Today is David Beckham's birthday

David Beckham

Gifted and Giving Soccer Star
Author: J Chris Roselius
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3587-4

Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

One of the most popular athletes in the world, soccer star David Beckham's skills are second to none. As he grew into an international superstar, Beckham used his fame to help the sport of soccer grow and make a better future for underprivileged children throughout the world.

On this day in history

In 1803, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France.

The Louisiana Purchase—The Deal of the Century That Doubled the Nation would be a great addition to a middle/high school library.

The Louisiana Purchase: Would You Close the Deal? makes elementary readers think about this event.

On this day in history

Joan of Arc entered the besieged city of Orleans to lead a victory over the English.

Today would have been Duke Ellington's birthday

Duke Ellington ''I Live With Music''
Author: Carin T. Ford
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2702-2

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 128

As a composer, bandleader, and pianist, Duke Ellington topped all other jazz musicians of his day. Ellington infused the beats and the rhythms of jazz with a more classical sound and intelligence, elevating jazz to an honored status. Carin T. Ford's new biography examines the life and career of this exceptional entertainer.

Today would have been the birthday of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Dale Earnhardt, Sr. The Intimidator
Author: James MacDonald
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3297-2

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 128

Dale Earnhardt, Sr., remains one of the most revered figures in NASCAR. Before his tragic death on the track of the Daytona 500 in 2001, he won seven championships—tied with Richard Petty for the most in NASCAR history. He earned the nickname "The Intimidator" due to his aggressive racing style, which fans will never forget.

On this day in history

The crew of the British ship Bounty mutineed, setting Captain William Bligh and 18 sailors adrift in a launch in the South Pacific.

Read about the famous case and the movies it inspired.

Happy Birthday Lois Duncan

Lois Duncan Author of I Know What You Did Last Summer
Author: Kimberly Campbell
State Affiliation of Author: GA
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2963-7

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 104

Lois Duncan's life as a writer has put her in the limelight and has been deeply rewarding. An award-winning author of more than fifty books and the creator of more than three hundred stories and articles, Duncan has contributed to the lives and the minds of the young. Some of her best-known works have been adapted to film, including I Know What You Did Last Summer and Hotel for Dogs.

On this day in history

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Philippines in 1521.

Happy Birthday to Ace Frehley

Ace Frehley, one of the founding members of KISS, celebrates a birthday today.

KISS ''I Wanna Rock and Roll All Night''
Author: Aileen Weintraub
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3027-5
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 112

''I wanna rock and roll all night'' are the words that fans shout at KISS concerts. Self-proclaimed "hottest band in the land," KISS rocks stadiums and albums. Their upbeat anthem "Rock and Roll All Nite" rocketed them to stardom. Fans can’t get enough of their loud, showy, and flashy concerts. Read about the band members and how they formed KISS, the ups and downs of some of the members, how they became a marketing machine, and where they are today.

today is the generally accepted birthday of William Shakespeare

A Student's Guide to William Shakespeare
Author: Walt Mittelstaedt
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2284-3

Publication Year: 2005
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 192

William Shakespeare is the greatest playwright and poet in the history of the English language and perhaps the world’s most popular author. In this Student's Guide to William Shakespeare, the career of this literary giant is examined, spanning his poetry, sonnets, dramas, comedies and tragedies, with special emphasis placed on curriculum-related works such as Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet.

Today is Andruw Jones' birthday

Andruw Jones All-Star On and Off the Field
Author: Tom Robinson
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2867-8

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Andruw Jones is one of the most well-rounded players in baseball, with the ability to hit for both average and power, as well as play a nearly flawless centerfield. In 2006, Jones won his ninth consecutive gold glove for his outfield play. In addition to his athletic achievements, Jones has aided many charities, including "Jaden’s Ladder"—an organization dedicated to assisting women and children who have survived abusive situations. Jones and his wife, Nicole, serves as ambassadors for the charity.

