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ALIKI (first appeared in Spring 1996). Aliki continues to write and illustrate many books. Some of her recent books include Best Friends Together Again, Wild and Woolly Mammoths, Hello! Good-bye, My Visit to the Zoo, Aliki's Americans, Marianthe's Story, William Shakespeare and the Globe, All By Myself! and One Little Spoonful. TIM ALLEN (first appeared in Fall 1996). Tim Allen's television show "Home Improvement" ended in 1999, after eight years as a hit comedy. (Fans can still watch the show on reruns.) Allen now has a busy movie career. He's appeared in Jungle-2-Jungle and Galaxy Quest, and once again provided the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story II. KOFI ANNAN (first appeared in Fall 2000). Kofi Annan received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. That is an important award given to people who work hard for peace in the world. Annan shared the prize with the United Nations, where he works as Secretary-General. In accepting the award, he vowed to work for an end to poverty and war, and to promote democracy in the world. JAN and STAN BERENSTAIN (first appeared in Fall 1995). Jan and Stan Berenstain continue writing and illustrating many books about the beloved Berenstain Bears. They have created several new series featuring the cubs, including Berenstain Bears First Time Do-It Books, Berenstain Bears Lift-and-Peek-a-Boards, Berenstain Bears Bear Scouts, and Berenstain Bears Step into Reading Books. They've also added many titles to their earlier series, including one, The Berenstain Bears and Baby Makes Five, about a new member of the family, Honey Bear. BONNIE BLAIR (first appeared in Spring 1995). Bonnie Blair retired from speed skating in 1995. In her last year, she won the overall World Cup title in her events, the 500-meter and the 1,000-meter races. She still holds the record of the most Olympic gold medals ever won by an American woman. As she retired, she thanked her many fans for a "lifetime of memories." Blair is now a favorite guest speaker. In January 2002, she was part of a group of former champions to carry the Olympic torch on its journey to Salt Lake City, the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. JUDY BLUME (first appeared in Fall 1995). Judy Blume is at work on another Fudge book. It's called Double Fudge and will come out in the Fall of 2002. Blume says she's writing it for her grandson, Elliot. Elliot loves the Fudge books and really wanted Blume to write another one. In 1996, Blume won a major award for authors. It is the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement, given by the American Library Association. She also founded a charity for children, The Kids Fund. The money raised by the fund goes to help children in need. BRANDY (first appeared in Fall 1996). Brandy's television show "Moesha" went off the air in 2001. Right now, she's concentrating on performing and recording music. She's also founded a charity for kids. It's called the Norwood Kids Foundation. Brandy says "it provides singing, dancing, and acting activities for disadvantaged children in Los Angeles and also in Mississippi." Brandy married in 2001 and became a mother in 2002. JAN BRETT (first appeared in Spring 1995). Jan Brett continues to write and illustrate books for young readers. Among her recent titles are Armadillo Rodeo, Comet's Nine Lives, The Hat, Hedgie's Surprise, Christmas Treasury, and Daisy Comes Home. NORMAN BRIDWELL (first appeared in Fall 1999). Norman Bridwell continues to produce his popular "Clifford" books. Some of his most recent books are Clifford's Hiccups, Teacher's Pets, The Big Leaf Pile, and The Dog Who Cried "Woof." MARC BROWN (first appeared in Spring 1998). Marc Brown continues to write and illustrate many books about Arthur and his friends. Some of his recent titles include Arthur, Clean Your Room! Arthur Writes a Story, Arthur's Computer Disaster, Arthur's Hiccups, Arthur's Underwear, D.W.'s Library Card, and D.W., Go to Your Room! Brown has also written a new series of Arthur Chapter Books. Some new titles in this series include Arthur Accused! Arthur and the Goalie Ghost, Arthur and the Popularity Test, Arthur and the Scare-Your -Pants Off Club, Arthur Rocks with Binky, Buster Makes the Grade, and Locked in the Library! And the "Arthur" show on PBS continues to be one of the most popular kids' shows on television. ZACHERY TY BRYAN (first appeared in Spring 1997). Zachery Ty Bryan, who played Tim Allen's oldest son in "Home Improvement," has continued to act since the series ended in 1999. He's appeared in the movies True Heart and Held for Ransom and the TV shows "Boston Public" and "E.R." KOBE BRYANT (first appeared in Fall 1999). Kobe