Illinois Authors

"Ben Franklin loved to swim and, at the age of eleven, he was determined to swim like a fish--fins and all. This ... account of young Ben's earliest invention follows the budding scientist's journey as he tests and retests his swim fins. That first big splash led Ben to even more innovations and inventions. Includes Franklin quotes, a timeline, bibliography, and source notes"--Amazon.com.

Presents the story of Bill Monroe, whose deep Kentucky roots helped him to create the unique American music called bluegrass.

"In this powerful and inspiring book, Barb Rosenstock and Gérard DuBois reveal the story of Dorothea's remarkable life and illuminate how her photographs continue to tell the world the truth."--

Dutton Children's Books, New York : ©2010.

Introduces the life of stock car racer Louise Smith, from her first ride behind the wheel of her father's Ford to her thrilling stock car races across the country during the 1950s.

"This fight determines whether the women of the United States can vote, folks. The winner changes the country forever."--Back cover.

Everyone knew Abigail was different. Instead of keeping quiet, she blurted out questions. Instead of settling down with a wealthy minister, she married a poor country lawyer named John Adams. Instead of running from the Revolutionary War, she managed a farm and fed hungry soldiers. Instead of leaving the governing to men, she insisted they "Remember the Ladies." Instead of fearing Europe's kings and queens, she boldly crossed the sea to represent her new country. And when John become President of the United States, Abigail became First Lady, and a powerful advisor. Leave it to Abigail--an extraordinary woman who surprised the world.

"A biographical account of engineer Otis Barton and naturalist Will Beebe's record-setting descent into the deep ocean in their Bathysphere craft, making the men the first humans to witness deep sea creatures in their natural habitat"--

Details the life of Frank Lloyd Wright, a young boy from the prairie, who introduced organic architecture, a style he created based on the relationship between buildings and the natural world.

Dial Books for Young Readers, New York, N.Y. : ©2012.

Offers insight into the camping trip that President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir took to the redwoods of Yosemite in 1903, during which the two men had experiences and conversations that eventually contributed to the establishment of national parks in the United States.

Kar-Ben Pub., Minneapolis : ©2011.

Discusses how Mount Sinai was chosen as the site of the giving of the Ten Commandments.

Describes how Vasya Kandinsky's creative life was profoundly shaped by a neurological condition called synesthesia which caused him to experience colors as sounds and sounds as colors.

The incredible story of the world's largest visionary art environment: the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, kept secret by artist Nek Chand for fifteen years.

In the summer of 1941, Yankee center fielder Joe DiMaggio and his favorite bat, Betsy Ann, begin the longest hitting streak in baseball history. But when Betsy Ann goes missing, will DiMaggio keep hitting? Set on the brink of World War II, this is a spellbinding account of a sports story that united the country and made DiMaggio a hero, at a time when one was profoundly needed. Barb Rosenstock's action-packed text and Terry Widener's powerful illustrations capture DiMaggio's drive as well as his frustration. The book also includes headlines, quotes, stats, and a detailed bibliography.

Thomas Jefferson loved to read and collect books on almost every subject. He built his first library as a young man, and kept on building until his book collection helped to create the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the world's largest library.

Known for both his paintings and stained-glass windows, Marc Chagall rose from humble beginnings to become one of the world's most renowned artists. Admired for his use of color and the powerful emotion in his work, Chagall led a career that spanned decades and continents, and he never stopped growing. This lyrical narrative shows readers, through many different windows, the pre-WWI childhood and wartime experiences that shaped Chagall's path.--Publisher's description.

Describes how Van Gogh's insomnia, possibly a symptom of mental or physical illness, allowed him to view the night sky while everyone else was asleep and influenced how he saw the world around him.

Looks at the life of Major League Baseball and New York Yankee legend Lawrence "Yogi" Berra, describing how his differences challenged his baseball prospects and helped motivate him to prove his abilities as a player, coach, and manager.