Rosetta Stone
Courtesy of Hans Hillewaert
Jean-Francois Champollion declared in 1822 that he had deciphered the Rosetta Stone. The monument contained the same speech in three languages. He was able to translate the speech in two of the languages, and he used patterns and syntax to decode the Egyptian hieroglyphics, the third language. The Rosetta Stone is housed in the British Museum. Children could learn about the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian hieroglyphics at: Rosetta Stone.
Avi (born Edward Irving Wortis in New York, New York, 1937) has written at least 80 books for children and teenagers. An extremely versatile writer, he can engage younger children as well as young adults, and his works include historical fiction, fantasy, and mysteries. He received a 1991 Newbery Honor Award for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and a 1992 Newbery Honor Award for Nothing but the Truth. His Crispin: The Cross of Lead received the 2003 Newbery Medal. Children can visit his excellent website at: Avi.
Rosetta Stone
Jean-Francois Champollion (born Figeac, France, 1790; died Paris, France, March 4, 1832) solved the mystery of Egyptian hieroglyphics. He and Thomas Young were both trying to be the first person to use the Rosetta Stone to decode hieroglyphics. Champollion won. Children can read Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphics, by James Rumford. They can also visit: Rosetta Stone to learn more about Champollion and the Rosetta Stone.
Keiko Kasza (born on a small island in the Sea of Japan, 1951) is a writer and illustrator. One of her books is A Mother for Choco. Other works include My Lucky Birthday and Finders Keepers. Children can visit her website at: Keiko Kasza.
Sarah Breedlove Walker (born Delta, Louisiana, 1867; died Irvington, New York, May 25, 1919) was one of the first female African American millionaires. Also known as Madame C. J. Walker, she was a philanthropist and an activist. Children could read Vision of Beauty: The Story of Sarah Breedlove Walker, written by Kathryn Lasky and illustrated by Nneka Bennett. They could also learn more at: Sarah Breedlove Walker.