Bryant has just finished three incredible NBA seasons. In both 2000, 2001, and 2002, he led the Los Angeles Lakers to back-to-back championships. After the 2001 finals, his teammate Shaquille O'Neal called Kobe "the best player in the league, by far." GEORGE W. BUSH (first appeared in Fall 2001). On September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush faced one of the gravest threats to the nation in modern times. That day, terrorists attacked New York City and Washington, D.C. Hijackers forced two commercial airplanes to crash into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Less than an hour later, hijackers forced a plane to crash into the Pentagon. The damage to the World Trade Center was devastating. An hour after the attack, the twin towers collapsed. Almost 3,000 people died. At the Pentagon, the death toll reached 189. Within hours of the attack, the Bush administration stated that they thought the terrorists were acting under the direction of Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden is a Saudi Arabian extremist who has been linked to other terrorist attacks against the U.S. The President spoke to the nation and outlined the U.S. response. He told the American people that "On September 11, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country." He said the U.S. would root out and destroy terrorism all over the world. He asked Americans to be firm in their support. "I ask you to be calm and resolute, even in the face of continuing threats." Bush said the war would be long, and unlike any the U.S. had fought before. The response to Bush's leadership was immediate and positive, with Americans showing their support for the administration's plan. In the months following the attack, he continued to lead the military response and to encourage the American people to return to their normal lives. |
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JANELL CANNON (first appeared in Spring 1999). Janell Cannon has published another popular book about a rather unpopular creature. Her newest book, Crickwing, features a cockroach with a broken wing and the heart of an artist. Once again, she takes a creature that some might find scary and makes it friendly and fun. ERIC CARLE (first appeared in Spring 1995). Eric Carle has continued to write and illustrate books for young readers since he first appeared. Some of these titles include The Very Lonely Firefly, Little Cloud, From Head to Toe, Hello Red Fox, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, Dream Snow, and Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too? Carle has also founded a museum devoted to the art of the picture book. It's called The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and is scheduled to open in 2002. It will feature picture book art from illustrators from all over the world. BEVERLY CLEARY (first appeared in Spring 1995).To the surprise and delight of her many fans, Beverly Cleary published a new Ramona book in 1999. Ramona's World features the spunky gal at age nine. Why did Cleary return to Ramona? "I thought I was through with Ramona, but she just wouldn't go away," she says. It had been 15 years since the last Ramona book, yet Cleary was able to recreate that believable, funny world without missing a beat. "Ramona I just know," she claims. BILL CLINTON (first appeared in Spring 1995). Bill Clinton left the office of President of the U.S. in 2001. In his final years in office, Clinton faced impeachment proceedings. (A more detailed discussion of the final years of the Clinton presidency, including his impeachment, can be found in Biography for Beginners: Presidents of the U.S., 2nd edition.) Clinton is now at work on a book about his presidency and is overseeing the building of his presidential library. CHELSEA CLINTON (first appeared in Fall 1996). Chelsea Clinton graduated from Stanford University in 2001 with a degree in history. She is now at Oxford University in England where she is studying for a master's degree. HILLARY CLINTON (first appeared in Spring 1996). In 2000, Hillary Clinton was elected to the U.S. Senate from the state of New York. She will serve as a Senator until at least 2006. She is the only First Lady in history to be elected to office. JOANNA COLE (first appeared in Fall 1995). Joanna Cole continues to write her popular Magic School Bus books for young readers. In addition to her original series, Cole has created a series of special titles that feature Ms. Frizzle and the kids learning about the science of baking, germs, volcanos, deserts, spiders, and all kinds of interesting subjects. Cole has also created books that focus on Liz, the class pet. Titles in this series include Liz Finds a Friend and Liz Takes Flight. There's also a series of books linked to the TV series, covering topics like weather and stars. Cole also has a series called Science Chapter Books, including The Truth about Bats, The Giant Germ, and other titles. DONALD CREWS (first appeared in Fall 1999). Donald Crews has created several new books for young readers, including Inside Freight Train and Cloudy Day, Sunny Day. |
