Chocolate by Hershey: A Story about Milton S. Hershey

by Betty Burford

Milton Hershey loved candy. As a boy, he saved his hard-earned pennies for the candy store. He soon discovered that he had a gift for making delicious treats and, after years of trying, Milton finally make it big. People loved his new HERSHEY'S chocolate. Readers will delight in the story behind Hershey's mouth-watering world of chocolate.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Childrens, Juvenile

64 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Heather]

Quick read aloud that we all enjoyed. Handed out mini Hershey bars on the day we finished the book. I would read another biography in this series. Well done.

[Rafael Aguirre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story behind Hershey Chocolate. I’m really fascinate reading this book. I think Milton S. Hershey heritage his love for Chocolate from his parents’ ancestors who had left their home in Switzerland because their government required every able-bodied man to do military services. Milton’s Family belongs to a religious group called the Mennonites whose were peace-loving people and didn’t believe in war.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this biography series, easy to read, interesting both for kids and adults. I learned a lot I didn't know. I really appreciate the example he set by taking care of his employees and providing for the community. I love that his legacy lives on through the school he and his wife founded especially as they didn't have children of their own. I also appreciate how it showcases the many failures before his success.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing story of our favorite chocolatier. His inspiration for creating the chocolate bar was very interesting. He was also an extremely generous man and literally built cities for his factory workers. It’s very motivating to see how this little farm boy grew his love of candy, throughout many many set backs, into the chocolatey empire it is today!

[Andrea Maendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful history of a man who founded one of the most famous of American treats. I read this aloud to my 8 and 12-year-old and they always begged me to keep going when it was time to stop. Definitely a great example of a never-give-up spirit.

[Nicolette Rodgers]

This book helped me on my research paper for Milton Hershey.

[Leann Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting biography. I learned quite a bit that I had no idea had happened with Mr. Hershey and his cities that he formed.

[Beth Kaminske · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second little biography on Milton Hershey, I’ve read .A truly great man,but I thought the other biography was better.

[Wayne Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nearly everyone has heard of Hershey’s chocolates, and most people have eaten either a Hershey Bar or a Hershey’s Kiss. Milton Snavely Hershey (1857–1945) was born near the little town of Derry Church, PA, to Henry and "Fanny" Hershey who were of German-Swiss heritage and members of Pennsylvania's Mennonite community. After receiving his education at the one-room schoolhouse in Derry Church, the Rockridge School, and four other schools, and being fired as an apprentice to a newspaper editor, Milton became an apprentice in Lancaster, PA, with a confectioner named Joe Royer and learned the trade of candy making.
Hershey tried to get established in the candy business at Philadelphia, PA; Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; and New York City, NY. However, he was not successful until he returned to Lancaster and founded the Lancaster Caramel Company. Following a visit to England, he decided to switch the focus of his business to chocolate, bought a huge cornfield outside his birthplace of Derry Church, and built a chocolate factory. To provide for his workers, he created the town of Hershey with comfortable homes, an inexpensive public transportation system, a quality public school system, and extensive recreational and cultural opportunities. Also, he used his fortune to establish a school for underprivileged children and made Hershey into a tourist attraction with many points of interest such as a visitor’s center, a zoo, an amusement park, and a museum. Hershey married Kitty Sweeney in 1898, but she died prematurely in 1915, and the couple had no children.
This book is one of the “Creative Minds Biography” series from the Lerner Publishing Co. We visited Hershey, PA, last year, and I picked up this book in the Milton S. Hershey Museum gift shop as a memento of our time there. Author Betty Burford does a great job of explaining to youngsters how Hershey struggled to establish himself in the candy business and describing how he used his wealth to benefit others. The black-and-white illustrations by Loren Chantland are somewhat grainy and reminiscent of photographs from the period. Lerner has published some twenty or so other Creative Minds Biographies, including Mr. Blue Jeans: A Story About Levi Strauss by Maryann N. Weldt.

