Book Review:
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"Discover the Sweet Success Story of Milton Hershey - The Man Behind America's Favorite Chocolate!"
"Who Was Milton Hershey?" by James Buckley is an informative and well-written biography about the life of the famous chocolate maker. It provides insight into his humble beginnings, his business ventures, and his philanthropic efforts. A great read for anyone interested in learning more about this iconic figure in American history.
What Is the Book About?
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Milton Hershey was a man who followed his passion and never gave up on his dreams. From humble beginnings, he built an empire of chocolate that is still enjoyed by people all over the world today. Despite facing many challenges and setbacks, Milton persevered and eventually became one of the most successful businessmen in American history.
The core message of this book is that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck, anyone can achieve their dreams. Milton Hershey's story teaches us to never give up on our goals and to always follow our passions, no matter how difficult it may seem at times.
What Makes This Book Different?
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Who Was Milton Hershey? by James Buckley, Jr. is a unique and captivating biography that tells the story of one of America's most beloved entrepreneurs. Unlike other biographies in its category, this book not only chronicles the life and achievements of Milton Hershey but also provides insight into his personal struggles and motivations. The author does an excellent job of painting a comprehensive picture of Hershey's character, making him relatable to readers of all ages.
One aspect that sets this book apart from others in its category is its attention to detail. James Buckley, Jr. leaves no stone unturned as he delves into the life of Milton Hershey, providing readers with a thorough understanding of who he was and how he became successful. From his childhood growing up on a farm to his rise as one of the biggest names in confectionery history, every significant event is covered with precision and clarity.
Another standout feature of Who Was Milton Hershey? is its engaging narrative style. Buckley expertly weaves together facts about Hershey's life with anecdotes and interesting tidbits that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. This writing technique makes for an enjoyable read for both children and adults alike while still maintaining historical accuracy. Overall, this book stands out among others in its category due to its combination of detailed research, insightful storytelling, and engaging writing style.
Writing Style & Pacing
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The book "Who Was Milton Hershey?" by James Buckley Jr. is a biography written in a straightforward and informative tone. It is structured in chronological order, starting with Milton Hershey's childhood and ending with his legacy after his death. The book includes interesting facts about Hershey's life, such as his failed attempts at creating other businesses before finding success in the chocolate industry.
The writing style of the book is engaging and easy to follow, making it suitable for readers of all ages. The chapters are short and concise, allowing for quick reading sessions or longer sittings depending on the reader's preference. The author also includes photographs throughout the book, providing visual aids to help bring Hershey's story to life.
Overall, this book can be considered a fast read due to its simple language and organized structure. However, it does not sacrifice depth or detail for speed; instead, it presents a comprehensive look into Milton Hershey's life from start to finish. Readers who are interested in learning more about the man behind one of America's most beloved chocolate brands will find this book both enjoyable and informative.
About the Author
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James Buckley Jr. is the author of "Who Was Milton Hershey?" He is a prolific writer of children's books, with over 150 titles to his name. Buckley has written numerous biographies for young readers, including books on historical figures such as George Washington and Albert Einstein. He also writes about sports and science topics, making him a versatile and well-rounded author.
Buckley's background in journalism and education make him an ideal candidate to write this book on Milton Hershey. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Tufts University and a Master's degree in Journalism from New York University. His experience as an editor at Sports Illustrated for Kids magazine also gives him insight into how to engage young readers with interesting facts and anecdotes.
In addition to his impressive credentials, James Buckley Jr.'s attention to detail and thorough research make him highly credible as the author of "Who Was Milton Hershey?" In this biography, he delves into the life of one of America's most famous entrepreneurs, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the founder of one of the world's largest chocolate companies. With access to primary sources such as letters, interviews, and photographs, Buckley paints a comprehensive picture of Hershey that will captivate readers young and old alike. As an experienced writer who has successfully tackled other biographical subjects for children, James Buckley Jr.'s expertise shines through in this engaging account of Milton Hershey's life.
Historical or Topical Context
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The story of Milton Hershey takes place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when industrialization and capitalism were rapidly transforming American society. It was a period marked by immense wealth for some, but also great poverty and inequality for many others. This setting provides the backdrop for understanding how Hershey's humble beginnings as a candy maker eventually led to his success as one of America's most iconic entrepreneurs.
Milton Hershey grew up in rural Pennsylvania during this time, where he witnessed firsthand the struggles of working-class families trying to make ends meet. The rise of factories and mass production meant that traditional ways of life were being disrupted, causing economic uncertainty and social upheaval. Despite these challenges, young Milton developed an interest in business from an early age and dreamed of building his own company someday. As such, the historical context surrounding him played a crucial role in shaping his ambitions and influencing the decisions he would make later on in life.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
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1. Milton Hershey's childhood struggles: The book begins by detailing the difficult childhood of Milton Hershey, including his family's constant moves and financial struggles. This sets the stage for readers to understand how these challenges shaped him into a determined and resourceful individual.
2. Inspiration from a candy shop: One of the standout scenes in the book is when young Milton visits a local candy shop and becomes fascinated with chocolate-making. This experience sparked his passion for confectionery and ultimately led him to create one of the most successful chocolate companies in history.
3. The creation of Hershey's Kisses: A pivotal moment in Milton Hershey's career was when he came up with the idea for bite-sized chocolates wrapped in foil, known as Hershey's Kisses. This simple yet innovative product became an instant hit and solidified Hershey as a leader in the candy industry.
4. Building a model town: In addition to creating delicious chocolate products, Milton Hershey also had a vision for building an ideal community around his factory where employees could live, work, and thrive together. He built schools, parks, housing developments, and even implemented profit-sharing programs for his workers.