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TOMIE DEPAOLA (first appeared in Spring 1998). Tomie dePaola continues to write and illustrate books for young readers. Among his new titles are 26 Fairmount Avenue, Here We All Are, Jamie O'Rourke and the Pooka, Strega Nona Takes a Vacation, On My Way, Meet the Barkers: Morgan and Moffat Go to School, Boss for a Day, and Hide-and-Seek All Week. JANE GOODALL (first appeared in Spring 1996). Jane Goodall now spends much of her time traveling and speaking to people about the importance of protecting the environment all over the world. That is the purpose of her foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute. She still spends part of every year in Gombe in Africa, studying chimps. But most of her time is spent lecturing and writing. To save the environment, she says, "only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved." WAYNE GRETZKY (first appeared in Spring 1996). Wayne Gretzky retired from pro hockey in 1999, after 14 outstanding seasons. Considered by many to be the best hockey player ever, Gretzky joined the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000. And he's still involved in the sport. He is now the managing partner of the Phoenix Coyotes. KEN GRIFFEY JR. (first appeared in Fall 1995). After 11 seasons, Ken Griffey Jr. left the Seattle Mariners and moved to the Cincinnati Reds ball club. In 2000, his first season with the Reds, he led the club with 40 home runs and 118 RBIs. In the 2001 season, Griffey faced a tough injury and sat out for part of the season, playing in 111 games and ending the year with a .286 batting average. Griffey continues to be active in charities. He recently helped launch a new after school program for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. |
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VIRGINIA HAMILTON (first appeared in Fall 1999). Virginia Hamilton died of cancer in February 2002. She was 65 years old. Before her death, Hamilton had continued to create books for young readers. Among her recent titles were Bluish: A Novel and The Girl Who Spun Gold. MIA HAMM (first appeared in Spring 1998). Mia Hamm has made a lot of news in the soccer world recently. In 1999, she led the U.S. women to an astounding World Cup victory. Then, in 2000, she played with the U.S. Olympic team, which placed second and won the silver medal for the U.S. Now she is a star player with the Washington Freedom, one of eight team in the new WUSA--the first women's pro soccer team in the U.S. She continues to be a great player and a role model for girls all over the country. MELISSA JOAN HART (first appeared in Fall 1995). After leaving Nick's "Clarissa Explains It All to You," Melissa Joan Hart began another hit TV series, "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." Now in its sixth season, "Sabrina" is a favorite with young viewers. She's also appeared in several movies, including Drive Me Crazy. And she's begun producing and directing, too. She has her own production company, called Hartbreak Films. In 2000, she directed an episode of "So Weird" for the Disney Channel that featured her younger sister Emily. KEVIN HENKES (first appeared in Fall 1998). Kevin Henkes continues to write and illustrate books for young readers. His recent books include Oh! Wemberly Worried, Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick, and Owen's Marshmallow Chick. GRANT HILL (first appeared in Fall 1997). Grant Hill is still a power in the world of pro basketball. He left the Detroit Pistons in 2000, after six seasons, and joined the Orlando Magic. In his two years with the Magic he has brought offensive and defensive strength to the team. Hill and his wife, Tamia, have a foundation that supports charities, scholarships, and educational programs. |
