Catherine of Aragon and Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, were married by proxy in 1499. He was twelve years old, and she was thirteen years old. He was supposed to become King of England when his father died. However, Arthur died first at the age of fifteen, and his brother, Henry VIII, eventually took the throne. Henry married his brother’s widow, Catherine. She became the first of his six wives. How history can change as the result of a death!
Ringling Brothers Circus performed for the first time in 1884 in their home town of Baraboo, Wisconsin. They then began to perform in the Midwest. After they acquired their first elephant in 1888, business rapidly expanded. More expansion was possible after they used the train system to move from place to place. Ringling Brothers held its final performance on May 21, 2017. Children can learn more at: http://www.ringling.com/.
Simplon Tunnel from Iselle, Italy, to Brig, Switzerland, opened in 1906. Construction began in 1898. It was the longest railway tunnel until 1988 when Seikan Tunnel opened, connecting the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. Idea: Children could locate Italy and Switzerland on a map.
Arthur Dorros (born Washington, DC, 1950) writes and illustrates books for children. He has written at least 26 books, including Abuela and Ten Go Tango. His Papá and Me received a 2009 Pura Belpré Honor Award. Children can visit his website at: Arthur Dorros.
Tom Feelings (born Brooklyn, New York, 1933; died Mexico, August 25, 2003) wrote and illustrated books for children. Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book received a 1972 Caldecott Honor Award, and Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book earned a 1975 Caldecott Honor Award. Something on My Mind received a 1979 Coretta Scott King Honor Award for Illustration. His book Soul Looks Back in Wonder received a 1994 Jane Addams Honor Award and a 1994 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. The Middle Passage, perhaps his most known book, earned a 1996 Special Commendation from the Jane Addams Award Committee. Children can learn more at: Tom Feelings.
Lorraine Hansberry (born Chicago, Illinois, 1930; died New York, New York, January 12, 1965) was a playwright. One of her most famous works is A Raisin in the Sun.
Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, 1925; assassinated in New York, New York, February 21, 1965) was a civil rights activist. Idea: Children could locate more information on Malcolm X. They could predict what might have happened if he had not been killed.
Sarah Miriam Peale (born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1800; died Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1885) painted portraits and still lifes. She was a member of the famous Peale family, daughter of James and niece of Charles Willson. Many experts recognize her as the first American woman to be a successful professional artist. Children could see some of her works at: Sarah Miriam Peale. Idea: Children could make a family tree of the Peales. Did any offspring of the next generation become artists?
Elise Primavera (born West Long Branch, New Jersey, 1954) illustrates and writes books for children. She has written and illustrated at least twelve books, include the Fred and Anthony series and Auntie Claus. She has illustrated at least twenty books written by other others, including Jane Yolen and Diane Stanley. Children can learn more at her website: Elise Primavera.
Francis R. Scobee (born Cle Elum, West Virginia, 1939; died in Challenger disintegration, January 28, 1986) was the commander of the Challenger. Children could learn more at: Francis R. Scobee.