What a refreshing book this is! Although we've read many biographies in our homeschooling studies, Some Successful Americans offers much more than just historical dry facts. It's filled with interesting details told in intriguing story format, which vividly brings the lives of these inspiring Americans to life.

The book was originally published in 1904 by a school superintendent wishing to inspire his students. Rather than fill the book with stories of contemporaries, he made a point of including only those who were no longer living so that their whole story could be told. Throughout the book is woven the theme of hard work paying off, and that one must continue to work despite his (or her) position in life.

Over 14 successful Americans are profiled in this book, but the introduction includes two pages filled with the accomplishments of ordinary people who made a difference in the lives of others through their hard work. From the very beginning, having a strong work ethic is stressed to the students so that they will work hard and never give up.

The list of successful Americans includes: Abraham Lincoln, Peter Cooper, Mary Lyon, Horace Greely, Cyrus Hall McCormick, Frances Willard, Louisa Mae Alcott, Alexander Stephens, Leland Stanford, Charles Pratt, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Eli Whitney, Henry Clay, and Benjamin Franklin. Some of the biographies will surprise you, as they provide in-depth glimpses into the every-day lives of these accomplished heroes of our country and not just the usual facts that we have learned in our past studies.

From the famous to the commonplace, details of the lives of successful Americans are shared and serve as an inspiration to us all. In this age of easy living and instant gratification, in this world grown polluted with the attitude of a free hand-out, I find Some Successful Americans to be a breath of fresh air. Although it is appropriate for younger children, the old-fashioned wording and vocabulary makes it better suited for upper elementary and above. A must-have for the history shelf of your homeschooling library.