Young Patriots Bulletin (web edition)

Hook Kids on History! January, 2005 Vol. 2, Number 1

Hook Kids on History in January:

January 9: Balloon Ascension Day - The first balloon flight in America was launched in Philadelphia in 1793. Source: History of Balloon Flight by Anna Macek. History of Ballooning Website January 11: Amelia Earhart* Day - This day in 1935 was the start of Amelia's two-day solo flight across the Pacific. January 12: Handwriting Day - In observance of John Hancock's* birthday (January 12, 1737) January 17: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20: Inauguration Day January 23: Elizabeth Blackwell is the first woman to receive a medical degree in America in 1849. January 30: Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd U.S. President, was born on this day in 1882.

* Included in the Young Patriots Series. To read more about these titles and all of the Young Patriots Series, Click Here.

From the Creator of the Young Patriots Series    

Celebrate Black History Month
With the Young Patriots

Each February, designated Black History Month, we formally celebrate the contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout history. Not only is Black History Month a recognition of past successes, but also an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable challenges faced by, and the sacrifices made by, Civil Rights leaders from all walks of life.

To enhance the study of Black History Month, the Children's Book Council has literary suggestions, such as the following Young Patriots, who are among those recognized leaders:

As an adult, Mahalia Jackson would become known as America's Greatest Gospel Singer. But as a child, she struggled to work a job while in grade school to help support her family in New Orleans, Louisiana. The jazz sounds of the city streets, blending with the soulful choir voices singing the gospel hymns in each corner church, would be imprinted in Mahalia's young spirit to mature into a voice and style never yet heard before. She worked closely with Martin Luther King, Jr. in encouraging young African-Americans to pursue their own dreams.

Phillis Wheatley was born in 1753 in Africa but was sold as a slave, at age seven, to a prosperous Boston Family - the Wheatleys. Even at her young age, Phillis took advantage of every opportunity to educate herself. With the help of the Wheatleys, she became fluent in several languages, well read and knowledgeable of geography and history. She was profoundly affected by literature and the works of the poets Milton and Pope. Her own poetry was first published in London; and she would soon become one of the most well known poets of her day - and the first female African-American writer of consequence, leaving nearly two centuries of legacy and inspiration to other young African-American writers.

Ye martial pow'rs, and all ye tuneful nine, Inspire my song, and aid my high design. The dreadful scenes and toils of war I write, The ardent warriors, and the fields of fight: You best remember, and you best can sing The acts of heroes to the vocal string: Resume the lays with which your sacred lyre, Did then the poet and the sage inspire.
	From Goliath of Gath by Phillis Wheatley

These and other titles are suggested by the Children's Book Council in honor of Black History Month. For more information visit their website

To order Mahalia Jackson, Gospel Singer and Civil Rights Champion or Phillis Wheatley, Young Revolutionary Poet (available April, 2005) Click Here.

INAUGURATION DAY 1841

• William Henry Harrison gave the longest inaugural address in history-it lasted 105 minutes.
• An inaugural ball for William Henry Harrison featured a pound cake in the shape of the U.S. Capitol building. The cake was 6 feet tall, 9 feet wide and weighed 800 pounds.
• Harrison was the second oldest president elected to office-68. Only Ronald Reagan in 1980 was older.
• During his inauguration, President Harrison did not wear a hat. He contracted a cold and died of pneumonia exactly one month later.

New Exploration for Amelia's Plane!

early seventy years after Amelia Earhart was presumed dead after her place disappeared over the Pacific Ocean - July 2, 1937 - during her attempt to fly around the world, new advances are being made to locate her plane.

According to MSNBC News, David Jourdan, a marine explorer, will be heading the expedition using sonar to search a 1,000-square-mile area of ocean floor. The low temperature of the ocean, just above freezing at 17,000 feet beneath the surface, and the relatively calm currents present a tomblike environment - ideal for preserving a plane that may have plunged into the dark waters almost seven decades earlier.

Jourdan is not merely in search of the wreckage of an old plane crash, but rather an answer to a mystery that has haunted many for decades.

For more information on this story, visit MSNBC

To order a copy of Amelia Earhart, Young Air Pioneer Click Here.

Win a Young Patriot in our Monthly Drawing

This month we're celebrating John Hancock's birthday by offering you a free copy of John Hancock, Independent Boy! All you have to do is click here: newslettercontest@patriapress.com and send a blank email. You will automatically be entered to win.

 

Download the electronic copy of William Henry Harrison, Young Tippecanoe. Simply visit this special page for subscribers only:

Remember, with each order for a complete 9-volume set of the Young Patriots Series you will receive a 20% discount plus Free Shipping. All Young Patriots titles may also be ordered from your favorite wholesaler. Teacher's Guides and Webquests are always free and may be downloaded at our website.

Take advantage of Free Shipping and order today!

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