Today is George Lopez's Birthday

With his hilarious comedy and hit television show, Lopez has opened doors for other performers in today's multicultural America. Written for grades 3–4, it will inspire children of all backgrounds in his rags-to-riches story.

For grades 6 and up, readers will look at the life of this charitable comedian from his days in little leage baseball to his sold-out comedy shows across the country.

Planning on attending NJLA?

Come meet Tim and John at Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch, NJ (Booth 322) for some special offers.

Happy Earth Day!

Today, April 22, is Earth Day!

Click here to read an article about the enviromental movement that's been happening since the 60's. Also, visit earthday.org to learn about ways you can help and add your "act of green."

Enslow has a great selection of environmental books, including a series, Scientists Saving the Earth. This unique series profiles the lives of important scientists whose work in a particular field has helped to save endangered animals and the environment.

Other books include:

Earth Day Crafts

Easy Earth-Friendly Crafts in 5 Steps and many more!

Enslow Publishers is committed to printing our books on recycled paper. All of Enslow's pages in our books contain 10%-30% PCW (post-consumer waste) while the coverboard on the outside of each book contains 100% PCW. Our goal is to do our part to help young people and the environment too!

Today would have been J. Robert Oppenheimer's birthday

J. Robert Oppenheimer The Brain Behind the Bomb
Author: Marty Fletcher, Glenn Scherer
ISBN-13: 978-1-59845-050-7

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

In this title in the Inventors Who Changed the World series, Glenn Scherer and Marty Fletcher offer a biography of the brilliant and enigmatic scientist who directed the development of the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer's tumultuous relationship with the United States government is also explored, including accusations that he was a Communist. Activities for young readers related to the topic can be found at the end of the book.

Announcing the release of "Celebrating First Lady Michelle Obama" iPhone App!

Enslow and Still Motion Media teamed up to make another iApp- “Celebrating First Lady Michelle Obama in Pictures" and The Washington Post wrote an article on it! Click here for the full article.

"The app is a children’s story that tells her life through words, pictures and audio files, like a talking wallet photo album. There’s a photo of Michelle from her college days! Tap the iPhone screen and you have the Obamas on the campaign trail! The text even offers “Fun Facts” like this: “Michelle writes her own speeches and does not read from notes.” The Michelle Obama app comes on the heels of the Barack Obama app that hit iTunes two months ago. Both were released by Still Motion Media."

To download the app, please click here. For more information on Enslow Publishers, please visit http://www.enslow.com/

On this day in history

Samuel L. Clemens (aka Mark Twain) passed away on this date in 1910 in Connecticut.

Mark Twain Banned, Challenged, and Censored
Author: Michelle M. Houle
State Affiliation of Author: PA
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2689-6
Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 160

Mark Twain—the pen name of Samuel L. Clemens—is considered to be one of the greatest American writers, and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is thought by many to be the most important American novel. However, the language and attitudes in Twain's books make many people uncomfortable, since they reflect a more racist time in our country's history. As a result, there is a great deal of controversy over whether his books should be taught in school. Author Michelle M. Houle discusses Twain's life and times and analyzes two of his best known books. She also explores the history of book censorship, outlining why it occurs and possible ways to address it. She helps readers make up their own minds about whether the books should be banned.

Today would have been Charlotte Bronte's birthday

A Student's Guide to The Brontë Sisters
Author: Naomi Pasachoff
State Affiliation of Author: MA
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3267-5
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 160

Although originally published nearly 200 years ago, the works of the Brontë sisters continue to be read and reread today. Twenty-first-century readers are engaged by such issues as the vulnerability of children, the role of education in civilizing members of society, the mysteries of love, and women’s independence. That Jane Eyre remains a beloved novel and Wuthering Heights an admired one today is due at least in part to the passionate intensity of their authors' writing. In short, these books convey basic truths about human experience that are as meaningful in our day as they were in the mid-nineteenth century.

On this day in history

In 2008, Danica Patrick became the first female winner in IndyCar history by capturing the Indy Japan 300.

On this day in history

In 1902, scientists Marie and Pierre Curie isolated the radioactive element radium.