Mary McLeod Bethune: Educator

Black Americans of Achievement

written by Malu Halasa

Chelsea House Publications, 1993

Genre: Children's nonfiction

Reading Level: ages 9-12

111 pages

This biography of the incredible Mary McLeod Bethune tells of her courageous life. She was born in South Caroline on July 10. She attended a Presbyterian Mission school in her early years and moved on into a Seminary in North Carolina. She becomes a teacher after finishing school, and starts the fight for Negro girls. She founds the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls in Daytona Beach, FL. She becomes president of the Florida Federation of Colored women and founds several other federations. All the while fighting for the black woman's right to fight and schooling. She even worked for Presidents Hoover, and Truman. And eventually became the vice president of the NAACP. She fought her entire life for more rights. She inspired thousands and gave rights to even more. This book accurately and thoroughly describes her life up until her death in 1955.

I would recommend this book to any child who enjoys history.

I think that some parents might not want their children to read this book because they want to keep their kids from knowing the hardships of life.

I really liked this book. It was interesting and full of tons of information, I didn't even know how to summarize it all without rewriting the book. It really portrays Mary Bethune as a leader of her people and an inspiration to everyone who knows her story.

My rating 4 out of 5