pinkney. Her books include Sunday Outing and Back Home.
National Read a Book Day is today! The day encourages everyone to read an old favorite or try a new title.
Flag of Eswatini
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) celebrates Somhlolo, Independence Day. Although it has remained part of the British Commonwealth, it became free of direct British rule in 1968. This land-locked country, located in the southeastern portion of Africa, is ruled by a monarch, King Mswati III. Eswatini, home to 1.4 million people, is about the size of New Jersey. Mbabane is the capital.
Captain Juan Sebastian de Elcano brought the only surviving ship, the Victoria, from Magellan’s expedition back to Spain in 1522. Magellan’s voyage started September 20, 1519, with five ships and about 265 men. Only eighteen of the men survived and returned on the Victoria. The ship was the first vessel to circumnavigate earth. Children could learn more at: Magellan.
Jane Addams
Jane Addams (born Cedarville, Illinois, 1860; died Chicago, Illinois, May 21, 1935) was an activist for social welfare and women’s rights. She founded Hull House and was the co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Children could read The House that Jane Built, written by Tanya Lee Stone and illustrated by Kathryn Brown. The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award was created in her honor in 1953. The award recognizes books that promote peace, equality for minority groups, world issues, and equality for both men and women. Children could learn more about Jane Addams and the Jane Adams Children’s Book Award from Children’s Book Award Handbook, by Diana F. Marks.
John Dalton (born Eaglesfield, England, 1766; died Manchester, England, July 27, 1844) was a scientist. He is known for his work in atomic theory and in research regarding color blindness.
Tony DiTerlizzi (born Los Angeles, California, 1969) writes and illustrates books for children. He co-wrote the Spiderwick Chronicles with Holly Black. He earned a 2003 Caldecott Honor Award for The Spider and the Fly. Children can visit his website at: Tony DiTerilizzi.
Marquis de Lafayette
Marquis de Lafayette (born Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier in Chavaniac, France, 1757; died Paris, France, May 20, 1834) was called “The Hero of Two Worlds.” He contributed to the American Revolution by convincing Louis XVI to send men to fight. He attained the rank of major-general and helped force Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown. He returned to France and drafted “A Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.” Children could read Russell Freedman’s Lafayette and the American Revolution.
Felix Salten (born Budapest, Hungary, 1869; died Zurich, Switzerland, October 8, 1945) was an author. His most famous book is Bambi. Children could learn more at: Felix Salton.
Jessie Willcox Smith (born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1863; died Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1935) was a prolific illustrator. Her illustrations appeared in over 250 periodicals, on 200 magazine covers, and in 60 books. Some of her most well-know children’s book illustrations include Heidi by Johanna Spyri and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.