Heroes - Lives to Learn From
November
Gratitude Wonder Stewardship
November
Gratitude Wonder Stewardship
Lady Bird Johnson spreads seeds at the National Wildflower Research Center
Lady Bird Johnson (1912-2007)
Making America the Beautiful, More Beautiful:
One Wildflower at a Time
This month as we focus on gratitude, wonder, but especially “stewardship,” let’s celebrate an unsung heroine: Lady Bird Johnson. There was a time when our nation’s highways were flanked by rusted cars, discarded tires, and tacky billboards. At a time of sadness and division in the United States (after the assassination of President Kennedy and during the Vietnam War), America’s First Lady took steps to heal the country with the quiet power of beauty.
An only child, who lost her mother at age six, Claudia Alta Taylor (nicknamed “Lady Bird” by her nanny) found solace in the pine forest and wild flowers surrounding her rural home in East Texas. She clung to the memory of her mother holding a bouquet of bluebonnets, and eagerly awaited the first daffodil in spring. As a girl, she paddled alone in the dark bayous “where time itself seemed ringed around by silence and ancient cypress trees, rich in festoons of Spanish moss,” she wrote. Lady Bird fell in love with the fields of bluebonnets outside Austin where she attended college in 1930 (one of few women studying at the University of Texas). She earned degrees in History and Journalism, but never lost her love for nature. When she moved to the nation’s capital as the wife of Congressman Lyndon Baines Johnson, she was dismayed by the weed-choked shores of the Potomac and the concrete slabs that substituted for children’s parks. Every child should know the beauty of nature, she believed.
Making America the Beautiful, More Beautiful:
One Wildflower at a Time
This month as we focus on gratitude, wonder, but especially “stewardship,” let’s celebrate an unsung heroine: Lady Bird Johnson. There was a time when our nation’s highways were flanked by rusted cars, discarded tires, and tacky billboards. At a time of sadness and division in the United States (after the assassination of President Kennedy and during the Vietnam War), America’s First Lady took steps to heal the country with the quiet power of beauty.
An only child, who lost her mother at age six, Claudia Alta Taylor (nicknamed “Lady Bird” by her nanny) found solace in the pine forest and wild flowers surrounding her rural home in East Texas. She clung to the memory of her mother holding a bouquet of bluebonnets, and eagerly awaited the first daffodil in spring. As a girl, she paddled alone in the dark bayous “where time itself seemed ringed around by silence and ancient cypress trees, rich in festoons of Spanish moss,” she wrote. Lady Bird fell in love with the fields of bluebonnets outside Austin where she attended college in 1930 (one of few women studying at the University of Texas). She earned degrees in History and Journalism, but never lost her love for nature. When she moved to the nation’s capital as the wife of Congressman Lyndon Baines Johnson, she was dismayed by the weed-choked shores of the Potomac and the concrete slabs that substituted for children’s parks. Every child should know the beauty of nature, she believed.
As First Lady, Mrs. Johnson stumped for her husband’s Civil Rights legislation, but she also embarked on a Capital Beautification project in Washington D.C., insisting that “where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Cherry trees and a million daffodils were planted along the banks of the Potomac, parks were made green, but the Highway Beautification Act, was her signature accomplishment. Commonly known as “Lady Bird’s Bill,” this landmark law limited the number of billboards on the nation’s highways, ensured removal of auto heaps and junk piles, and called for the planting of wildflowers. A steward of the environment, Lady Bird was responsible for making many of our national highways scenic roads.
Read more about her remarkable life and love affair with wild flowers – a passion that continued well after her retirement, when at age seventy, she founded the National Wildflower Research Center near Austin, Texas (since renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center).
Read more about her remarkable life and love affair with wild flowers – a passion that continued well after her retirement, when at age seventy, she founded the National Wildflower Research Center near Austin, Texas (since renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center).
Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers. How A First Lady Changed America. Kathy Appelt.
Illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein. Harper Collins, 2005. (2-5) Stewardship, Wonder Vividly illustrated and beautifully told, this rich biography recounts Lady Bird’s lonely childhood, the void filled by flowers, and her life-long efforts to make nature’s beauty accessible to all Americans. Twelve varieties of wildflowers are illustrated at the book’s end (from bluebells and firewheels to purple horsemint and yellow American lotus) and students are invited to locate each on its pages. |
For a K-2 book with a similar theme, don’t miss the classic,
Miss Rumphius. Barbara Cooney. Puffin, 1985. (K-2) Stewardship, Wonder Residing on a seaside cliff, elderly Miss Rumphius is something of a enigma to neighborhood children. When they visit, they hear her story of a life well lived, and of a woman intent on giving something back to the world. The mystery and beauty of life are joined with determination to do one’s part. Miss Rumphius’ lupines are living proof of her love. |
Veterans Day Recommendations
On November 11, we pause to honor those who have served in our Armed Forces and sacrificed much for their country. November 11 is the date for this commemoration because on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the eleventh hour in 1918, warring world powers signed an armistice, ending the slaughter of millions in World War I. For years known as "Armistice Day," the holiday is now a broader tribute to veterans of our Armed Forces.
On November 11, we pause to honor those who have served in our Armed Forces and sacrificed much for their country. November 11 is the date for this commemoration because on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the eleventh hour in 1918, warring world powers signed an armistice, ending the slaughter of millions in World War I. For years known as "Armistice Day," the holiday is now a broader tribute to veterans of our Armed Forces.
The Poppy Lady. Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans.
Barbara E. Walsh. Illustrated by Layne Johnson. Calkins Creek, 2012.
(2-5) Love of Country, Sacrifice
American University Professor Moina Belle Michael saw her students and friends go off to fight in World War I, and many lost their lives. Inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” she launched a campaign to make poppies the symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, who had sacrificed all for their country. Much of Michael’s own life at this time was devoted to helping soldiers. Warm and vibrant illustrations show women on the home front as well as departing soldiers. Excellent for Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day.
Barbara E. Walsh. Illustrated by Layne Johnson. Calkins Creek, 2012.
(2-5) Love of Country, Sacrifice
American University Professor Moina Belle Michael saw her students and friends go off to fight in World War I, and many lost their lives. Inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” she launched a campaign to make poppies the symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, who had sacrificed all for their country. Much of Michael’s own life at this time was devoted to helping soldiers. Warm and vibrant illustrations show women on the home front as well as departing soldiers. Excellent for Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day.
America's White Table. Margot Theis Raven. Illustrated by Mike Benny.
Sleeping Bear Press, 2014 (4-6) Love of Country, Honor
A touching account of a post-Vietnam tradition observed on Veterans Day on military bases and by many military families. Setting the small "White Table" on Veteran's Day is a way to honor those who are missing in action or still imprisoned. "It was just a little white table... but it felt as big as America when we helped Mama put each item on it." A child recounts the symbolism of a table set just for one, covered by a white cloth (symbol of purity of heart), chair tipped in to signify one who hadn't returned, plate with one slice of lemon and grains of sand (symbolizing bitter fate and tears of the families waiting), one black napkin (to signify missing), and a red rose (remembrance). A child witnesses this on Veteran's Day when her uncle John (a Vietnam ex-POW) comes for dinner. A powerful Veteran's Day reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Sleeping Bear Press, 2014 (4-6) Love of Country, Honor
A touching account of a post-Vietnam tradition observed on Veterans Day on military bases and by many military families. Setting the small "White Table" on Veteran's Day is a way to honor those who are missing in action or still imprisoned. "It was just a little white table... but it felt as big as America when we helped Mama put each item on it." A child recounts the symbolism of a table set just for one, covered by a white cloth (symbol of purity of heart), chair tipped in to signify one who hadn't returned, plate with one slice of lemon and grains of sand (symbolizing bitter fate and tears of the families waiting), one black napkin (to signify missing), and a red rose (remembrance). A child witnesses this on Veteran's Day when her uncle John (a Vietnam ex-POW) comes for dinner. A powerful Veteran's Day reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who serve in the Armed Forces.
