Who Was Mark Twain? by April Jones Prince

 Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings fascinating character of Mark Twain who was a mischievous, adventurous boy named Samuel Clemens who became one of America’s best-loved authors.

Before he named himself Mark Twain, he was Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910). Sam grew up in the south where slavery was seen acceptable. While at his uncle’s farm, he listened to a black man telling folktales and ghost stories. It was also the words he used and the rhythm of his speech that stayed with Sam and inspired him later in telling his own stories. 

When Sam was eleven, his father died and the family fell on hard times. He had to grow up fast and skip schooling. He became a printer’s apprentice at a newspaper. In his free time, he read books. Later, he worked for his older brother at a journal. He began to write humorous stories, poetry and local news. He liked exaggerating, which his brother didn’t like even when it sold more copies. 

Sam was also a restless spirit. He packed his bags and travelled through northern states. He worked various printing jobs. Writing came natural to him, but those positions were boring to him. Thus, he decided to try his childhood dream of being a pilot on a riverboat. He made good money and enjoyed fine food and expensive clothes. Something, he always dreamed about. But he never forgot his true passion of storytelling, which he did to passengers and crew. 

When the Civil War broke out, he took different jobs. One of them as editor. He wasn’t sure how well he’d do in this position, but he was good at searching for exciting stories. If there weren’t any, he used his imagination. He realized that he had a knack for making stories interesting and that’s when he found his calling and developed his own writing style and created his pen name – Mark Twain. 

His pen-name was becoming famous for his wit, wisecracks, exposing injustice and fraud. During his time, lectures were popular form of entertainment. At first, he was terrified to speak on stage, but his nerves quickly melted and he became natural at it. 

But he was restless staying in one place for a long time. He set sail for Europe, where he judged sites if they were worth visiting. He wasn’t someone who accepted other’s opinions too easily. His letters to publishers about European sites became so famous that they were turned into a book, which became an instant success. 

Then, he went on creating stories drawing from experiences from his childhood: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. But the latter one was controversial and he had to start his own company in order to publish it. 

This biography embodies a character that was never bothered by the lack of schooling. He had a natural gift which he developed on his own and became very successful.   

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, insightful inserts, and fun black and white illustrations. 

Published in 2004 by Penguin Workshop

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” – Mark Twain

 

Traits:

·         He grew up listening to folktales and ghost stories with words and rhythm that stayed with him and inspired him later.

·         Throughout his life his jobs were close to his interests. He always seemed to have a paper and pen attached to him creating some sort of stories. At the same, time learning more about himself, and what he liked and didn’t like about writing business.

·         He was also a restless spirit which led him to exploring northern states, and later Europe while keeping a paper and pen close to him.

·         When his name became famous for his wit and wisecracks, he then used it in more serious matters exposing injustice and fraud.

·         When one of his stories became controversial, he went on publishing it himself.

·         He was unstoppable force of nature who did it all with a great sense of humor. Never too serious. His daughter Susy at thirteen wrote a biography about her father. “He is a very good man and a very funny one. He has got a temper, but we all of us have in this family. (…) He does tell perfectly delightful stories.”

 

 

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

“When in doubt, tell the truth.” – Mark Twain

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Mark Twain.

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

·         Practicing honesty

 The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra is a remarkable pocket book which can be a good companion wherever we are and a good constant reminder what life is about.

If you’re not up for reading, then maybe listening:

There are many podcasters offering interviews with Deepak Chopra and he has his own podcast, too.

Who Was Napoleon? by Jim Gigliotti

 Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings intriguing character of Napoleon Bonaparte – who is considered one of the greatest military commanders.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was born in Ajaccio, Corsica. A year earlier, Genoa sold Corsica to the French. Thus, at the time the island was heavily influenced by Italians.

Napoleon had four brothers and three sisters. He was the most temperamental one and was called a troublemaker. From childhood, he loved playing war battles with his friends and he was always in charge. He loved reading history, especially about famous battles and military heroes, such as Alexander the Great. He dreamed of becoming a conquering hero just like Alexander.

Napoleon’s father was a lawyer and became involved in the island government. In 1777, he was sent to France to represent Corsica. He arranged scholarships to military school for his two oldest sons.

At nine, Napoleon was sent to military school in Brienne where he spent five years. It was a time when social classes were very important. Napoleon disliked it. At the school, there were mostly children from upper class who picked on him as he was from lower class. He spent many hours at the library reading and studying.