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MAE JEMISON (first appeared in Fall 1996). Mae Jemison continues to work to bring new technology and scientific advances to people all around the world. She's also started a science camp for kids. They work together to answer tough questions that affect all of us. Some of their topics have included "How Many People Can the Earth Hold" and "What To Do with All This Garbage." MICHAEL JORDAN (first appeared in Spring 1997). Michael Jordan retired from basketball in 1999 after leading the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA title in 10 years. But in September 2001 he decided he would play again, this time for the Washington Wizards. He was already president of the team, but he decided that even though he was 38, he wanted to play. "I am returning as a player to the game I love," Jordan said. He's also donated his first year's salary to the families of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. JACKIE JOYNER-KERSEE (first appeared in Fall 1995). Jackie Joyner-Kersee, called "the world's greatest athlete," retired from competition in 1998. That year, she competed in her last Goodwill Games, where she took first in the heptathlon, her major event. She is now involved in a number of projects. She give speeches all over the country, she is on the St. Louis Sports Commission, and she also runs the JFK Youth Center Foundation. That is a charity that sponsors leadership programs all over the country. "When I leave this earth, I want to know I've created something that will help others," she says. NANCY KERRIGAN (first appeared in Fall 1995). Nancy Kerrigan is currently appearing in ice shows all over the country. She most recently starred in "Footloose on Ice," a show adapted from a popular movie. Kerrigan is also involved in Reading is Fundamental, a program that encourages children to read. LEO LIONNI (first appeared in Spring 1999). Leo Lionni, creator of such favorite books as Swimmy and Frederick, died in October 1999. He was 89 years old. Lionni had been ill with Parkinson's disease for several years. TARA LIPINSKI (first appeared in Spring 1998). Tara Lipinski continues to skate professionally. She's also begun an acting career. She's appeared in several TV movies and had a starring role in Nickelodeon's "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" In 2000 Lipinski had hip surgery to correct an injury. And in December 2001, Lipinski carried the Olympic torch as it passed through Houston on its way to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Olympics. SHANNON LUCID (first appeared in Fall 1997). Shannon Lucid is still working with NASA. Currently, she is helping to train astronauts who will live on the International Space Station. The space station Mir, where Lucid had lived for six months, came back to earth in 2001. It was too old to use any more, and all the astronauts who were still working on Mir left and took space shuttles back to Earth. The Mir disintegrated as it reentered the Earth's atmosphere. Lucid says she's ready to go back into space, and would love to go to Mars. |
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NELSON MANDELA (first appeared in Spring 1995). Nelson Mandela stepped down as President of South Africa in 1999. Since then, he has worked to bring peace to other troubled parts of the world, including the Middle East. He has also started a foundation to help poor children. It is called the Mandela's Children Fund. He started it after poor, homeless children came to visit him to explain their problems. He raised more than $25 million for the fund. The money raised goes to build homes, schools, and health clinics for the poor. JAMES MARSHALL (first appeared in Fall 1997). In 1999, James Marshall's last book, Swine Lake, was published. He'd finished the words at the time of his death in 1992, but not the pictures. His old friend Maurice Sendak finished the pictures, and the result is a funny, warm book showing the talents of both. It is a hilarious retelling of the ballet Swan Lake, featuring a hungry wolf and a dance company of pigs. ANN M. MARTIN (first appeared in Spring 1996). Ann M. Martin continues to write many books that are popular with young readers. She's added more new titles to her series "The Kids in Ms. Colman's Class," "California Diaries," and her ever-popular "Baby-sitters Club" and "Baby-sitters Little Sister" books. She also wrote two books with Paula Danziger featuring two girls who write letters to each other. These books are P.S. Longer Letter Later and Snail Mail No More. Martin has also created a foundation that raises money for programs for children, the homeless, and animals. MERCER MAYER (first appeared in Spring 1997). Mercer Mayer is still writing and illustrating books that capture the imaginations of young readers. He's published over 300 books to date, including more stories featuring a favorite character, Little Critter. He also has new titles in an early reader series, including Camping Out, Field Day, Helping Mom, My Trip to the Farm, and The Mixed-Up Morning. And recently Mayer has started using new technology to create his drawings. In Shibumi and the Kitemaker and The Rocking Horse Angel Mayer created all his illustrations using a computer. He says the new process