In Flanders Fields - The Story of the Poem by John McCrae
Linda Granfield. Illustrated by Janet Wilson. Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2005 (4-6)
This poignant volume speaks to both the sacrifice of those who fought in World War I and their hope that their death served a higher purpose. Idealistic physician John McCrae served in the Canadian armed forces on the Western Front. He experienced trench warfare, poison gas, and the death not just of many patients, but of a close friend. The death of his friend prompted him to write the famous poem which sets the stark finality of death against a background of life. He asks later generations to vindicate their sacrifice and not to break faith with those who have died. Granfield’s explanation of the war’s causes and dimensions provide a sobering backdrop for the poem, as does the knowledge that McCrae himself died before the war’s end. Teachers may wish to read the entire text of the poem with the class first, then read the contextual material over a period of two days, and conclude with a final reading of the poem.
Linda Granfield. Illustrated by Janet Wilson. Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2005 (4-6)
This poignant volume speaks to both the sacrifice of those who fought in World War I and their hope that their death served a higher purpose. Idealistic physician John McCrae served in the Canadian armed forces on the Western Front. He experienced trench warfare, poison gas, and the death not just of many patients, but of a close friend. The death of his friend prompted him to write the famous poem which sets the stark finality of death against a background of life. He asks later generations to vindicate their sacrifice and not to break faith with those who have died. Granfield’s explanation of the war’s causes and dimensions provide a sobering backdrop for the poem, as does the knowledge that McCrae himself died before the war’s end. Teachers may wish to read the entire text of the poem with the class first, then read the contextual material over a period of two days, and conclude with a final reading of the poem.
The Christmas Truce: A True Story of World War I. Aaron Shepherd. Illustrated by Wendy Edelson. Skyhook Press, 2016. (4-6)Forgiveness
Across the trenches in France, British and German troops had been shelling each other for months. Hatred for the enemy gripped both sides, but on Christmas Eve 1914, a most extraordinary event took place: German troops strung lights along their posts and began to sing carols. The English listened. Then the Germans summoned the English to join in. The two sides sang Christmas carols back and forth to each other, and sent well wishers of each side to meet the other. This “Christmas Truce” has become legendary and is a heart-stopping moment of human empathy and forgiveness. The story is told as a letter from a British soldier written to his sister back home, and though the letter is fictional, the events and its particulars are true. The book is exquisitely illustrated by Wendy Edeleson.
Across the trenches in France, British and German troops had been shelling each other for months. Hatred for the enemy gripped both sides, but on Christmas Eve 1914, a most extraordinary event took place: German troops strung lights along their posts and began to sing carols. The English listened. Then the Germans summoned the English to join in. The two sides sang Christmas carols back and forth to each other, and sent well wishers of each side to meet the other. This “Christmas Truce” has become legendary and is a heart-stopping moment of human empathy and forgiveness. The story is told as a letter from a British soldier written to his sister back home, and though the letter is fictional, the events and its particulars are true. The book is exquisitely illustrated by Wendy Edeleson.
Sarah Buell Hale (1788 -1879)
Writer, poet, and America’s first woman editor, Sarah Buell Hale is largely responsible for the celebration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. The holiday had been celebrated sporadically in different states through the early 1800s and occasionally individual presidents declared a specific day of Thanksgiving. But it was Mrs. Hale’s tireless campaign to make it a national holiday that bore fruit under the administration of Abraham Lincoln during the most trying period of American History, the Civil War.