In 1784, he was one of the five students who were chosen to continue their military studies at the Ecole Militaire in Paris, which was a great achievement. After his graduation, he became an officer in the French army. 

Four years later, the French Revolution started. At Toulon, he distinguished himself in leading his men. Afterwards, he got promoted to general. And it was only possible to the changing situation in France were social classes were abolished.

Battle after battle, he continued to distinguish himself with his military tactics. Before every battle, he gave inspiring speech. After the battle, the soldiers were rewarded with gold and valuables.

In 1799, after conquering Egypt, he became the ruler of France. He made changes for a better life for the French people by creating the Napoleonic Code which is still used in the greater part of the world.

His downfall was invading the Russia, and the constant expansion of the empire. The French were tired of fighting. They wanted peace.

This biography demonstrates a man who was a conqueror at heart, battlefield was his home. He studied the art of conquering by studying Alexander the Great, which served him well until the moment when he didn’t know where to put a stop to his conquests. It seems as he didn’t learn this lesson from Alexander. He abolished monarchy, only to crown himself an emperor. He isn’t someone who I’d name noble, but he certainly made his mark with the Napoleonic Code which among other things abolished the feudal system in France.  

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts. 

Published in 2018 by Penguin Workshop

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Search Your Childhood Games if They Still Reflect Your Passion. Let Your Actions Speak for Your Passion.

 

Traits:

·         As a child, he played games that reflected what he was most passionate about

·         His adversity led him to creating equality

·         He didn’t feel sorry for himself. Instead, he used the time productively.

·         He knew that his success depended on his soldiers, thus, he knew he had to motivate them and show his appreciation for them. (He probably learned it by studying Alexander the Great. That’s exactly what Alexander did).

·         His downfall was the constant expansion. It seems as he didn’t learn this lesson from studying Alexander the Great. It was the same downfall for Alexander.

 

 

“You tell me it is impossible. There is no such word in French.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

“Death is nothing, but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

“Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

“The best cure for the body is a quiet mind.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

“A true man hates no one.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

“Ability is nothing without opportunity.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

·         Not following the craze – don’t follow what’s in fashion, instead follow your passion

 The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven K. Scott is a powerful book relating how to achieve a meaningful life based on King Solomon’s wisdom. The author reveals King Solomon’s proverbs and breaks through the meaning behind those proverbs with different examples including those from his life’s experiences.

Even if you’re not a reader, but if you had to read one book in your life, I’d say that’s the book.

If you’re still not convinced, then Steven K. Scott has his own podcast – Proclamation podcast or you can watch his interview about Solomon’s proverbs with Kirk Cameron on TBN.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4En9lRQt24  

Who Was Gandhi? by Dana Meachen Rau

 Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade introduces Gandhi who was a global icon of peace and freedom, and the champion of an independent India.

Mohandas Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. His father was a political leader. At school, he was average and very shy. The books were his sole companions. 

After high school, he tried college, but found no interest in the lectures. A friend suggested studying law in England which was easier than in India. He spent three years in England, where he obtained law and in his loneliness learned a lot about himself. It set him on the path as a spiritual and political leader. 

Back in India, he was still too shy to lead cases in court, but then an opportunity came to work in South Africa. On his way there, he was mistreated only because he was Indian. In this injustice, he found his voice which led him to public speaking and fighting for equal rights. But he always used a peaceful way to stand up against unfairness. 

After twenty-one years in South Africa, he returned to India. During this time, he transformed from a shy, young lawyer to a well-known leader. In India, he wanted to change how the lowest caste, called untouchables, was treated. He met with some opposition, but he persisted. He cared for poor people by opening schools and giving advice to farmers.

He spent some time in prison for urging others to resist British laws. As soon as he was out, he continued his work. He united the Indian people and spoke out in support of an independent India.

On August 15, 1947, India became independent, but clashes between religious groups continued. During his lifetime, Gandhi went on many hunger strikes in order to unite people. Even after achieving country’s independence, he still had to go on those hunger strikes.

This biography demonstrates a man who was so shy that he was forced to face unjust event in order to find his voice. And in his loneliness, he found spiritual meaning in life. 

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.

Published in 2014 by Penguin Workshop

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Stand Up for Peace and Freedom

 

Traits:

·         At school, he was average and very shy. What brought him comfort were books.

