Today would have been Richard Wright's birthday

Credited with developing the protest novel, Richard Wright became the first best-selling African-American writer of the twentieth century. Regarded by many as a masterpiece, his book Black Boy took the literary tradition of the narrative to new heights by providing a first-hand account of living in the South as an African American male during the Jim Crow era.

John Lennon: "Imagine"

I have been a Beatles fan ever since I was little, which is unusual for a girl born in 1986. I remember in 7th grade, we all had to do presentations on something to increase our public speaking skills. Most girls picked topics like the Spice Girls, new fashions, or Hello Kitty: and I picked The Beatles.

Anyway, we have this great new unauthorized biography out by Jeff Burlingame called John Lennon: "Imagine".

I just started reading it and am fascinated by Lennon's life so far. There's a lot of things I knew, but things I didn't know; like Strawberry Fields was actually an ophanage near John's house growing up that he used to play by.

Now would be the perfect time to stock up on this title and give it a read because the movie Nowhere Boy is coming out in the US October 8, 2010. It already came out in the UK last year. It's a story about Lennon's childhood, which accompanies Burlingame's book well. I am really excited to go see the movie after I finish the book.

To learn more about the book and how you can order it, go here.

Happy Birthday Shaun White

Shaun White: Snow and Skateboard Champion
Author: Marty Gitlin
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3212-5
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

Shaun White has become an icon of the extreme sports world. He has dominated in both snowboarding and skateboarding, despite being years younger than many of his competitors. With an Olympic Gold Medal added to his trophy case, there’s no telling how high this guy will fly!

Here Comes Hurricane Earl!

With Hurricane Earl heading up the East Coast of the United States, we thought it would be interesting to learn more about these storms.

Hurricanes develop in the North Atlantic Ocean, the northeastern Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or the Caribbean Sea. Typhoons are storms that develop in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, near Japan and the Philippines. Storms that develop near Australia and the Indian Ocean are called cyclones. These are all tropical cyclones, and are used to describe "any storm over the tropical oceans that spins in a circle around a center of low pressure." They are known by different names, depending on where they form.

Hurricanes: The Science Behind Killer Storms discusses Hurricane Katrina, explains how hurricanes are tracked, gives tips for staying safe during one of these storms, and more. This title is part of The Science Behind Natural Disasters series.

Imagining the Future series

Imagine if someday your class could visit faraway places or go back in time with the push of a button. Where would you like to go? What might you learn?

Enslow’s new Imagining the Future series includes six titles that not only teach children about the past and present, but also includes open-ended questions, like these, to stimulate young readers’ imaginations about the future. Topics include schools, staying in touch, houses, getting around, community helpers, and how children play. This unique series is not only great for teaching social studies but also makes a wonderful addition to lessons on technology for grades K–3.

Enslow introduces its new Yucky Science series

With all of the talk about bedbugs recently, we thought we'd include a little bit of information about them.

"During the daytime, bedbugs hide in places close to where people sleep. Their tiny, flat bodies make it easy for them to slip into little cracks in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards."

They then come out at night and get "their blood meal from sleeping humans."

Gross! The quotes above were from Dung Beetles, Slugs, Leeches, and More: The Yucky Animal Book.

See the entire series here.

Happy Birthday Dr. Phil

Dr. Phil: Self-Help Guru and TV Superstar
Author: Mary Main
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2696-4

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

One of the most visible and recognizable men in America today, Dr. Phillip C. McGraw is a best-selling author, life coach, and the star of "The Dr. Phil Show." Dr. Phil was not always wealthy and successful. His experiences as a child and young adult taught him that setting firm goals and working hard would eventually result in the life he wanted. Dr. Phil's combination of psychotherapy, folksy humor and common sense advice continue to make him one of America’s most popular celebrities.

Snow Leopards

Snow Leopards: Hunters of the Snow and Ice, written by Elaine Landau, has been published.