[Pamela Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chocolate by Hershey: A Story about Milton St. Hershey/ by Betty Burford; illustrated by Loren Chantland-- Minneapolis, MN : Carolrhoda Books, Inc., c1994. (64 pages) CURRICULUM-CHOCOLATE

SUMMARY: Milton Hershey loved candy. As a boy in the 1860s he saved his hard-earned pennies to buy his favorite candies. At the age of thirteen, Hershey became a candy making apprentice learning to make sweet caramels. But his dream was to make candy that would make children happy, so he turned his attention to chocolate and invented ways to make it quicker and cheaper so more people could enjoy. He built a chocolate empire and used his wealth to help his family, his workers, and his community while also building an American food icon. (Original)

REVIEW: I came across this book while working on a curriculum for chocolate. When I think of chocolate, I think of Hershey chocolate bars. I knew a little about Hershey, the man, and the town he built for his chocolate factory, but I learned so much more in this easy to read biography. There were lots of dates, names, and facts that were presented in such a way to be interesting and not overwhelming. There were two things I especially like about Mr. Hershey: 1) his determination to make a successful career and 2) his dedication to his employees by creating a town where they could live and flourish. He created a living legacy that still benefits the people of Hershey, Pennsylvania. NOTE: Decided not to use in the curriculum instead choosing MILTON HERSHEY: CHOCOLATE KING, TOWN BUILDER [Community Builder Series] / by Charnan Simon

[Erica J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this story! Extremely detailed and inviting. Student's will love this book. It gives a very detailed account of Milton Hershey's life and his indefatigable journey building the Hershey empire. Additionally, there were facts about Hershey that I surprised to learn. This book is definitely great to teach the importance of perseverance. Hershey had an extraordinary vision that even his own father couldn't envision. Milton Hershey is a symbol of success through hard work and determination.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fell in love with Milton Hershey when I read Who Was Milton Hershey?. This book wasn't nearly as good, but it was alright.

Milton Hershey was one cool dude. Not only did he work hard to make his dreams of filling the world with candy come true, he was extremely generous and helped thousands of people.

I would suggest reading the other book I mentioned above, but definitely learn more about him!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third grade +.

Milton Hershey knew he wanted to be a candymaker. Time after time, though, his factories failed. Through his dedication and the support of his family, his dreams finally came true.

A wonderfully told story of perseverance and dedication. Excellent factual information, short chapters, beautiful illustrations. Burford does a wonderful job explaining tough vocabulary.

[Mas5thgrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you chocolate you might want to know how Milten S. Hershey made his famis Hershy bar! Milten S. Hershey travled all around the world to make his candy the best if you want to know how he made his amazing sucsses you should read this book.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book totally made me love Milton Hershey ten times more. It has tons of facts and it is a really great book for a school project or essay since it is short and sweet but has a ton of information. This book is extremely helpful if you are looking for a 'captain of industry' in the late 1800s.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the life of Milton S. Hershey. I would recommend for anyone interested in business, biographies, or simple candy making history. Truly a good read!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Co- read this one with the kids as part of a book-report. Loved that we vacationed in Hershey and Lancaster this summer. Great inspiration to never give up on your dreams.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved this book!

[Samantha]

Read for ESY

[Stevi]

Biography for 2nd grade reading level

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about the life of Milton Hershey is a great read for young kids and is a good example of never giving up.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating! Great for elementary age kids when learning about biographies.

[Tabatha B · Rating 5 out of 5]

April
Chocolate by Hershey
By: Betty Burford

Milton Hershey was a boy who lived on a farm in Pennsylvania. His parents had big dreams for him but he had other ideas. He had no idea he would have made chocolate bars. He loved making candy's, his own candy. Milton made chocolate for everyone.


One theme is to never hive up. Milton never gave up because he loved what he was doing. He knew he was going to stick with making candy even if he failed. He kept on going and never gave up. When things were bad he just kept his head held high.