·         In his loneliness during the college years, he learned a lot about himself. It set him on the path as a spiritual and political leader.

·         As a lawyer, he was too shy to lead cases in court, but found his voice when he was mistreated in South Africa for being Indian. It led him to public speaking and fighting for equal rights.

·         When he returned to India, he led to make a change how the lowest caste, called untouchables, was treated.

·         He spent some time in prison and went on hunger strikes fighting for causes he believed in.

 

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi 

This Aesop saying summarizes Gandhi well, “It’s better to be renowned and in poor garments than to live without honor in rich attire.”

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

·         Accepting all people – accepting all as they are, without trying to change them

·         Refusing any limitations – we put limitations on ourselves because of the external world influencing us, but internally we’re responsible for limiting ourselves

 Mind Shift by Erwin Raphael McManus explores the power of mind and the mind sets that we need to understand in order to thrive in our lives. What we wish for is what we need to become first. If we crave adventure, then we need to get on the road and then we’ll meet the like-minded people.

There are some limitations that we put on ourselves or others put on us. We need to break the shackles of such limitations and take responsibility for our actions.

 

If you’re not up for reading, then maybe listening:

There are many podcasters offering interviews with Erwin McManus. One of them is by Lewis Howes, host of The School of Greatness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5b9ji8VBhM

 

Who Was Leif Erikson? by Nico Medina

 Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings Leif Erikson who was the first European to explore the lands of North America. 

Leif Erikson was born in Iceland around the year 980 to a Viking family. When his father, Erik the Red, was banished from Iceland, he took his family to Greenland. After settling in Greenland, it became Leif’s dream to explore the unknown western lands. He reached today’s Canada’s Baffin Island. He reached North America 400 years before Columbus. The place they found livable, he named Vineland as they discovered grapes there. After returning to Greenland, he became the chieftain of Greenland for over twenty years. The settlement prospered under his rule. He died around 1025. 

Leif never returned to North America but others did, including his two brothers and sister Freydis.

This book doesn’t cover much of Leif’s story. I’m assuming there is little information about him. Nevertheless, he left a mark as a skilled sailor and brave leader. His voyage to North America motivated others to follow in his path.

This book is mostly about Vikings: their life, settlements, traditions, households. They were fierce warriors and sailors from Scandinavia who were brutal in their attacks and known for their tactics. But they also paid attention to the natural world around them, finding guidance in nature. They were also known for their skills in building ships.

Even though, this story doesn’t involve much about Leif Erikson, it is still a fascinating story about Vikings, and interestingly written.  

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts. 

Published in 2018 by Penguin Workshop

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Explore the World Around You

 

Traits:

·         He was curious about unknown lands and wanted to explore them

·         His bravery motivated others to follow and explore the world around them

·         He was a good leader

·         Coming from Vikings who were skilled in ship building, he was a good sailor

·         He used his natural talent to make a difference

 

“The pain that we cause is the cause of our pain.” – Leif Erikson 

“We are all leaders – whether we want to be or not. There is always someone we are influencing – either leading them to good – or away from good.” – Leif Erikson

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

·         Openness – it helps us to find our path and listen to others without judgement

·         Practicing Vedanta – ancient philosophy about happiness

 

“Vedanta, one of the world’s most ancient philosophies, tells us that happiness for a reason is just another form of misery because the reason can be taken away from us at any time. To be happy for no reason is that happiness we want to experience.

Happiness is a state of consciousness that already exists within us, but it’s often covered up by all kinds of distractions. Just as a beautiful sunrise might be hidden behind the clouds, so, too, our inner happiness is hidden behind our everyday concerns. Social conditioning and constricted awareness keep us from glimpsing this kingdom of heaven hidden in the depths of our heart. But we can learn to rise above the clouds of conditioning and rediscover the source of joy deep within us. Upon discovering this joy, wonderful and miraculous things begin to happen. The expression of happiness brings a sense of connection to the creative power of the universe. Having that connection, we fill that nothing can stop us from accomplishing anything we desire.

When our life is an expression of the inner state of happiness, we discover an immense reservoir of power within us. This power gives us freedom from fear and limitations, and allows us to realize all the abundance that we aspire to. Even more significantly, this power nurtures all of our relationships and makes them truly fulfilling. We find ourselves becoming beacons of light and love, and our very presence nurtures the environment around us. People are drawn to support our desires, and even nature responds to our intentions.

