Mark Spitz in 1972 became the first person to win seven gold medals in one Olympic competition. He received gold medals in: 100 meter freestyle, 200 meter freestyle, 4 X 100 meter freestyle relay, 4 X 200 meter freestyle relay, 100 meter butterfly, 200 meter butterfly, and 4 X 100 meter medley relay. His record lasted until Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics.
Syd Hoff (born New York, New York, 1912; died Miami Beach, Florida, May 12, 2004) was a children’s book author and illustrator. One of his books is Danny and the Dinosaur. Children could visit a website devoted to him at: Syd Hoff.
Sarah Childress Polk
Sarah Childress Polk (born Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 1803; died Nashville, Tennessee, August 14, 1891) was America’s First Lady from March 4, 1845 to March 4, 1849. She was the wife of James Polk, eleventh president of the United States. She was a very active First Lady, serving as her husband’s secretary. Children could visit a website at: Sarah Childress Polk.
Amazon Rainforest
Amazon Rainforest Day is today! The Amazon rainforest takes up 2.1 million square miles of land, occupying parts of Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, Suriname, Peru, French Guiana, Guyana, Ecuador, and Colombia. About ten percent of all plant and animal species live in the Amazon rainforest. Twenty percent of all bird and fish species live there, and scientists are still identifying insect species native to the region. The Amazon rainforest has been experiencing deforestation as farmers slash and burn to create farmland. Children could learn more at: Amazon.
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.