How do snow leopards survive in the snowy mountains? How do they find things to eat, and raise their cubs? What are people doing to help save them? Learn about these rare and special animals, including facts about their life cycle, diet, and other unique features that help them survive the snow and ice.

32 pages, full-color photographs, Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN 13: 978-0-7660-3463-1

Other titles in the series include: Beluga Whales, Emperor Penguins, Harp Seals, Polar Bears, Snow Leopards, and Snowy Owls.


http://www.enslow.com/displayitem.asp?type=1&item=2887

Happy Birthday Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan Never Give Up
Author: Barbara Kramer
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2380-2

Publication Year: 2005
Interest Level: Grades 3-4
Page Count: 48

Gloria Estefan says the challenges of her life have made her strong. Today, Estefan is loved and admired not only for her music but for her generosity in giving back to the community. Young readers will be enthralled and inspired by the tragedies and triumphs that have shaped the life of this superstar singer.

Character Education Begins On Opening Day

The launching of the 2010-2011 school year provides educators with new opportunities to present, encourage, and successfully teach character education. This pursuit often dovetails with students' literacy development, thereby linking the development of desirable behavioral aspirations with measurable academic achievement. One need for instructional staff and administrators is to identify materials that address these important teaching and learning goals.

Enslow Publishers' character education series -- "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great" -- is designed for teachers and students in grades K-3. The Guided Reading Levels for the books in the series (Level E or F, depending on the title) make them useful supplemental reading tools for on-level second grade students, first graders ready for a more advanced reading challenge, and third graders who require materials suitable for their tested reading level.

Each 24-page title in author Shelley Marshall's light-hearted, eight-book series highlights an essential character education topic in an age-appropriate way. Positive character traits are revealed through the use of approachable animal characters and a fun narrative style that engages young readers.

The series spotlights the following character traits: caring, courage, sharing, healthy habits, punctuality, citizenship, honesy, and responsibility.

The books are available in paperback for $6.95 per copy; they're also available in a library-bound format. Check out the Enslow Classroom website -- http://www.enslowclassroom.com/ -- for more information and free downloadable teacher's guides for "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great" and other classroom-friendly nonfiction series!

Happy Birthday Rob Halford

Judas Priest frontman, Rob Halford, celebrates his birthday today. As the band's lyricist, he is the face of the group. Formed in Birmingham, England, Judas Priest was the first metal band to popularize wearing black leather and studs onstage.

Written by Brian J. Bowe, this biography for middle school readers will keep the interest of Judas Priest and heavy metal fans.

Explore Night Sky with Enslow's New "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" Series

This is a time of year when families go outdoors in the evening, enjoy the cooler air, and take time to look at the night sky. This stargazing can be a fun, rewarding experience, as kids can indulge their curiosity about the Moon, planets, and stars above them. The activity encourages children to read about what they've been observing during these late summer evenings.

Enslow Publishers' new "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" provides an excellent, stimulating introduction to the elements that shape the night sky. The 12-title series encourages young readers to plunge into the world of astronomy, thanks to the books' superb, exciting design, excellent illustrations, and strong, accessible science. The series' editorial values also include age-appropriate text written by seasoned science writer Mary Kay Carson, with Guided Reading Levels ranging from M to N.

The "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" is an outstanding choice for teachers searching for classroom library materials that address STEM curricular needs and reading development. Encourage your students to take home a copy of one of the books in this new Enslow Classroom paperback series! (Series also available in library-bound version.)

Happy Birthday Gene Simmons!

For those KISS lovers out there, here's some trivia on Gene Simmons. Did you know that Gene Simmons' real name is Chaim Witz? Did you know that his mom was a Holocaust survivor and had been in a concentration camp during World War II? Did you know that Gene was born in Israel, and moved to the United States when he was eight?

Aileen Weintraub has written a middle school biography on this famous rock group. 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 would have been Meriwether Lewis' birthday

If you have an interest in learning more about Meriwether Lewis, or perhaps hearing songs that were performed during that time period, then Enslow has some books and a CD for you.

