Strange Mr. Satie by M.T. Anderson, illustrated by Petra Mathers (Viking, 2003)
The eccentric French composer’s life and music is examined in this picture book biography about him.
A photo and biography of Satie can be seen here.
A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Dial, 2011)
An iconic fight between American heavyweight boxer Joe Louis and German Max Schmeling on the eve of WWII drew Americans together and came to symbolize the war. This is a stirring story of hope.
The Official Web Site of Joe Louis gives visitors photos, quotes, fast facts and a biography.
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)
Valens was the California music sensation and singer of Donna and La Bamba. He was the first Mexican-American rock and roll star. Unfortunately he died in a small plane crash along with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.
Go to the Ritchie Valens Official Web Site for information on his life, his music and his family.
A Picture Book of Florence Nightingale by David A. Adler, illustrated by John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 1997)
Nurse extraordinaire, Nightingale changed her profession for the better and served with compassionate care.
Read a bio of Nightingale at the The Florence Nightingale Museum in the UK.
Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenburg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca (Flash Point, 2010)
This is the story behind the story of the collaboration of three artists—a choreographer, a composer and an artist—who created the magnificent ballet, Appalachian Spring. Thank you Martha Graham, Aaron Copeland and Isamu Noguchi.
The Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance continues her work.