The more we live in the state of happiness, the more we experience the spontaneous fulfillment of desire in the form of synchronicity and meaningful coincidence.”

-          Power, Freedom, and Grace: Living from the Source of Lasting by Deepak Chopra

If you’re not up for reading, then maybe listening:

There are many podcasters offering interviews with Deepak Chopra. One of them is by Jay Shetty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJoeh6itLUA

Who Was Milton Hershey? by James Buckley Jr

 Who Was...? biography series for middle grade brings an inspiring man – Milton Hershey - who created the first American chocolate company, and also turned out to be one of the greatest philanthropists. 

Milton Hershey’s (1857-1945) father was a dreamer trying different ventures that left the family in dire conditions. His mother couldn’t take it anymore and left her husband taking Milton with her. Milton wasn’t a good student and his mother needed his help. So his education ended at twelve. He could barely read and write. 

He didn’t like his first job working for a printer, but his second job working at ice-cream parlor was a different story. He observed how different kinds of ingredients were mixed to create new candies. He began experimenting on his own. 

At nineteen, he opened his own shop in Philadelphia. It was a hit from the start, but he didn’t know how to manage a business and it failed. He, then, joined his father in Colorado where the gold rush was drying out. Instead, Milton got a job at a candy store where he learned how to make caramel. Then, he moved back to the East Coast and in New York opened his candy shop which did well. But due to his father’s insistence, Milton tried to make cough-drops which were expensive and ruined his business. He went back to Pennsylvania where he didn’t give up on his passion. 

During his failed ventures, he learned that he could make more money by selling in large quantities. Instead of opening another shop, he borrowed money from the bank and opened a small caramel factory. A man from England visiting Lancaster loved Milton’s caramel and placed a big order which allowed Milton to pay off a bank loan and invest in more equipment. 

Lancaster turned out to be a very good location for his business. The cows from the nearby farms provided all the milk. Lancaster itself was near one of the new electric plants, so he had all the power he needed. The railroad brought all the ingredients he needed and transported his candies to other cities. 

He continued to experiment with new ways to make caramel. He did so well that by the early 1890s, he was one of the richest men in Lancaster. 

He took a trip to Europe where he learned about chocolate being a new big thing. Milton became so obsessed with making chocolate that he sold his caramel business in order to focus on chocolate. 

Before making one chocolate bar, he invested in building a huge chocolate factory and a town for all its workers. He also tried a new way of making chocolate on an assembly line, and he continued to experiment with chocolate. 

By 1905, the factory was making a hundred thousand pounds of chocolate a day.

Milton was generous. He continued to improve the town he built for workers, adding post office, library, bank, and zoo. 

In 1907, he opened a park for all residents. He was one of a kind, believing that giving back to community was as important as making money. He shared his success with his workers, giving them a bonus each year from company’s profits. 

Milton and his wife couldn’t have children. Instead, he started a school for orphan boys. After the passing of his wife, he spent a lot of time with the boys and treated them like his own sons. He became beloved by those boys.

In memory of his wife, he gave all his stock in Hershey to the school. Till today, the school is richer than most universities in America.

This biography illuminates an incredible man who from his father’s experiences knew that finding what he was looking for could take many trials and errors before succeeding. His mother instilled the principles of hard work in him which carried him through his search for the success. When achieving his goal, his natural instinct, was to share his success with those who worked for him and support community he lived in. His generosity continues to make legacy for him. A man who barely knew how to read and write turned to be a great success story and above all one of the most generous people ever. 

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 7-10, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts. 

Published in 2013 by Penguin Workshop 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: The More You Give the More You Receive

 

  

Traits:

 

·         He could barely read or write but that didn’t stop his curiosity

·         His father was a dreamer, investing in different ventures. Despite all of them failing, he gave Milton a good example of trying new things even if they failed. It’s better to try new things even if you fail, rather than stand still to be safe.

·         When he found what he liked to do, he started experimenting in that field.

·         He succeeded in creating a good product but failed at managing business as he lacked education and experience but that didn’t stop him from continuing his passion.

·         Along his failures, he learned that selling in large quantities was the key to success, thus, instead of opening another shop, he opened a small factory and used assembly line.

·         After creating a good product (caramel), he didn’t stop there. When he learned about chocolate, he believed that it was the future. And continued to pursue what he believed in.

·         While he was building his chocolate business, at the same time, he built a town for his workers. He believed in investing in people.