A Musical Journey in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark is a CD containing those songs. As School Library Journal stated, "This recording will help students understand the importance of music in the Lewis and Clark expedition . . ."

Published in 2010, Enslow introduces a middle school book about Lewis and Clark in its Great Explorers of the World series. This title describes their journey west to the Pacific Ocean.

A title for the elementary reader, Lewis and Clark, was written by Arlene Bourgeois Molzahn.

Today would have been Paula Danziger's birthday

Paula Danziger Voice of Teen Troubles
Author: Jennifer Reed
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2444-1

Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 104

Paula Danziger is one of the most popular authors for teens today. Connecting with teenagers by capturing her own experiences at that same age, Danziger often dealt with tough issues and adolescent angst through humor. From the titles of her books, like The Cat Ate My Gymsuit, Make Like a Tree and Leave, Can I Sue My Parents for Malpractice?, to her amusing and real-to-life characters, Danziger’s work always causes people to stop, ponder, and smile.

Interested in learning about the solar system?

Now that Pluto has been reclassified as a dwarf planet, Enslow's new series on the solar system (Far-Out Guide to the Solar System) will interest students with facts and little-known information. In the Far-Out Guide to the Icy Dwarf Planets, three other dwarf planets are described, giving specific information about each, including their size, their distance from the sun, their discovery date, and their namesake.

All of the titles in this series (and there are 12 of them) are available in both library-bound and paperback versions.

America Ferrera Wins "Imagen Award" for "Ugly Betty" Role

Latina actress America Ferrera, the subject of an Enslow Publishers biography by Sheila Anderson, was recently awarded an "Imagen Award" for her portrayal of the lead character in the Ugly Betty television series.

The award, presented by the Imagen Foundation, is given to actors and actresses who encourage the positive portrayals of Latinos and Latinas in the entertainment industry.

This is Ferrera's fourth Imagen Award. As Anderson's biography notes, the 26-year-old Ferrera's career includes winning a Golden Globe award, a Primetime Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild award for her acting performances.

Enslow Publishers' biography (Guided Reading Level "S"; Accelerated Reader 6.3) provides readers with fascinating details on Ferrera's career and inspiring life story. The 48-page title, best suited for students in grades five through nine, is available in paperback as well as in a library-bound edition.

America Ferrera is among the nine books that comprise Enslow's "Hot Celebrity Biography" series. Each book in the series focues on prominent, young entertainers or sports figures and is especially useful for reluctant reader classroom and library media center collections.

Biggest vs. Smallest Sea Creatures

Did you know that the blue whale, which is the largest animal to ever live on this planet, can grow to eighty feet long! This giant creature can weigh 240,000 pounds and its heart can be as big as a small car!

Perfect for your elementary student who is interested in animals, the other 5 books in the Biggest vs. Smallest Animals series include amazing mammals; creepy, crawly creatures; incredible insects; slimy, scaly creatures; and things with wings.

Happy Birthday Madonna

Madonna "Express Yourself"
Author: Carol Gnojewski
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2442-7

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 160

At the peak of the disco era, a rebellious dancer arrived in New York with 35 dollars and big dreams. This girl was Michigan-born Madonna Ciccone, but she would become known to the world as Madonna. Read how this musical icon caught the world’s attention with her trend-setting style and rebellious performances that sent the '80s music scene spinning and changed pop music forever.

Happy Birthday Halle Berry

Halle Berry "Beauty Is Not Just Physical"
Author: Michael A. Schuman

ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2467-0

Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 112

"Being thought of as 'a beautiful woman' has spared me nothing in life," says Halle Berry. With her extraordinary beauty, wealth, and an Academy Award for Best Actress, it seems as if Berry has it all. Yet her life has been anything but a fairytale. From the pain of an abusive father to the sting of racism from her peers, Berry emerged as a high achiever, beauty queen, and model. As an actor, her beauty often kept her from being considered for meaningful roles, and it took a while for her to achieve the success she deserved. In 2002, Berry’s Academy Award–winning performance in the small-budget art film Monster's Ball made history, stirred controversy, and launched her into superstardom.