can be just as frustrating as painting, but he loves it. MARK MCGWIRE (first appeared in Spring 1999). Mark McGwire decided to retire from baseball in November 2001. After dazzling fans with a record-breaking 70 runs in 1998, McGwire became injured in 2000. He missed part of the 2000 season and struggled during most of 2001. In retiring, he said "I believe I owe it to the Cardinals and the fans of St. Louis to step aside." He ended his career with 583 home runs, making him the fifth best home run hitter of all time. PATRICIA AND FREDRICK MCKISSACK (first appeared in Fall 1998). Patricia and Fredrick McKissack continue to produce many books for early readers. Some of these include Let My People Go: Bible Stories Told by People of Color; The Honest-to-Goodness Truth; Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba; Messy Bessy and the Birthday Overnight; Messay Bessy's School Desk; Messy Bessy's Holiday; and Bugs! SHANNON MILLER (first appeared in Spring 1995). Gymnast Shannon Miller won two Olympic gold medals in the 1996 Olympics, then retired from the sport. But she decided to come back and try to make the Olympic team in 2000. At the trials that year, she suffered an injury and didn't make it to the Olympics. And in December 2001, Miller ended her competitive gymnastic career with a final appearance at the Reese's Cup exhibition. She ends her career with two gold and seven overall Olympic medals. That is the best record of any gymnast in U.S. history. DOMINIQUE MOCEANU (first appeared in Fall 1998). Dominique Moceanu continues to train and compete in gymnastic events. In 2000, she tried out but didn't make the U.S. Olympic gymnastic team. She had a knee injury that forced her to withdraw from the trials. She says she still loves the sport. "I love being able to perform," she says. JOE MONTANA (first appeared in Spring 1995). After 16 seasons playing pro football, Joe Montana retired from the game in 1995. He is considered one of the finest quarterbacks ever to play the game. In 2000, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Montana has been involved with a number of businesses since leaving sports. He is also the producer of a kids' program on public TV called "Adventures with Kanga Roddy." It's a fun and entertaining show that also has a positive message for kids. Montana is also involved in charities. |
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LAURA NUMEROFF (first appeared in Fall 1999). Laura Numeroff continues to write books for young readers. Her most famous character, the Mouse, is back in If You Take a Mouse to the Movies. Other recent titles include The Chicken Sisters, Monster Munchies, What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best, What Grandmas Do Best/What Grandpas Do Best, and Sometimes I Wonder if Poodles Like Noodles. BILL NYE (first appeared in Spring 1999). Bill Nye continues to produce and star in episodes of his science series, "Bill Nye, the Science Guy." ROSIE O'DONNELL (first appeared in Fall 1999). Rosie O'Donnell has decided to leave her popular TV show in 2002. She wants to spend more time with her kids, and her TV schedule was too demanding for that. The show's new host will be Caroline Rhea. She is an actress who plays one of Melissa Joan Hart's aunts on "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." HAKEEM OLAJUWON (first appeared in Spring 1996). Hakeem Olajuwon left the Houston Rockets in 2001 and joined the Toronto Raptors. He hopes to help the Raptors win their first NBA championship. "You guys have a great team, great fans, and a great city," he said about the Raptors. LARISA OLEYNIK (first appeared in Spring 1996). Larisa Oleynik continues to act in TV and movies. After "The Secret Life of Alex Mack" was cancelled, she went back to school full-time. She appeared in the TV show "3rd Rock from the Sun" and the movie "10 Things I Hate about You," a modern staging of a Shakespeare play. Larisa started college in 2000. MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY OLSEN (first appeared in Spring 1995). Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen continue to be very popular and have very busy performing careers. They've made many movies and also starred in several TV shows. Their first TV show, "Full House," was cancelled, but is still popular in reruns. In addition to making movies, they also appear in video games, have started a magazine, and have a line of clothing. There are even Mary-Kate and Ashley dolls. They also have their own web site, and they have hosted several on-line chats with their fans. In one of their chats, the twins said that the funniest question they were ever asked was if they had the same birthday. SHAQUILLE O'NEAL (first appeared in Fall 1995). Shaquille O'Neal is still a pro basketball star. In 1996, he left the Orlando Magic and went to the Los Angeles Lakers. There, he led the Lakers to three NBA championships in a row, in 2000, 2001, and 2002. He was named Finals MVP both years. O'Neal has also appeared in movies and has recorded five rap albums to date. He's also very active in charities. He's given $1 million to the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America for technology centers, raised money for the Starlight Foundation, funded an immunization program for poor kids, and encouraged kids to read in Reading Is Fundamental programs. |
