Bienvenue!
Message from the Director, Connie Fredericks-Malone
Pourquoi Take French
See 'Quoi de neuf' for information about 'Pourquoi Take French' video contest, open only to AATF members, that is being sponsored by Educorock Productions and World of Reading.
Le Chevalier de Saint-George
I am delighted to introduce a new book we are offering in our Shop/Boutique, Le Chevalier de Saint-George.
About ten years ago an antique dealer brought to my attention a collection of postcards commemorating the 150th anniversary of the French Revolution (1789 - 1939). Among the postcards was the image of Saint-George that you see here. I had no idea who he was then but as you and your students will learn, he was a charismatic and important historical figure in France. Just a few short years later I purchased a CD of 18th Century Concertos composed for violin by the very same Saint George. I have been intrigued with him ever since.
Last summer while in Paris, we met historian and linguist, Dieudonné Gnammankou, who is also the founder and director of Dagan Jeunesse et DGP. Dagan Jeunesse specializes in publishing exciting illustrated biographies about historical figures in which the hero speaks directly to his reader. The books are written for students 10 to 15 years of age. Dieudonné explained that Dagan Jeunesse was preparing to release a new biography about Saint-George in the fall. This was a find…
Le Chevalier de Saint-George is a beautiful story of the adventures of St. George written by Alain Guédé with beautiful illustrations by Serge Hochain. The hardbound French language edition includes 48 pages and 48 illustrations. Teachers, parents and students, you are in for a treat!
St. George was born in Guadeloupe, the son of an African mother and French father. He grew up in Paris where he was called le fameux Saint-George. Le Chevalier de Saint-George occupies a unique position as an athlete, violin virtuoso, and composer. Spectacularly gifted, his life is the stuff of legend. As the conductor, he led the largest orchestra in Europe and founded a legion of African and Caribbean soldiers to support the French Revolution of 1789.
If you do not know anything about Saint-George, I suggest that you read the book along with your students and children. Add this title to your school’s French library. For those who love history and reading, Le Chevalier de Saint-George is an excellent addition to a personal book collection.
It is indeed a great pleasure to bring this outstanding biography to American teachers of French.
Unity First News
Check out the issue of Unity First News, which features the 2009 Women's History Month Salute with a special tribute to First Lady Michelle Obama. The issue also salutes the 2009 Women's History Month ‘Visionary Women of Excellence’ honorees, including yours truly and some of Massachusetts' most inspiring and history-making women who lead by example. To view this issue, go to www.unityfirst.com/ufnewsmarch2009.html.
Last but not at all least, we received very good news from the Springfield Museums - the exhibition, Blues in Our Blood has been extended to May 24, 2009. Audiences are enjoying this rich cultural experience. Now more students and teachers, parents and friends will have the opportunity to visit and perhaps revisit Blues in Our Blood at the Springfield Museums. For more information please contact: www.springfieldmuseums.org, 413-263-6800.
Again my sincere thanks to the staff of the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum and to our sponsors: the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association Rugged Intellectual Marketing Guides, Unity First News, and CDF Music Legacy for making this exhibition possible.