On this day in 2009

Guitar virtuoso Les Paul died at age 94.

On this day in 2008

Michael Phelps swam into history as the winningest Olympic athlete ever with his 10th and 11th career gold medals.

Need books for Banned Books Week (Sept 25 through Oct 2)?

Are your students looking for books about banned books? Enslow has five books in its Authors of Banned Books series. Featuring J.K. Rowling, John Steinbeck, Madeleine L'Engle, Mark Twain, and Robert Cormier, these titles inform students about free press issues and provides arguments for and against the books.

Race to NASCAR's Checkered Flag!

We're approaching the final laps of the 2010 NASCAR season, and an exciting race for overall points leader has developed between Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon. Many young NASCAR followers, who enjoy NASCAR amazing machines and the sport's competitive nature, will watch some upcoming key races, such as the event in Bristol, Tennessee on August 21st.

High-profile races such as Bristol often stimulate young fans to learn more about NASCAR, its hot racing cars, and its dynamic drivers. To answer that library collection need, start your engines now and acquire Enslow Publishers' Hottest NASCAR Machines. Author K.S. Kelley's 48-page title, part of Enslow's six-book "Wild Wheels" series, uses age-appropriate language, colorful photographs, and engaging design to encourage readers to discover the background and exciting detail of one of America's leading spectator sports.

The book is available in convenient paperback form as well as a library-bound, hardcover edition.

Puts your young patrons in the driver's seat for reading with Enslow's "Wild Wheels" series!

Happy Birthday to both Patricia and Fredrick McKissack

Yesterday (Aug. 9) was Patricia's birthday, and Aug. 12 is Fredrick's birthday.

Enslow has published a biography of these two amazing authors as part of its Authors Kids Love series. Based on a personal interview, this title was written by Michelle Parker-Rock.

Interview with author Patricia Murphy

The Louisville Courier interviewed Patricia Murphy about her book, Never Eat Soggy Waffles, which is about mnemonics.

Click here to read the interview.

Today would have been Matthew Henson's birthday

Amazing Arctic Explorer Matthew Henson
Author: Mary Dodson Wade
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3286-6
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 1-3
Page Count: 24

Amazing Arctic Explorer Matthew Henson explores the life of the man who went with Robert Peary to the North Pole. Because he was African American, his contributions to the North Pole expeditions were largely ignored for a number of years. Young readers will be interested in this amazing American.

Today would have been Andy Warhol's birthday

Andy Warhol NEW!"Everyone Will be Famous for 15 Minutes"
Author: Edward Willett
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3385-6
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 160

"Paintings are too hard. Machines have less problems…" In the 1960s, Andy Warhol became the most famous creator of a new style of art called pop art, which transformed mass-produced items of popular culture into fine works of art. From Campbell's Soup cans to photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Warhol's willingness to use anything and everything from the mass media in his work expanded the range of subject matter available to artists. His avant-garde films, artistic usage of American icons, and unconventional social life made him a controversial figure, both greatly admired and deeply reviled. A trendsetter rather than a trend-follower, a dispassionate observer of both the seamy and celebrity sides of life, Warhol was a true American rebel.

Phelps to compete in this week's US Championships

Michael Phelps, 14-time gold medalist, will be competing in this week's US Championships in Irvine, California, with a transition in swim suits! The Summer Olympics will be held in London in 2012. Click here for more information on the change, that Phelps is embracing.

Read more about Michael Phelps in the book Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold in paperback and hardcover.

Today would have been Louis Armstrong's birthday

One of the greatest trumpet-playing, jazz musicians ever, Louis Armstrong's trademark "scat" singing and natural showmanship dazzled audiences for over fifty years. Patricia and Fredrick McKissack have authored an elementary biography about Louis Armstrong while Michael A. Schuman's biography is for the middle school reader.

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

Ever want to read a biography about the President? Enslow has two: one geared toward the elementary student and the other is for the middle school reader.

