May 052024
 

Nellie Bly

Nellie Bly (born Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 1867; died New York, New York, January 22, 1922) was perhaps the leading female journalist of her time. She worked for the Pittsburgh Dispatch, reporting on working conditions, slum life and other topics. She moved to New York and worked on Pulitzer’s New York World. She pretended to be insane, and she was institutionalized. She then reported on the extreme conditions she found there. Perhaps her most exciting adventure came when she followed the route of Jules Verne’s imaginary Phileas Fogg and traveled around the world in 72 days. Children could read or listen to copies of her books at: Project Gutenberg. Children could also read Bonnie Christensen’s The Daring Nellie Bly: America’s Star Reporter.

J. Patrick Lewis (born Gary, Indiana, 1942) has written over 100 poetry and and fiction books for children. His books include the Tugg and Tiny series and What’s Looking at You, Kid?

Inch by Inch

Leo Lionni (born Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1910; died Chianti, Italy, October 11, 1999) was an author/illustrator of over 40 books. He earned four Caldecott Honor Awards: Inch by Inch in 1961, Swimmy in 1964, Frederick in 1968, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse in 1970.

Todd Strasser (born New York, New York, 1950) has written more than 140 books for middle-grade children. He also uses the pen names Morton Rhue and T. S. Rue. His books include The Wave and Thief of Dreams. Children can learn more at: Todd Strasser.

Nov 142024
 

Nellie Bly and the only luggage she would carry for 72 days

Nellie Bly began her trip in 1889 to go around the world in eighty days. She was trying to copy the trip Jules Verne created for his character Phileas Fogg in the book Around the World in Eighty Days. She completed the 24,899 mile trip in slightly over 72 days, returning to New Jersey on January 25, 1890. During her trip she met Jules Verne in France. She sailed through the Suez Canal and traveled through Hong Kong and Japan. Her record lasted only a few months; in 1890 George Francis Train went around the world in 67 days. Children can visit a website devoted to her at: Nellie Bly.