Levi Strauss

Children's Literature

Levi Strauss (1829-1902) was a Bavarian Jew who immigrated to the United States in 1847 and worked in the clothing trade. Through collaboration with Jacob Davis, Levi Strauss & Co. was able to make a stronger and more durable pair of blue jeans by adding rivets. After this invention, Strauss went on to become a very successful businessman and philanthropist. Today, Levi Strauss & Co. is still in existence and owned by the Strauss family. This 32-page biography is one of the more than 20 books in the series, "Compass Point Early Biographies." Each book in the series, which is designed for young children, provides an introduction to the life of an important individual from our world's history. The books have strong visual appeal with illustrations, engravings and photographs. Each book in the series concludes with a glossary, a timeline of key events in the person's life, and a "Did You Know?" section that features unusual and fun facts. For example, one of the fun facts in the Strauss biography is that Levi Strauss & Co., in 1935, was the first company to sell blue jeans to women. Four resource sections are also included: "At the Library," "On the Web," "Through the Mail," and "On the Road." 2004, Compass Point Books, Ages 4 to 8.
—Lynn O'Connell