Oprah Winfrey: Success with an Open Heart

Children's Literature

Oprah Winfrey was supposed to be named Orpah, a Biblical name. That was just the first of many things that didn't go right for her. Born to an unwed mother, left with her grandmother for two years, shuttled between parents at an early age and sexually abused by a teenage relative when she was nine, Oprah's childhood had more of a nightmare than a fairytale quality. But somehow she gained a love of reading from Grandma Hattie Mae and developed an outgoing personality and a genuine interest in people. Starting with reading radio news in high school, Oprah moved on to TV news and talk shows, and then to the movies. She was able to take her talents and build a fabulously successful career. But that was not enough. Oprah decided she wanted to share her wealth and her philosophy of what is important in life. She does this through her TV show, the Oprah Reading Club and her many charitable activities. Part of the "Gateway Biographies" series, other female biographies include Shannon Lucid, Maya Angelou, Princess Diana, Amelia Earhart, Mother Teresa, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 2001, The Millbrook Press, $22.90 and $8.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Chris Gill