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BARBARA PARK (first appeared in Spring 1998). Barbara Park has written several more books featuring her famous character, Junie B. Jones. Some of these recent books are Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine, Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in her Pocket, Junie B. Jones is Captain Field Day, Junie B. Jones is a Graduation Girl, and Junie B., First Grader (at last!). ROSA PARKS (first appeared in Fall 1995). Rosa Parks was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999 for her part in the Montgomery bus boycott and the civil rights movement. In 2000, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum opened in Montgomery. It was built on the site where she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. Park's action led to the boycott and helped the movement for equal rights for African-Americans. DAV PILKEY (first appeared in Spring 1998). Dav Pilkey continues to create books for young readers. His recent books include Big Dog and Little Dog, Silly Gooses, and Twas the Night before Christmas: The Wrath of Mrs. Claus. Pilkey has also introduced two new series that are already favorites with his fans. One features Captain Underpants. He's appeared in several books, including Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilet and Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outerspace. Another series features Ricky Ricotta. These titles include Ricky Ricotta's Giant Robot and Ricky Ricotta's Giant Robot vs. the Mutant Mosquitos from Mars. PATRICIA POLACCO (first appeared in Fall 1997). Patricia Polacco continues to write and illustrate children's books. Her recent titles include Thank You Mr. Falker, Welcome Comfort, Luba and the Wren, Mrs. Mack, The Butterfly, Betty Doll, Mr. Lincoln's Way, and When Lightning Comes in a Jar. COLIN POWELL (first appeared in Spring 1996). Colin Powell is now the U.S. Secretary of State. In that job, he helps President George W. Bush determine how the U.S. will deal with problems in the world. In 2001, Powell was very involved in the U.S. response to the terrorists attacks on the U.S. (See entry on George W. Bush above.) He has traveled to Afghanistan, where U.S. military forces tried to destroy the terrorist network of Osama bin Laden. He has also traveled to the Middle East. There, he has worked to end the ongoing war between the people of Israel and the Palestinians. Powell is also involved in helping kids. He helped a Washington, D.C., middle school open a library and stock it with books. He has also been a mentor to kids in Washington schools. JACK PRELUTSKY (first appeared in Spring 1995). Jack Prelutsky continues to write poetry books for early readers. In the past several years, he's published many books, including A Pizza the Size of the Sun, Imagine That! Poems of Never-Was, Dog Days: Rhymes around the Year, The Gargoyle on the Roof, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day, It's Raining Pigs and Noodles, Monday's Troll, and Awful Ogre's Awful Day. |
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FAITH RINGGOLD (first appeared in Spring 1999). Faith Ringgold continues to write and illustrate books for young readers. Her recent books include If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks, Cassies' Colorful Day, and Counting to Tar Beach. CAL RIPKEN JR. (first appeared in Fall 1996). Cal Ripken Jr. retired from baseball at the end of the 2001 season. He left the game with the record for the most games played in a row, an incredible 2,632. He spent all 21 years with one club, the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken is one of only seven players with more than 3,000 hits and 400 home runs. