Both years include Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's birthday and writing, Jim Henson's birthday and puppetry. In 2026, this date also includes World Maritime Day. In 2027, this date also includes California Native American Day. Use the questions to compare details, evidence, or viewpoints across topics.

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was born September 24, 1825. Harper’s poetry, public speaking, and writing against slavery and for equal rights. Invite readers to notice how a writer can address both personal experience and public questions.

Jim Henson was born September 24, 1936. The selected biography and puppet-making activities introduce his creative work. Use them to compare how a puppet’s design, movement, and voice can help an audience understand a character.

World Maritime Day falls on the last Thursday in September: September 24 in 2026 and September 30 in 2027. The International Maritime Organization chooses a yearly theme; pair the selected sea-travel readings with the current theme, rather than treating one ship’s story as the observance’s full history.

California Native American Day falls on the fourth Friday in September: September 25 in 2026 and September 24 in 2027. It is a California state observance. Use the selected readings on Indigenous histories, stewardship, and languages with care for the distinct peoples and communities they describe.

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Compare a creative work by Henson or Harper with the observance on this date. What details show the purpose of each?