Enslow also has a pictorial series about the First Family entitled The Obama Family Photo Album, which includes photos of the First Family (and Bo!)

What's New at the Zoo?

At Zoo Atlanta, "what’s new" includes a six-foot tall baby female giraffe born in July. After a bonding period, mother and child were released into the zoo’s outdoor exhibit area. They are currently among the most popular Zoo Atlanta experiences for children.

Kids have a natural affinity with baby animals, and enjoy reading about them before and after zoo trips. Enslow Publishers offers a number of full-color books focusing on baby animals which children can read on their own, read with a family member, or read as part of an educational activity.

Among Enslow’s new animal-centric titles, Baby Zoo Animals is appropriate for pre-K readers. Author Jane Katirgis’ lively book features simple sentences and sight words alongside heartwarming photographs of popular zoo animals. An illustrated "words to know" section aids pre-reading activities.

The book is available in a convenient paperback edition or library-bound edition. For more details, visit http://www.enslowclassroom.com/ or http://www.enslow.com/!

Happy Birthday J. K. Rowling

Enslow Publishers has two titles for your middle school/high school student on Ms. Rowling. The first, written for the middle school student, is an unauthorized biography. The second, geared toward the high school student, discusses censorship, and the Harry Potter books in particular.

Today would have been Henry Ford's birthday

Henry Ford Genius Behind the Affordable Car
Author: Jeff C. Young
ISBN-13: 978-1-59845-053-8

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

In this addition to the Inventors Who Changed the World series, author Jeff C. Young chronicles the life of Henry Ford—inventor, businessman, and philanthropist. Most well-known for his Model T automobile and the assembly line, readers soon learn that Ford's antiwar efforts during WWII almost landed him on the ballot for president.

Today would have been Emily Bronte's birthday

A Student's Guide to The Brontë Sisters
Author: Naomi Pasachoff
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.

Happy Birthday Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger From Superstar to Governor
Author: Sally Lee
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2625-4
Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 128

Arnold Schwarzenegger was only fifteen years old when he made up his mind: "I wanted to do something special," he said, "to be recognized as the best." Schwarzenegger set his sights on becoming the top bodybuilder in the world, and after that—a rich and famous movie star. He never doubted his ability to reach his goals. In 2003, the popular action hero aimed his ambition and energy in another direction: politics. As governor of the richest and most populous state in the country, Schwarzenegger has faced his biggest challenges yet.

On this day in history

On July 28, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing due process and the equal protection of the laws to former slaves, was declared in effect.

Today would have been the birthday of Pink Floyd's Rick Wright

Rick Wright was an English pianist, keyboardist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his career with Pink Floyd. He sang background and occasionally lead vocals, as well as wrote significant parts of music for some of Pink Floyd's albums.

Happy Birthday Alex Rodriguez

For the elementary school reader, Super Sports Star Alex Rodriguez is a good choice. Enslow also has a new reluctant reader title that was just published. Baseball's Top 10 Home Run Hitters includes a chapter on Alex Rodriguez.

Ready, Set, Cheer!

Were you ever a cheerleader? Is anyone in your family involved with competitive cheer? Do you have friends or acquaintances whose kids spend hours practicing for the cheer squad?

Chances are good that you can answer "yes." According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, over 64,000 girls joined "competitive spirit squads" in the past academic year. The figure suggests that cheerleading remains a bedrock school activity, regardless of a school’s location, size, or funding.

Cheerleading has evolved from its traditional associations with pompoms into an engaging, demanding sport, as author Lisa Mullarkey notes in Enslow Publishers’ new, four-book "Ready, Set, Cheer!" collection.

Each 48-page title in Mullarkey’s series explores aspects of competitive cheer, from the sport’s basics to challenging stunts. The books feature age-appropriate vocabulary (Guided Reading Level M), engaging type styles, and a reader-friendly design. Carefully chosen photographs illustrate the cheer techniques’ physical look. A "Words to Know" section, additional reading suggestions, and a brief list of topically appropriate websites add educational value to the books.