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Ripken said, "To be remembered at all is pretty special." For now, Ripken is looking forward to just being at home. "Helping our kids with their homework and driving them places top the list." DAVID ROBINSON (first appeared in Fall 1996). David Robinson is still a pro basketball star with the San Antonio Spurs. After injuring his foot and back, Robinson sat out most of the 1996-97 season. In 1998-99, the Spurs had their best season ever. In 1999, Robinson and teammate Tim Duncan led the team to their first NBA championship. In 2001, Robinson signed a two-year contract with the team. So he will play with the team at least through the 2002-2003 season. FRED ROGERS (first appeared in Fall 1998). Fred Rogers decided in 2000 to end production of his long-running TV show, "Mister Rogers Neighborhood." The series itself will not end–almost 1,000 programs will continue to be shown in reruns. Rogers felt he was ready for new things. He is currently developing two Web sites, one for PBS and one for his company, Family Communications. He's also writing books and developing projects for the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. He says he isn't retiring. Instead, he hopes his new work will "build a brighter tomorrow for future generations of children." J.K. ROWLING (first appeared in Fall 2000). J.K. Rowling and her famous character, Harry Potter, were very much in the news in 2001. The film version of the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, was a tremendous success. The movie came out in November 2001 and was a favorite with audiences everywhere. Rowling has sold more than 100 million books in over 42 languages. Her fans eagerly await the fifth volume in the Harry Potter series. It's called Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and should appear in Fall 2002. Rowling has also created two special books, Quidditch through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them. They're fun and funny books that she wrote to raise money for a foundation called "Harry's Book Fund." The money from the sales helps poor children around the world. CYNTHIA RYLANT (first appeared in Fall 1996). Cynthia Rylant continues to write books for young readers. Her recent books include Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane, Poppleton, Poppleton and Friends, Mr. Putter and Tabby Toot the Horn, Scarecrow, Henry and Mudge in the Family Trees, Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night, Henry and Mudge and the Sneaky Crackers, Cat Heaven, Tulip Sees America, and Poppleton Everyday. |
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DAVID SATCHER (first appeared in Spring 2000). David Satcher stepped down from his job as Surgeon General in February 2002. He returned to Morehouse College, where he went to college. There, he will direct a new center that will provide greater access to health care for Americans. CHARLES SCHULZ (first appeared in Fall 1996). Charles Schulz, the creator of the beloved "Peanuts" comic strip, died of cancer on February 13, 2000. Just weeks before he died, he had announced to his many fans that he was too ill to continue the strip. "Peanuts" appeared for the last time on the day he died. In that final strip, Schulz wrote: "Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy. . . how can I ever forget them?" He had written "Peanuts" for nearly 50 years. JON SCIESZKA (first appeared in Fall 1995). Jon Scieszka continues to write his hilarious books for young readers. His recent books include Math Curse; Tut, Tut; Summer Reading is Killing Me; Squids Will Be Squids: Fresh Morals, Beastly Fables; and Baloney Henry P. Scieszka has also gotten involved in a new program called "Guys Read." "Too many boys still struggle with reading," he says. He wants to help boys become "better readers, better students, better guys." BRIANA SCURRY (first appeared in Fall 1999). Briana Scurry is now playing pro soccer with the Atlanta Beat. Atlanta finished in first place at the end of the 2001 season. And they almost won the first pro women's title. Scurry also played on the 2000 women's Olympic team, which won the silver medal. MAURICE SENDAK (first appeared in Spring 1996). Some of Maurice Sendak's best-known books have been reissued by his publisher. These include the books in the Nutshell Library, like Chicken Soup with Rice. Others include the books he illustrated for authors like Ruth Krauss, such as A Very Special House. In 1999, the last book of his friend James Marshall appeared, with illustrations by Sendak. Marshall, who died in 1992, was the author of such favorites as George and Martha and Miss Nelson is Missing! His last book, called Swine Lake, is a hilarious takeoff on the ballet Swan Lake. It features a hungry wolf and a cast of pigs. Sendak's illustrations are a lasting tribute to this beloved author. SHEL SILVERSTEIN (first appeared in Spring 1997). Shel Silverstein died of a heart attack in May 1999. He was 66 years old. He is remembered as one of the most beloved of all children's poets. His poetry touched "kids" of all ages. "He