Today is Maundy Thursday. According to my encyclopedia, the word “maundy” probably comes from the Latin mandatum and refers to Jesus’ comandment at the Last Supper: “A new commandment I give you: love one another.” (John 13:34) Bishops and kings and priests used to wash the feet of the poor or of the congregation, imitating Jesus who washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper.

Also it’s the birthday of Thomas Jefferson (b.1743) and Lee Bennett Hopkins.

Genevieve Foster, b.1893, wrote several books of history for young people including Augustus Caesar’s World, The World of Columbus and Sons, The World of Captain John Smith, The World of William Penn, George Washington’s World,and Abraham Lincoln’s World. These are wonderful living history books that correlate events around the world with US history in a fascinating way.

Marguerite Henry, b.1902, wrote Misty of Chincoteague and other horse stories.

Samuel Beckett, b.1906, Nobel prize-winning author of Waiting for Godot and other plays.

Eudora Welty, b.1909, American Pulitzer prize-winning author of short stories, novels, and nonfiction. She was born and lived most of her life in Jackson, Mississippi.