For as long as I can remember in my teaching career, Tomie DePaola has been, hands down, my favorite author/illustrator.  Today, he is celebrating his 80th birthday! He has written and/or illustrated over 250 books!

I love using his books in first grade to teach narrative.  How can you go wrong when he tells about licking his new maple bed post because he thinks it will taste like maple syrup or his moving stories with his Irish grandparents, Tom and Nana Downstairs?

His chapter book series, 26 Fairmount Avenue, takes place in Meriden, Connecticut where he grew up.  These true stories not only share his engaging narrative, but also engage young readers in the challenging history of the time. He shares listening to fireside chats by FDR and losing his cousin, Blackie, in the war.  He recalls seeing Walt Disney's Snow White on the big screen for the first time and can't get enough of Shirley Temple (one of his heroes). You can also hear about countless family tales as he shares stories from his very large and close knit, Irish/Italian family.

I was fortunate enough to have Moffat visit with Tomie in his now current home of New London, New Hampshire.  When Moffat returned, I received a treasured note of encouragement along with some keepsake photos.  I am thankful for Tomie's kindness and encouragement in my own work with Moffat.  

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner.  Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, saw the enormous flag flying over Ft. McHenry in the Baltimore Harbor after a night of defending the fort from the British.  This battle took place on September 14, 1814 as part of the War of 1812. He was so moved by the sight, that he later penned the words to what would our country's National Anthem.

The Star-Spangled Banner is now on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.  The anthem is regularly performed at the beginning of sporting events and has been performed by countless artists such as Taylor Swift, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Beyonce and Mariah Carey to name a few.

Please see the links below to learn more about the flag's amazing journey.

National Museum of American History

Yesterday, Civil Rights activist Ruby Bridges celebrated her 60th birthday.  Every year, I teach my students about young Ruby and her courage while going to school. We read books and watch clips from the Disney movie telling her story.  

As a classroom teacher in an racially diverse school, Ruby's story brings tears to my eyes every time I talk about it.  My classroom is filled with students Ruby's age who all come to school ready to learn.  When I watch the movie, I can't fathom the hatred that was targeted at such a young person.

This past summer, my husband and I were fortunate enough to travel to New Orleans.  One rainy morning we rented a car and drove to William Frantz Elementary that Ruby attended.  I have a few historic venues that have made me very emotional and this was definitely one of them.  It was overwhelming to stand on the same sidewalk where so many parents yelled jeering comments and wanted to deny Ruby an education.  
William Frantz was badly damaged during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (see link below on button for Huffington Post article).  Although I did not get to go in, The Akili Academy now calls the William Frantz building home. New life and educational opportunities are alive and well in the school in the Upper Ninth Ward in New Orleans.

If you do not know Ruby's story, take the time to learn about it.  As a teacher, it is especially moving and young students are really drawn to her experience.