imagined things the way kids do when they're little," said cartoonist Jules Feiffer. "It goes away when they're older-only in his case it didn't go away." EMMITT SMITH (first appeared in Spring 1995). Emmitt Smith just completed his 12th season in the NFL. He's played all those years with the Dallas Cowboys. He's still one of the finest players in the league. Smith is the second best rusher in NFL history. He's also won four NFL rushing titles and three Super Bowl titles. Smith has won the MVP award for the league and for the Super Bowl. At this point, he hasn't decided when he'll retire, but he's already considered one of the greatest players of all time. SAMMY SOSA (first appeared in Spring 1999). Sammy Sosa continues to be a super-slugger in major league baseball. In 2001, he became the first man to hit at least 60 home runs in three seasons. He hit 64 total home runs in 2001 and led the major leagues with 106 RBIs. KERRI STRUG (first appeared in Spring 1997). Kerri Strug, star of the 1996 U.S. women's Olympic gymnastic team, has left gymnastics behind her. She's now a student at Stanford University studying communications. She attended the 2000 Olympics, where she commented on the team and on her feelings. "I thought I'd have mixed emotions," she said about not competing. "But I knew it was time for me to do other things. Now I am a 22-year-old college student enjoying going out, dancing, having fun with friends. I had a certain amount of time to accomplish my dreams and I did." |
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DAVE THOMAS (first appeared in Fall 1997). Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's restaurants, died in January 2002 of cancer. He was 69. He is remembered for his funny TV ads for Wendy's and also for his support of adoption. Thomas himself was adopted as a child. When he became successful, he set up a foundation to help children to be adopted. "I know firsthand how important it is for every child to have a home and loving family. Without a family, I would not be where I am today," he said. JONATHAN TAYLOR THOMAS (first appeared in Fall 1995). Jonathan Taylor Thomas left the popular "Home Improvement" TV show in 1999. He is now a college student, but he continues to appear in movies and reruns of "Home Improvement." He wants to continue to act, and he likes both funny and serious roles. "I love doing both drama and comedy," he says. CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG (first appeared in Spring 1996). Chris Van Allsburg continues to create books for young readers. In the past few years he has illustrated two books written by Mark Helprin, The City in Winter and The Veil of Snows. AMY VAN DYKEN (first appeared in Spring 2000). Amy Van Dyken swam in her last Olympics in Fall 2000. She won two more gold medals, in two swimming relays with the U.S. team. Now she has taken up the sport of triathlon. That sport combines swimming, biking, and running. And she's also started a career as a TV sports commentator. She works for a station near her home in Denver, Colorado. ROSEMARY WELLS (first appeared in Spring 1996). Rosemary Wells continues to produce many books for early readers. Some of her recent books include Yoko's Paper Cranes and Bunny Party. She's also written and illustrated several books in her Yoko & Friends School Days series and Get Set for Kindergarten! series. Several beloved characters have returned in recent books, including Max in Max Cleans Up. And the lovable Timothy has also begun to appear on TV. He and his kindergarten pals now appear on "Timothy Goes to School" on the PBS show "Bookworm Bunch." JALEEL WHITE (first appeared in Fall 1997). Jaleel White left his role as Urkel in "Family Matters" in 1998 when the series ended. The series is still popular in reruns. In 1999 he starred in another TV series, "Grown Ups." The series was cancelled after one year. White started college several years ago, and he continues to act in TV and movies. TIGER WOODS (first appeared in Fall 1998). In just five years as a pro, Tiger Woods has become one of the best golfers ever. He's won all four major golf tournaments: the Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the British Open. In 2001, he became the first person in history to hold all four championships at the same time. At just 25, he’s won more tournaments than any golfer on the pro tour. Tiger Woods is at the beginning of what may be the best career in the history of the sport. JANE YOLEN (first appeared in Spring 1999). Jane Yolen continues to create books for young readers. Some of her recent books include The Wolf Girls, Odysseus in the Serpent Maze, Color Me a Rhyme, A Sip of Aesop, and How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? |
