The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours [Paperback]

Marian Wright Edelman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 12, 1993

The #1 New York Times bestseller is a thinking person's Life's Little Instruction Book, with simple yet inspirational messages about living.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

To help parents chart a course for their children based on traditional values--self-reliance, family, hard work, justice, the pursuit of knowledge and of brotherhood--Edelman, founder and president of the Childrens Defense Fund, effectively recounts her experience and vision in essays variously addressed to her own children, to all children and to parents. Edelman, who grew up in the segregated South and was the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi bar, recalls the community of her childhood where one child's accomplishments gave joy to all, where neighbors took care of each other and where parents instilled a sense of responsibility in their offspring. In the introduction the author's son Jonah examines the value and pressure of being raised by an African American mother and a Jewish father. 40,000 first printing; $40,000 ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

YA-- Edelman passes on the values of hard work, service, responsibility, and faith that her parents not only preached, but also lived. Her 25 lessons for life eloquently distill the essence of her rich heritage. Intended for her sons as they approach adulthood, the book is uniquely applicable to all races and creeds. The author's style is warm, personal, uplifting, and easy to read. The book has several uses: for personal searching for answers, guidance, or reassurance; for a curriculum unit on child-care; for a book discussion group. It should be required reading by anyone in a position to influence or change the future of America's most valuable resource, its children.
- Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 97 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (May 12, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060975466
• ISBN-13: 978-0060975463
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,833 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marian Wright Edelman is the founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours. She is the winner of many awards for her work, including a MacArthur Fellowship, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, a Heinz Award, and a Niebuhr Award. In 2000, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award for her writings. Edelman is a graduate of Spelman College and Yale Law School. She and her husband live in Washington, D.C., and have three children and four grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Measure Of Our Success., December 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours (Paperback)

This book is truly one of the most oustanding books on success, Life fufillment and child care. The author gives some really powerful principles on success and achievement, such as never stop learning and improving your mind, Setting goals and working quietly and systematicly to achieve them and never giving up no matter what happens or struggles that you face.This book really inspired and motivated me to succeed and I believe anyone who puts it's principles to work will succeed to.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A message we need to pass along to the next generation, December 20, 2001

By 

Daniel L. Berek (Flanders, NJ, United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours (Paperback)

Drawing from inspirational experiences from her own childhood, Dr. Edelman talks to (not at) her own children, urging them, in whatever occupation they may choose, to serve the community at large. This is also a book for adults (parents, educators, and religious and community leaders) to read, to live a life of principles and a desire to somehow make the world a better place - in short, to serve as the strong, positive role model that so many of our children have had to do without.

The book is also an indictment on how American society and political leadership do a great job at paying lip service to the needs of children but fails miserably in their actions. Complaining, however, is not enough; if children are to grow up to be conscientious and caring citizens, adults must set a good example.

It's a small book with a big heart and a great message. I strongly recommend it to anyone who cares about children and social justice in general.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST FOR EVERYONE, October 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours (Paperback)

I was moved deeply by this book. I have never felt so strongly about a book. I feel that it is a must for all members of my family and it is certainly on my wish list for all my friends and family. I'm sorry I did not learn of this book earlier.