Happy Birthday, Hawaii!

 Events
Aug 212025
 
320px-Reef_Triggerfish

Humuhumunukunukuapuaa
Photo courtesy of Dwijnker

Hawaii's Flag

Hawaii’s Flag

Hawaii became the fiftieth state of the United States in 1959. Evidence indicates people lived on the islands as early as AD 500. James Cook first visited Hawaii in 1778, and he died there in 1779. Honolulu is the state capital, and the state’s nickname is the Aloha State. Hawaii is the 8th smallest state in area and the 11th least populated state. Since the development of the jet airplane, the islands have become quite a tourist spot. Scientists are trying to channel the geothermal energy from the volcano Mauna Loa. The state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Children could visit an Internet site at: Hawaii. Idea: Children could plan a simple luau.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates Began in 1858

 Events
Aug 212025
 

Lincoln-Douglas debates began in 1858. The seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas provided the voters of Illinois a chance to evaluate the candidates for a senate seat. The last debate was held in Alton, Illinois, on October 15, 1858. Although Lincoln lost the election, he became more known nationally. Older children can read transcripts of the speeches at: Lincoln-Douglas Debates.

Mona Lisa Was Stolen from the Louvre in 1911

 Events
Aug 212025
 
Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. A former employee of the Louvre, Vincenzo Peruggia, had removed her from the glass case he helped build. Then he stored the painting in his apartment. He tried to ransom the painting two years later, but he was caught. The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louvre in January 4, 1914. Children could visit a website at: Mona Lisa.

Great American Solar Eclipse Occured in 2017

 Events
Aug 212025
 

Solar Eclipse Map Courtesy of NASA

Great American Solar Eclipse occurred in 2017. The eclipse began in the northwest around 9:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time and crossed the country in a southeasterly direction. It concluded around 4:09 Eastern Daylight Time in the southeast. Around two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses happen every year, but this eclipse was so special because it crossed the entire United States. The next solar eclipse influencing the United states was on April 8, 2024, but it was not as monumental as the 2017 eclipse. Children can learn about solar eclipses at: Solar Eclipse.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
Aug 212025
 

Kwame Alexander (born New York, New York, 1968) writes children’s books and poetry. His verse novel The Crossover earned him the 2015 Newbery Medal. That book also received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award. He also earned a 2020 Newbery Honor Award for The Undefeated. Children can learn more at: Kwame Alexander.

William “Count” Basie (born Red Bank, New Jersey, 1904; died Hollywood, Florida, April 26, 1984) was a composer, pianist, and bandleader who loved jazz.

X. J. Kennedy (born Dover, New Jersey, 1929) writes poetry and novels for both adults and children. His children’s books include Elefantina’s Dream and Uncle Switch: Loony Limericks.

Arthur Yorinks (born Roslyn, New York, 1953) writes and directs plays and operas. He has also written at least 40 books for children. he wrote Hey, Al, which earned illustrator Richard Egielski the 1987 Caldecott Medal. Older children can learn more at: Arthur Yorinks.