·         He shared his profits as he instinctively knew that his success had to be shared with his workers.

·         He couldn’t have children, so he built a school for orphan boys and gave all his stock in Hershey to the school, which till today is richer than most universities in America. (That’s the power of generosity).

·         One of the traits that stands out for the successful people is that they never stop learning and improving a good product.

 

 

 

“One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy and only useful as he contributes his influences for the finer callings in life.” – Milton Hershey 

“Give them quality. That’s the best kind of advertising.” – Milton Hershey 

“The value of our good is not measured by what it does, but by the amount of good it does to the one concerned.” – Milton Hershey

“Business is a matter of human service.” – Milton Hershey

“Be honest; train yourself for useful work.” – Milton Hershey

 

 

 

 

SEEK DAILY INSPIRATION AND THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR:

 

·         Giving back to community doesn't necessarily mean money. It could be giving a smile or an encouraging word, sharing your talent for example singing or playing an instrument or using your strong muscles to give a helping hand.

 

Further inspiration/reading:

 “Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money” by Ken Honda

 

Many podcasters have interviews with Ken Honda about his latest book. One of them is Lewis Howes, host of The School of Greatness.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG2E8UrkAHo

https://kenhonda.com/join-arigato-living-community/

“Community is one of the primary pillars of Happy money.”

The Story of Fannie Lou Hamer by Margeaux Weston

 This biography series for Young Readers, ages 6-9, brings an inspiring character – Fannie Lou Hamer – who dedicated her life to civil rights movement. She is an inspirational symbol of strength and persistence.

Fannie Lou grew up during segregation in the US. She also grew up in a large family. She was the youngest of twenty siblings. Thus, she learned how to speak up for herself early on.

Fannie loved going to school and learning, but she also had to help her parents pick cotton. Thus, during the summer time, she worked in the fields and during the winter time, she went to school. While at school, the division between white and “colored” was the first injustice she experienced. But at thirteen, she had to help her aging parents full time, and stopped going to school at all.

In 1944, she got married and with her husband continued to work as sharecroppers. Fannie was the timekeeper as she was the only worker who could read and write. Soon, she noticed that the plantation owner was paying less than what the time card showed. That was another injustice she recognized.

In 1961, she went to hospital to have a surgery and the doctors removed an organ without her permission. That was another injustice she experienced.

In 1962, she learned about the right to vote, but it was very challenging for black people. She became active in helping black people register. Later, joining an activist group and becoming its leader, speaking up or even singing at the meetings.

She became known for her powerful songs, strong faith, and leadership.

Her protest with other activists put her in jail in 1963 where she was beaten and mistreated. She lost some of her eyesight and had other health issues after the beating. But she didn’t give up.

She continued to fight for equal voting rights in Mississippi.

She shared her efforts with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

There were many people who supported her activism, but others thought she was not educated enough to lead a movement. This didn’t stop her as she knew how to connect with people. She used her Southern style of storytelling, singing, and even comedy to fight for voting rights.

This biography brings truly an inspiring character who wasn’t held back by anything as she knew how to connect with a large number of people. She understood their problems as she shared the same problems and injustices. Her life was dedicated to making her state a fair state for all. She became an important voice for equality and justice.

The book is divided into short chapters and written with simple language to make it accessible for young readers. The issues and what Fannie stood up for are presented in accessible way for the target audience.

Published in January 2025 by Callisto Kids

Source: Sourcebooks

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Know How to Connect with People - today's humanity is lacking it. Despite lack of education she achieved great things because she knew how to connect with people.

 

Traits:

·             She grew up in poverty and faced inequality all her life. This caused her to fight for the right of others. – Her adversity strengthened her determination.

·             She concentrated on her community (state of Mississippi) to improve the lives of the people.

·             She encouraged her friends, family, and neighbors to use their voices to elect people who would treat them fairly.

·             Her strong faith helped her when people treated her unfairly.

·             She kept fighting for fair treatment until she died.

·             Her lack of education didn’t hold her back as she knew how to connect with people.

“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” – Fannie Lou Hamer (was fed up with racial injustice and made a difference with her persistence) 

“You don’t run away from problems – you just face them.” – Fannie Lou Hamer

“I feel sorry for anybody that could let hate wrap them up.” – Fannie Lou Hamer

“Never to forget where we came from and always praise the bridges that carried us over.” – Fannie Lou Hamer