On this day in 1869

A golden spike was driven at Promontory, Utah, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.

The Transcontinental Railroad and Westward Expansion tells the story of America’s rapid westward expansion and the railroads that stitched the country together.

In The Transcontinental Railroad and the Great Race to Connect the Nation, authors Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin examine the building of the railroad, the dangers involved, those who supported the railroad, and the impacts the railroad had on American life.

Today is the birthday of Christopher Paul Curtis

Christopher Paul Curtis An Author Kids Love
Author: Michelle Parker-Rock
State Affiliation of Author: AZ
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3161-6
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 3-4
Page Count: 48

Christopher Paul Curtis grew up in Flint, Michigan, but he drew on his family's southern background to write the books Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963. In an interview with Michelle Parker-Rock, Curtis tells how he went from auto worker to full-time author. He describes how he works and offers advice to young would-be authors

Today is Bill Kreutzmann's birthday

Grateful Dead ''What a Long, Strange Trip it’s Been''
Author: Michele C. Hollow
State Affiliation of Author: NJ
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3028-2

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 104

''There's nothing like a Grateful Dead concert.'' Chanted at every concert, those words say it all. There really is nothing like a Grateful Dead concert. Fans knew they would encounter friends, old and new, at all the shows. Swaying and dancing to the melodies, many "Deadheads" would follow their favorite band from show to show. Author Michele C. Hollow has interviewed Bob Weir, lead singer, guitar player, and songwriter for the Grateful Dead; Dennis McNally, the Grateful Dead's publicist for over twenty years; as well as David Gans, the radio host of the nationally syndicated "Grateful Dead Hour."

Today would have been Sigmund Freud's birthday

Sigmund Freud Exploring the Mysteries of the Mind
Author: John Bankston
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2336-9

Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Sigmund Freud is the father of modern psychotherapy. Freud’s theories led to new approaches in how we relate to one another, and has also influenced the arts. Indeed, in the Modern Era, the influence of Freud is nearly inescapable. Without a doubt, this marks Sigmund Freud as one of the most influential figures of Modern History.

On this day in history

In 1925, John T. Scopes was arrested in Tennessee for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution.

Save My NJ Library

On May 6 in Trenton, NJ, there will be a rally from 11:00am-1:00pm on the steps of the State House Annex.

If you would like to contact your state legislators and the governor, click here.

LeBron named 2009-10 MVP

LeBron James was named the NBA's MVP for 2009-10!

"James, who also earned the honor last season, totaled 1,205 points including 116 first place votes, from a panel of 122 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada and the first ever NBA MVP fan vote." says the article.

Enslow Publishers has a series called Sports Stars with Heart, that includes a title Lebron James: King On and Off the Court

Americans begin to travel more

"After a few years of staying close to home, Americans are ready to start traveling again and will be spending more and staying away longer."

A Reuters article on MSNBC explains that many Americans are ready to travel and start taking vacations. To see the article please click here: Americans planning to travel and spend more



Enslow has a great series called America's National Parks. From Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park to the spectacle of Old Faithful at Yellowstone, America's National Parks helps readers discover the beauty and history of our nation’s national parks. Each book takes readers on a tour of the park’s unique landmarks and features and includes a wealth of details about the history of the region, the designation of each park, its resident plants and wildlife, and activities visitors can do there. Journey from Hawaii’s volcanoes to the Rocky Mountains, from the Great Smokies to Cape Hatteras with America's National Parks.

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.