Flag of Djibouti
Djibouti celebrates Independence Day. It declared its independence from France in 1977. Located in northeastern Africa, Djibouti is a bit smaller than Massachusetts. The capital is named Djibouti as well. According to the CIA World Factbook, most of the country is a desert, and natural resources include gold, limestone, and marble. About 800,000 people live in Djibouti. Children can learn more at: Djibouti.
James Smithson
James Smithson, a British subject, died in Genoa, Italy, in 1829. He bequeathed his fortune to the United States, a country he had never visited. Children can learn more about him at: James Smithson. The Smithsonian Institute, established in 1846, was created from his money and personal possessions. Today the Smithsonian has nineteen museums and nine research centers. The Smithsonian houses 137 million artifacts, and 30 million people visit it every year. Children can visit its website at: http://www.si.edu.
Happy Birthday Song was created in 1859. Mildred J. Hill created the melody, and Patty Smith Hill wrote the lyrics. It was published in 1893. It is probably one of the most popular songs today. Mildred Hill died before it became so famous.
Newbery Medal was awarded for the first time to Hendrik Van Loon for The Story of Mankind in 1922. Children can read The Story of Mankind at: Project Gutenberg. The Newbery Awards are presented to the American writers of the best children’s books. Children can learn more about John Newbery and the Newbery Awards at: Newbery. You could also read the portion dedicated to John Newbery and the Newbery Medal in the Children’s Book Award Handbook by Diana F. Marks.