Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier »

Did you know that the man behind Hershey's chocolate used to work in an ice cream parlor? Or that he had to try over and over again to get his now-famous chocolate to taste as delicious as it does today? Milton Hershey's life wasn't always a bowl of chocolate Kisses. When he was in fourth grade, he even had to drop out of school and work to help his poor family make ends meet. Read all about how the man we know as the famous young chocolatier finally struck it rich — in money, love, and chocolate!

Children's Literature

After reading this compelling account of Milton Hershey's long struggle to fame and fortune, I cannot help wondering what he would think of all the expensive gourmet chocolate bars now available in grocery stores across America. Even when he was successful, Hershey was intent on providing candy that the poor could afford. Milton grew up in a divided household. His father was a dreamer and was always looking to find his fortune, following one disastrous craze after another. His mother, a member of the Reformed Mennonite Church, was constantly disappointed and disapproving of her husband's schemes. Milton grew up trying to please both. He was not successful until later on in his career, having to abandon three stores in three different cities before finally achieving his dream. When he became a millionaire, he used his fortune to create better conditions for his workers, building them a model city and a safe workplace. Unable to have children of his own, he founded an orphanage to which he left his entire fortune. Despite the fact that Hershey grew up over a hundred years ago, his story will connect with many children today and serve as an inspiration to some. Hershey never liked school and only achieved a 4th grade education, he came from poverty, yet he worked hard and never gave up on his dream. He was forced to juggle the contrasting personalities of his parents and suffer their constant bickering. He never rejected his father despite his mother's pleas. Wealth for Hershey was a chance to make life better for others. I can think of no better message to pass along to the future entrepreneurs sitting in our classrooms today. Eboch's biography is the perfect antidote to our pervasiveculture of corporate greed. Reviewer: Nicola Turner