1. Bibliography
Blumenthal, Karen. 2011. Mr. Sam: How Sam Walton Built Wal-Mart and Became America's Richest Man. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 978-0-670-01177-3.
2. Plot Summary
Sam Walton came from practically nothing to become the founder of Wal-Mart. He was a compulsive competitor with a drive to win football, become class president, and to sell more items than is competitors. From his humble beginnings at a small, dingy general store, he ultimately succeeded at winning. He blew away his competition when it came to stacking things deep and selling them cheap. This biography of an uncomplicated man who saw success through hard work, sacrifices, and learning from his mistakes is an inspiring story for juvenile readers in grades fifth through eighth.
3. Critical Analysis
Karen Blumenthal provides middle grade readers with an informative account of how Sam Walton built his business into the world's largest retail company. She effectively intertwines narratives with lessons in economics and entrepreneurship. This well researched account gives readers a balanced view of Walton's strengths and weaknesses. Blumenthal's work is an interesting biography that is that unique selection that should be on library shelves everywhere. Mr. Sam is especially good for those readers who crave individuality or read from selections off the beaten path.
With plenty of fun facts about Wal-Mart and the American spending culture, this book is not a history of the store. It is a biography of the store's founder, Sam Walton, who started with one small store before he found his own way and really began to create the model that was quite effective and profitable.
Not only will this book fulfill that biography assignment, for some students, this is just the inspiration needed.
The black and white photos that accompany the text add a great sense of history. Sidebars to the story of Sam Walton's life are peppered with information about retail sales, stocks, and profit margins. Cultural references from the time are also included, which gives the reader a broader history. The final pages of the book contain the bibliography and acknowledgements which adds credibility and resources for further reading.
4. Review ExcerptsKaren Blumenthal provides middle grade readers with an informative account of how Sam Walton built his business into the world's largest retail company. She effectively intertwines narratives with lessons in economics and entrepreneurship. This well researched account gives readers a balanced view of Walton's strengths and weaknesses. Blumenthal's work is an interesting biography that is that unique selection that should be on library shelves everywhere. Mr. Sam is especially good for those readers who crave individuality or read from selections off the beaten path.
With plenty of fun facts about Wal-Mart and the American spending culture, this book is not a history of the store. It is a biography of the store's founder, Sam Walton, who started with one small store before he found his own way and really began to create the model that was quite effective and profitable.
Not only will this book fulfill that biography assignment, for some students, this is just the inspiration needed.
The black and white photos that accompany the text add a great sense of history. Sidebars to the story of Sam Walton's life are peppered with information about retail sales, stocks, and profit margins. Cultural references from the time are also included, which gives the reader a broader history. The final pages of the book contain the bibliography and acknowledgements which adds credibility and resources for further reading.
2011: Booklist: "this account of the man who created what is today the world's largest company makes compelling reading - particularly for would-be entrepreneurs.
2011: Horn Book: "Businessmen don't seem like natural biographical subjects for young readers, but Blumenthal has done a splendid job of not only introducing Sam Walton but making his story relevant and timely."
2011: Kirkus Review: "Blumenthal succeeds in bringing Walton's driven personality and obsession with winning to life."
5. Connections
Ask a local business owner/manager (or perhaps a Wal-Mart manager) to come speak to the class. Have students prepare questions ahead of time to ask based on the ideas in the book.
Research other famous (and not so famous) American entrepreneurs. Guide students to present their findings in a variety of ways including using Web2.0 resources.
Group students into small teams which are given a certain budget and other restrictions to come up with their own business idea. Students would need to research costs of initial start up, ideas for the location of their business, and determine projected sales in order to determine profits.
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