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Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business
By Carrie Kingsley,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Inspiring bio of wealthy Black female entrepreneur in 1800s.
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What's the Story?
Beginning just after slavery ended, the story of Sarah Breedlove Walker in MADAM C.J. WALKER BUILDS A BUSINESS takes on two tough subjects -- poverty and racism -- while following her remarkable rise to the top of Black society. It would be an "up by her own bootstraps" account if Sarah had had enough money for boots as a child. Sarah was born just after slavery ended in the United States, and she was sent to live with an abusive relative after being orphaned when she was young. Her options limited by her status and education, Sarah did laundry and cleaning until becoming a saleswoman for a remarkable hair product. With a string of successes punctuated by sad times, she created her own shampoo blend and set out on her own, becoming America’s first self-made female millionaire and doing it on her own terms.
Is It Any Good?
In this detailed, remarkable book filled with both inspiration and sadness, young readers will see the motivation behind Sarah's outstanding achievement. Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business deftly (and age-appropriately) covers the reality of life after slaves were freed, the fear that many felt every day, and the economic disparity of a segregated nation. Heavy topics, but the book is also packed with feel-good moments when persistence pays off. The knowledge that her life wasn't easy makes Sarah's success that much sweeter for readers to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the odds were stacked against Sarah in Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business. Why didn't being born free give her the same advantages as every other free girl in America?
What kind of business would you start, especially if you had to start one right now? What kind of skills would you need? Who (if anyone) do you think would help you?
What other books about strong Black women have you read?
Book Details
- Author: Rebel Girls
- Illustrator: Salini Perera
- Genre: Biography
- Topics: Activism , Great Girl Role Models , History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Rebel Girls
- Publication date: November 12, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 9
- Number of pages: 128
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks
- Last updated: April 17, 2020
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Where to Read
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