If you have a child trying out for a cheer team, or is simply curious about cheerleading, this Enslow Publishers’ series offers an excellent, readable means to explore this sport. Go Enslow!

Happy Birthday (one day late) to Mick Jagger!

Enslow has just published a new biography on The Rolling Stones.


The Rolling Stones NEW!The Greatest Rock Band
Author: Heather Miller
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3231-6
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 112

The Rolling Stones were exactly what thousands of fans had been waiting for. Now that the band had found its fans and the fans had latched onto the band, nothing could stop the momentum of the Rolling Stones! Read about the history and band members of the Rolling Stones.
Binding: Library
Subject(s): Biography, Music, Bands
Dewey #: 782.42166092
Trim Size: 6 1/2 x 9 1/4

Enslow's got something new coming soon!

Stay Tuned!

Happy Birthday Daniel Radcliffe!

Daniel Radcliffe Film and Stage Star
Author: Stephanie Watson
State Affiliation of Author:
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3209-5
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

Daniel Radcliffe may not be a wizard, but he has put quite a spell on his fans. He became an instant celebrity at the age of eleven when he won the role of everybody’s favorite boy wizard, Harry Potter. Radcliffe is proving he’s more than a teen heartthrob—he’s a talented actor whose career has just begun! This fun-to-read book offers juicy quotes, personal stories, and accessible features such as a timeline and glossary.

Today is S.E. Hinton's birthday

S.E. Hinton Author of The Outsiders
Author: Marylou Morano Kjelle
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2720-6

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 112

The publication of The Outsiders forty years ago turned the young adult publishing industry upside down, and it hasn’t been the same since. Bored with the benign themes common to teenage literature at the time, S.E. Hinton, a teenager herself, set out to write a novel that contained all the gritty realism that surrounded her at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Praised, condemned and in some cases even banned, The Outsiders, opened a new genre of realistic young adult fiction, and paved the way for the authors read and loved by young people today. In addition, Hinton went on to write many more critically acclaimed young adult novels, as well as branch into picture books, middle grade chapter books, and books for adults.

New crafts series from Enslow!

Five new titles in the Fun Adventure Crafts series just arrived. These titles are great for grades K–3. In each book, all of the projects combine to create one full scene, and are simple enough to make without a lot of parental help. A class group might work together to create the full scene, with each individual student responsible for a different craft.

By the way, these titles are also available in paperback!

Three NJ towns issue shark warnings to swimmers

Swimmers at three of New Jersey's beaches were recently warned about two sharks seen swimming close to the shoreline.

Interested in sharks? Read Discover Sharks, a middle school-level book. The book has great details about different sharks (including the great white, the mako, and the hammerhead) as well as their characteristics. Did you know that sharks can't swim backwards? Did you know that they are darker on their top side than the bottom side?

This series also has books on bugs, big cats, and snakes.

Today would have been Ida B. Wells-Barnett's birthday

This civil rights activist did not back down from anyone. For the elementary market, Enslow has a 32 page biography. For the middle school market, a 128 page book is available.

LeBron James announces where he is going at 9pm tonight!

Lebron James is scheduled to make his announcement on where he will play next season outside of the Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich, Conn.

To read more about the special tonight, click here

Enslow Publishers publishes a book called LeBron James: King On and Off the Court

Today would have been Satchel Paige's 104th birthday

Satchel Paige The Best Arm in Baseball, Revised Edition
Author: Patricia McKissack, Fredrick McKissack
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-1699-6
Publication Year: 2002
Interest Level: Grades 1-4
Page Count: 32

“You’re born with speed, but you can get the control,” said Satchel Paige. After more than twenty years pitching fast balls, Leroy “Satchel” Paige crossed the color line in baseball. As the first black pitcher in the American League, 42-year-old Paige was past the prime of most ballplayers. But the crowds still packed the stands to witness his famed shutouts and no-hitters. In an inspiring account, the McKissacks describe the hardships and hard work that created this pitching genius.