Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business (A Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Chapter Book)

by Rebel Girls (Author) Salini Perera (Illustrator)

From the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes a story based on the life of Madam C.J. Walker, America's first female self-made millionaire.

Sarah is the first person in her family who wasn't born into slavery in Delta, Louisiana. But being free doesn't mean that Sarah doesn't have to work. She cooks, she cleans, she picks cotton, she does laundry, and she babysits. And when she works, she wraps up her hair.

One day, Sarah's hair starts to fall out! It's itchy, crunchy, patchy, and won't grow. Instead of giving up, Sarah searches for the right products. And then she invents something better than any shampoo or hair oil she's used before. Her hair grows and grows! That's when she decides to rebrand herself as "Madam C. J. Walker," and begins her business empire.

Madam C. J. Walker Builds a Business is the story of a leader in the hair care industry, but it's also an inspiring tale about the importance of empowering women to become economically independent.

This historical fiction chapter book includes additional text on Madam C. J. Walker's lasting legacy, as well as educational activities designed to encourage entrepreneurship.

About the Rebel Girls Chapter Book Series

Meet extraordinary real-life heroines in the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls chapter book series! Introducing stories based on the lives of extraordinary women in global history, each stunningly designed chapter book features beautiful illustrations from a female artist as well as bonus activities in the backmatter to encourage kids to explore the various fields in which each of these women thrived. The perfect gift to inspire any young reader!

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Publishers Weekly

This first chapter book from Rebel Girls profiles the first female self-made millionaire, Sarah Breedlove (1867-1919), the mastermind behind the Madame C.J. Walker empire and leading voice in support of natural hair care for black women. The story begins with Breedlove's childhood; she was the first in her family not born into slavery and to attend school. As a widowed single mother, she meets Annie Turnbo, creator of the "Wonderful Hair Grower" shampoo, which transforms her life and eventually inspires her own creation: "Madame C.J. Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower." Full-color illustrations by debut illustrator Perera highlight seminal scenes from Breedlove's life and further humanize the historical figure. Rooted in fact, this lightly fictionalized account gives readers an opportunity to connect with Breedlove as a storied individual whose entrepreneurial prowess and support of black women continues to impact people today. A closing activity encourages readers to imagine their own unique product, with accompanying advertising and elevator pitch. Also available: Ada Lovelace. Ages 6-9. (Nov.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"An inspiring story for any young girl waiting to make her mark on society."— "Kirkus Reviews"
Rebel Girls
REBEL GIRLS is a global, multi-platform empowerment brand dedicated to helping raise the most inspired and confident generation of girls through content, experiences, products, and community. Originating from an international best-selling children's book, Rebel Girls amplifies stories of real-life women throughout history, geography, and field of excellence. With a growing community of nearly 20 million self-identified Rebel Girls spanning more than 100 countries, the brand engages with Generation Alpha through its book series, award-winning podcast, events, and merchandise. With the 2021 launch of the Rebel Girls app, the company has created a flagship destination for girls to explore a wondrous world filled with inspiring true stories of extraordinary women.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781953424006
Lexile Measure
820
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Rebel Girls
Publication date
February 20, 2023
Series
A Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Chapter Book
BISAC categories
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JUV004020 - Juvenile Fiction | Biographical | United States
JUV014000 - Juvenile Fiction | Girls & Women
JUV045000 - Juvenile Fiction | Readers | Chapter Books
JUV006000 - Juvenile Fiction | Business, Careers, Occupations
JUV036020 - Juvenile Fiction | Technology | Inventions
Library of Congress categories
Historical fiction
Biographical fiction
Walker, C. J.
African American businesspeople
Minority businesswomen

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