Flag of Croatia
Croatia celebrates Independence Day. In 1991 Croatia’s Parliament voted to sever ties to Yugoslavia. Bordering the Adriatic Sea, the country is slightly smaller than the state of West Virginia. About 4.5 million people live in Croatia, and Zagreb is the capital. Children could learn more at: Croatia.
Map of Fire Damage
Great Chicago Fire of 1871 burned for thirty hours. Legend states Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern and started a fire in her barn. Almost one hundred thousand people lost their homes, and over 200 people died. Children could learn more at: Chicago Fire.
Peshtigo Forest Fire also started in 1871. Experts believe this to be one of the most damaging forest fires ever. The fire began in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and spread across six counties. More than 1,100 people died. Children could learn more at: Peshtigo Forest Fire.
Belvin Maynard Landing to Win Race
First Transcontinental Air Race began in 1919. The race was also called the Transcontinental Reliability and Endurance Test. Fifteen airplanes took off from San Francisco, and 48 planes left Roosevelt Field in New York. The 5,400 mile round trip was sponsored by the American Flying Club of New York. “Flying Parson” Army Lieutenant Belvin Maynard won the race. He took three days six hours to fly from New York to California, and he needed three days 21 hours to fly back.
Microwave Patent
Microwave oven was patented by Percy Spencer in 1945. He accidentally discovered the power of microwaves when he found that a candy bar in his pocket had melted when he came near radar. He began to experiment with microwaves under controlled conditions. He received patent number 2,495,429. Children could view his patent, “Method of Treating Foodstuffs,” at: Microwave Patent.
Barthe DeClements (born Seattle, Washington, 1920) is an author. Her works include Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You and Spoiled Rotten.
Frank Herbert (born Tacoma, Washington, 1920; died Madison, Wisconsin, February 11, 1986) was a writer. He is most known for his Dune series. Young adults can learn more at: Frank Herbert.
Jesse Jackson (born Greenville, North Carolina, 1941) is a minister and a civil rights leader.
Trinka Hakes Noble (born Michigan, 1944) writes and illustrates books for children. Her books include the Jimmy’s Boa series and The Last Brother. Children can visit her website at: Trinka Hakes Noble.
Edward Rickenbacker (born Columbus, Ohio, 1890; died Zurich, Switzerland, July 23, 1973) was an aviator and a World War I ace fighter pilot. He received the Medal of Honor.
Faith Ringgold (born Harlem, New York, 1930; died Englewood, New Jersey, April 12, 2024) was an artist. She also wrote and illustrated children’s books. Her book Tar Beach earned a 1992 Caldecott Honor Award and the 1992 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky received the 1993 Jane Addams Picture Book Award. Children can visit her website at: Faith Ringgold.
Goosebumps Book
R. L. Stine (born Columbus, Ohio, 1943) has written hundreds of books for children and young adults. His works include the Goosebumps series and the Fear Street series. Young adults can visit his website at: R. L. Stine.
Mike Thaler (born Los Angeles, California, 1936; 23, 2024died Yakima County, Washington, March ) wrote at least 210 books for children. His works include The Teacher from… series and another series, Tales from the Back Pew. Children can learn more at: Mike Thaler.