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lives. Ms. Plitt ended the evening by providing a signed copy of the book
for each family.”
“The families were inspired by not only the story of Martha, but by the
active engagement of Ms. Plitt with her audience. Ms. Plitt’s interactive
reading made a lasting literacy imprint on the families today and for their
dreams for tomorrow.”
The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading has used Martha’s
Magical Hair in laundromats and other unusual places to encourage reading.
Beth Duda, Director, said: “Author, Jane Plitt, has crafted the powerful tale
of Martha Matilda Harper into an entertaining and engaging experience for
young people and their adult companions. The thought-provoking questions
on each page stimulate conversation and boost comprehension. Martha’s
magical journey inspires all of us to work hard and dream.”
When less than 20% of all English biographies are about women, it is
essential that boys and girls begin to learn about women’s achievements
throughout history. Debbie Bahu, Manatee County School Media Center
Director, has been thrilled to have all three books available in the Manatee
school libraries or media centers.
She explained: “It has been a sheer joy to see Jane share the story of
Martha Matilda Harper with our students. What is amazing is that the story
of a successful female entrepreneur can be shared with elementary and
secondary students using the books Jane has written.
“Martha’s Magical Hair captures the imagination of the Elementary
while Martha the Hairpreneur: from servant to business empress and
Martha Matilda Harper and the American Dream both appeal to the
secondary students with the story and the history of a woman who
‘changed the face of modern business.’ Jane has encouraged our Media
Specialists to evaluate their biography collection and improve it by adding
more female biographies to the collection.”
Recently, I used Martha the Hairpreneur to encourage Unidos Now’s
group of aspiring mothers, as well as young Latinas. Luz Corcuera,
Executive Director of Unidos NOW, said: “Jane inspired parents to have
dreams of their own in addition to the dreams they have for their children.
The story of Martha the Hairpreneur empowered the participants to use
their talent and start small businesses. We now have an embroiderer, a
After hearing the Martha story, one little boy declared, “She’s Rapunzel.”
I replied, “You are absolutely right with two
Soar in Four
UnidosNOW FLAG girls envisioning their futures after reading
Martha’s Magical Hair.
UnidosNOW group
Soar in Four Bayshore Elementary