Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business
#4 in Chapter Book Series
What’s inside...
Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business tells the story of Sarah Breedlove, a young African American girl who grows up in poverty and becomes one of the most successful entrepreneurs of her time. After experiencing hair loss and scalp issues, Sarah creates her own hair care products and builds a business that employs thousands of women and becomes a symbol of African American women's economic power. Follow Sarah Breedlove’s journey from the first child in her family born free to a woman with a thriving hair care business, poised to become America’s first self-made millionaire. From the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes a historical novel 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. Rebel Girls Presents: 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 real-life heroines in the 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! Rebel Girls Presents is the paperback version of the Rebel Girls chapter book series.
Character compass
Sarah Breedlove, Known As Madam C.J. Walker
Discussion points
What challenges did Madam C.J. Walker face and how did she overcome them to achieve her dreams?
Madam C.J. Walker was a pioneer in the business world. Why do you think her story is important?
How did Madam C.J. Walker's actions impact the lives of others, especially women and African Americans?
What qualities did Madam C.J. Walker possess that helped her succeed? Can you think of any you have in common with her?
If you were Madam C.J. Walker, what would you have done differently in building your business?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate Madam C.J. Walker's perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit to their own life. Ask them about a time they faced a difficulty and how they dealt with it.
Help your child understand the historical context of Madam C.J. Walker’s achievements, discussing the societal challenges of her time.
Discuss the significance of representation and breaking barriers, emphasizing how Madam C.J. Walker paved the way for future generations.
After reading, encourage your child to think of modern-day role models who similarly inspire them and discuss what qualities they admire in those individuals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: Madam C.J. Walker faces numerous obstacles on her way to becoming a successful businesswoman but doesn't give up, showing that persistence pays off.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of continuing efforts despite challenges, which can be applied in their academic pursuits and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Innovation drives change
Explanation: Madam C.J. Walker creates unique hair care products specifically for Black women, filling a niche in the market and sparking change in beauty standards.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and understand that their unique ideas can lead to significant improvements in society.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through education
Explanation: By educating other women on how to use her products and start their own businesses, Walker spreads knowledge and empowerment.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of sharing knowledge and helping others grow, which can be applied in collaborative school projects or tutoring peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience
Explanation: Throughout her life, Madam Walker confronts and overcomes personal and professional adversities, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that bouncing back from setbacks is crucial and is applicable in dealing with school challenges or social conflicts.
Example Lesson: Social impact of entrepreneurship
Explanation: Walker uses her wealth to advocate for African American rights and support community projects, showing how business success can have a broader social impact.
Real-World Application: This lesson introduces children to the concept of using personal success for community benefit, which they can emulate through participation in community service or school leadership roles.