5. Philanthropic efforts: Towards the end of his life, Milton Hershey focused on giving back to society through philanthropy. He established schools for underprivileged children and donated millions towards education initiatives that still benefit communities today.
Overall impact:
Through this book, readers are able to see how determination,
perseverance, innovation,and generosity can lead to great success not only professionally but also personally.
Milton Hershey faced many obstacles throughout his life but never gave up on his dreams or stopped helping others along the way.
This serves as an inspiring lesson for readers of all ages about following your passions while making a positive impact on those around you.
Lessons or Takeaways
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After reading "Who Was Milton Hershey?" readers can learn about the inspiring life story of one of America's most iconic entrepreneurs. They will gain insight into how determination, hard work, and creativity can lead to great success, even in the face of adversity. Through learning about Milton Hershey's journey from humble beginnings to creating a world-renowned chocolate empire, readers can feel inspired and motivated to pursue their own dreams and passions.
Additionally, this book allows readers to reflect on the impact that one person can have on an entire industry. Milton Hershey's innovative ideas revolutionized the way chocolate was produced and consumed in America, making it more affordable and accessible for everyone. His philanthropic efforts also left a lasting legacy in his community through initiatives such as building schools for underprivileged children. As readers follow along with his remarkable achievements, they may be encouraged to think about how they too can make a positive impact in their own communities and industries.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
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Overall, the general sentiment from reader reviews for "Who Was Milton Hershey?" is overwhelmingly positive. Many readers praise the book for its engaging writing style and informative content about the life of Milton Hershey. Parents and educators also appreciate how the book introduces children to important historical figures in a relatable and accessible way.
In addition to positive reader reviews, "Who Was Milton Hershey?" has received numerous awards and recognition. The book was selected as a finalist for both the Children's Book Council's 2019 Children's Choice Awards and Goodreads' 2019 Choice Awards in the Middle Grade & Children's category. It was also named an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the National Science Teachers Association and Children's Book Council in 2020. These accolades highlight the impact this biography has had on young readers and its success in educating them about one of America's most iconic entrepreneurs.
Who Is This Book For?
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1. Fans of biographies: This book is perfect for readers who enjoy learning about the lives of famous individuals, especially those who have made a significant impact on society.
2. History buffs: Milton Hershey's life story takes place during an important period in American history, making this book appealing to readers interested in the early 20th century and the rise of industrialization.
3. Chocolate lovers: With its focus on the creator of one of the most popular candy brands in the world, this book will surely attract those with a sweet tooth and a love for all things chocolate.
4. Children ages 8-12: The "Who Was...?" series is geared towards young readers, making it ideal for children between the ages of 8 and 12 who are just starting to develop their reading skills and want to learn about inspiring figures from history.
5. Educators and parents looking for educational resources: This biography provides not only an entertaining read but also valuable information that can be used as a teaching tool in classrooms or at home. It's perfect for educators or parents seeking educational resources that are both engaging and informative.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
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1. Engaging writing style: James Buckley Jr.'s writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making the book accessible for readers of all ages.
2. Comprehensive coverage of Milton Hershey's life: The book covers all aspects of Milton Hershey's life, from his childhood to his success as a businessman and philanthropist.
3. Includes interesting facts and details: Throughout the book, Buckley includes interesting facts and details about Hershey's life that make it an enjoyable read.
4. Colorful illustrations: The book is filled with colorful illustrations that help bring the story to life and keep young readers engaged.
5. Educational value: In addition to being an entertaining read, this book also has educational value as it teaches children about important historical figures like Milton Hershey and their impact on society.
Cons:
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1. Simplified and Shortened Biography
One major con of this book is that it provides a simplified and shortened version of Milton Hershey's biography. This may not be suitable for readers who are looking for an in-depth and detailed account of his life. The book focuses mainly on the highlights and key events, which may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
2. Lack of Historical Context
Another downside to this book is the lack of historical context provided throughout the narrative. While it briefly mentions important events such as World War I and the Great Depression, it does not delve into how these events impacted Hershey or his business ventures. This can make it difficult for readers to fully understand the significance of Hershey's achievements.
3. Limited Perspective
As with many biographies written for young readers, this book only presents one perspective - that of Milton Hershey himself. It does not include any other viewpoints or perspectives from people who knew him or worked with him, which could have added more depth to the story.
4. Repetitive Information
Some reviewers have noted that there is a lot of repetitive information in this book, particularly when discussing details about Hershey's childhood and early career endeavors. This can make reading through certain sections feel tedious and uninteresting.
5.Lackluster Writing Style
Lastly, some readers have found the writing style in this book to be lacking compared to other biographies in the series. The tone can come across as dry and unengaging at times, making it difficult for young readers to stay interested in the story.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
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If you are interested in learning more about the life of one of America's most beloved chocolatiers, then this book is definitely worth reading. It provides a comprehensive look into Milton Hershey's personal and professional life, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a successful businessman. The book also delves into the history of chocolate making and how Hershey revolutionized the industry with his innovative techniques. With engaging writing and informative illustrations, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic brand.
Overall, "Who Was Milton Hershey?" is an enjoyable read for both children and adults alike. It not only tells the story of an inspiring entrepreneur but also teaches important lessons about perseverance, innovation, and giving back to society. Whether you're a fan of Hershey's chocolates or simply curious about American history, this book is sure to entertain and educate readers of all ages.
Where to Buy?
Buy "Who Was Milton Hershey?" on Amazon
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