Sarah Hale’s own story was extraordinary. A native of New Hampshire, she was the mother of five children when she was widowed in 1822. To support her large family, she put quill to paper and began writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Her first book of original Poems for Our Children was published in 1830 (and included her still popular “Mary Had a Little Lamb”). Sarah’s talents caught the eye of Reverend John Blake of Boston, who was publishing a popular monthly Ladies Magazine that he himself edited. Blake was bold enough to ask Sarah to take over as editor (there were no women editors in the United States). She moved to Boston and proceeded to boost circulation. When Louis Godey bought Rev. Blake’s magazine in 1837, he asked Sarah to stay on as editor. Mrs. Hale presided as editor (or “editress” as she preferred) of the influential Godey’s Lady’s Book from 1837 to 1877 – recommending books, authors, fashions, and social causes (ranging from the education of women to the restoration of historic sites). She furthered the careers of major American writers by publishing literary essays by Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allen Poe, and Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Sarah Buell Hale thought a national Thanksgiving would be a source of unity for all Americans, as well as a means of acknowledging the blessings of a bountiful land of liberty. She pounded Presidents Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, and Buchanan with letters urging the establishment of a national Thanksgiving holiday, as a way of encouraging both gratitude and unity. They ignored her. Abraham Lincoln did not. When he received her letter in September 1863, just months after the carnage at Gettysburg, Lincoln saw the wisdom of her suggestion, and proclaimed the last Thursday in November an annual holiday.
A splendid children’s book on Sarah Hale has not yet been written. But teachers and children will find her extraordinary life and efforts profiled in two accounts. The former is lively but light. The latter is more substantive.
Writer, poet, and America’s first woman editor, Sarah Buell Hale is largely responsible for the celebration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. The holiday had been celebrated sporadically in different states through the early 1800s and occasionally individual presidents declared a specific day of Thanksgiving. But it was Mrs. Hale’s tireless campaign to make it a national holiday that bore fruit under the administration of Abraham Lincoln during the most trying period of American History, the Civil War.
Sarah Hale’s own story was extraordinary. A native of New Hampshire, she was the mother of five children when she was widowed in 1822. To support her large family, she put quill to paper and began writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Her first book of original Poems for Our Children was published in 1830 (and included her still popular “Mary Had a Little Lamb”). Sarah’s talents caught the eye of Reverend John Blake of Boston, who was publishing a popular monthly Ladies Magazine that he himself edited. Blake was bold enough to ask Sarah to take over as editor (there were no women editors in the United States). She moved to Boston and proceeded to boost circulation. When Louis Godey bought Rev. Blake’s magazine in 1837, he asked Sarah to stay on as editor. Mrs. Hale presided as editor (or “editress” as she preferred) of the influential Godey’s Lady’s Book from 1837 to 1877 – recommending books, authors, fashions, and social causes (ranging from the education of women to the restoration of historic sites). She furthered the careers of major American writers by publishing literary essays by Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allen Poe, and Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Sarah Buell Hale thought a national Thanksgiving would be a source of unity for all Americans, as well as a means of acknowledging the blessings of a bountiful land of liberty. She pounded Presidents Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, and Buchanan with letters urging the establishment of a national Thanksgiving holiday, as a way of encouraging both gratitude and unity. They ignored her. Abraham Lincoln did not. When he received her letter in September 1863, just months after the carnage at Gettysburg, Lincoln saw the wisdom of her suggestion, and proclaimed the last Thursday in November an annual holiday.
A splendid children’s book on Sarah Hale has not yet been written. But teachers and children will find her extraordinary life and efforts profiled in two accounts. The former is lively but light. The latter is more substantive.
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving
Laurie Halse Anderson. Illustrated by Matt Faulkner. Simon and Schuster, 2005 (K-3) The bouncy “superheroine” approach in this picture book tends to portray Sarah Hale as a caricature of herself (she becomes a bit of a stubborn, willful, quill-wielding nag.) But young children will at least meet this noteworthy woman, and learn of her wide-ranging efforts. |
More than Petticoats: Remarkable New Hampshire Women Gail Underwood Parker.
Morris Book Publishing, 2009, pages 22-35. (4-6) A solid overview of her life in a readable twelve pages, but without illustrations. Vertical Divider
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