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She Persisted
She Persisted: Oprah Winfrey
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Oprah Winfrey!
In this chapter book biography by Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Renée Watson, readers learn about the amazing life of Oprah Winfrey--and how she persisted.
When Oprah Winfrey was growing up, her family expected her to become a maid like her grandmother. But she had different dreams. She went after them and turned her dreams into reality, becoming a media superstar and inspiring countless other people along the way.
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Oprah Winfrey's footsteps and make a difference!
And don't miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, Coretta Scott King, and more!
Praise for She Persisted: Oprah Winfrey
* This is a lively introduction to the life of a woman who beat many odds to become successful. . . . A highly recommended addition to this stellar series. --Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW*
A must purchase for all libraries. --School Library Journal
In this chapter book biography by Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Renée Watson, readers learn about the amazing life of Oprah Winfrey--and how she persisted.
When Oprah Winfrey was growing up, her family expected her to become a maid like her grandmother. But she had different dreams. She went after them and turned her dreams into reality, becoming a media superstar and inspiring countless other people along the way.
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Oprah Winfrey's footsteps and make a difference!
And don't miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, Coretta Scott King, and more!
Praise for She Persisted: Oprah Winfrey
* This is a lively introduction to the life of a woman who beat many odds to become successful. . . . A highly recommended addition to this stellar series. --Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW*
A must purchase for all libraries. --School Library Journal
80 pages, Hardcover
First published December 21, 2021
5 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Renée Watson
36 books1,655 followersRenée Watson is the author of the children’s picture book, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen (Random House, June 2010), which was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Her middle grade novel, What Momma Left Me debuted as the New Voice for 2010 in middle grade fiction by The Independent Children's Booksellers Association.
Renée’s one woman show, Roses are Red, Women are Blue, debuted at New York City's Lincoln Center at a showcase for emerging artists. Her poetry and articles have been published in Rethinking Schools, Theatre of the Mind and With Hearts Ablaze.
When Renée is not writing and performing, she is teaching. Renée has worked in public schools and community organizations as an artist in residence for several years, teaching poetry, fiction, and theater in Oregon, Louisiana, and New York City. She also facilitates professional development workshops for teachers and artists.
One of Renée’s passions is using the arts to help youth cope with trauma. She has facilitated poetry and theatre workshops with young girls coping with sexual and physical abuse, children who have witnessed violence, children coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and children who relocated to New York City after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Renée graduated from The New School, where she studied Creative Writing and earned a certificate in Drama Therapy.
Renée currently lives in New York City.
Renée’s one woman show, Roses are Red, Women are Blue, debuted at New York City's Lincoln Center at a showcase for emerging artists. Her poetry and articles have been published in Rethinking Schools, Theatre of the Mind and With Hearts Ablaze.
When Renée is not writing and performing, she is teaching. Renée has worked in public schools and community organizations as an artist in residence for several years, teaching poetry, fiction, and theater in Oregon, Louisiana, and New York City. She also facilitates professional development workshops for teachers and artists.
One of Renée’s passions is using the arts to help youth cope with trauma. She has facilitated poetry and theatre workshops with young girls coping with sexual and physical abuse, children who have witnessed violence, children coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and children who relocated to New York City after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Renée graduated from The New School, where she studied Creative Writing and earned a certificate in Drama Therapy.
Renée currently lives in New York City.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 2, 2021
"Thank you @PRHAudio for the complimentary audiobook!" #PRHAInfluencer
I loved the audiobook and the narrator Karen Murray really captured the story of Oprah! I learned a lot about Oprah and her humble childhood.
I loved the audiobook and the narrator Karen Murray really captured the story of Oprah! I learned a lot about Oprah and her humble childhood.
March 24, 2023
It was quick and easy to listen to while I was making pancakes lol. I liked learning more about Oprah and how she paved a path for women and The Black Community. It was interesting and I learned a lot about Oprah that gave me a newfound respect for her.
November 15, 2023
3.5 stars. I love Oprah so I was excited to read this. However, I feel like this was too short and touched on hard parts of her life that needed more explanation for the audience. It brought up sexual abuse, her teenage pregnancy and child loss and more that were REALLY hard and mature topics. They were graphic one liners and it just felt like a weird way of doing it. I don't feel like her rise to notoriety was explained well and it just wasn't the best I've read.
September 26, 2022
An excellent biography for MS students who wish to learn more about Oprah Winfrey. I especially liked the sections that dealt with what motivated her, her challenges, and the good works that she has funded around the world.
March 25, 2024
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.8/5
Narrative Kinship: Oprah’s biography offers a glimpse into the tapestry of her life, presenting chapters that skim just above the surface of her profound journey. The narrative invites readers to connect with the milestones that have shaped her path.
Intimate Literary Veil: This quick read serves as an enjoyable introduction to Oprah’s world, providing a succinct overview that piques curiosity and admiration for her multifaceted experiences.
The Call for Authenticity: Oprah’s life story is a testament to the power of authenticity, her chapters echoing a message of self-belief and the courage to own one’s story.
Zip Code of Life: The biography paints a picture of Oprah’s life with broad strokes, offering insights into the experiences that connect her to readers far and wide.
A Triumphant Narrative: Oprah’s biography is not just about her achievements but also about the resonance of her presence, inspiring others to aspire and reach for their own dreams.
Revelations Unveiled: The book lightly touches upon the influences that have shaped Oprah, from her humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Cultural Grandeur: Oprah’s impact on culture and media is undeniable, and the biography encapsulates this influence in a narrative that celebrates her contributions.
Childhood Beliefs Unraveled: The biography encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the narratives they carry, inspired by Oprah’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Conclusion: Oprah’s biography is a brief yet meaningful exploration of her life’s chapters, reminding us that the essence of our stories lies in the authentic self-expression and the legacy we leave behind.
Accompanying Soundtrack: The narrative is complemented by a selection of empowering songs:
Gabriel, dreambody’s "faith in myself"
Cynthia Ervo’s "Glowing Up"
Lady Bri’s "Me"
Narrative Kinship: Oprah’s biography offers a glimpse into the tapestry of her life, presenting chapters that skim just above the surface of her profound journey. The narrative invites readers to connect with the milestones that have shaped her path.
Intimate Literary Veil: This quick read serves as an enjoyable introduction to Oprah’s world, providing a succinct overview that piques curiosity and admiration for her multifaceted experiences.
The Call for Authenticity: Oprah’s life story is a testament to the power of authenticity, her chapters echoing a message of self-belief and the courage to own one’s story.
Zip Code of Life: The biography paints a picture of Oprah’s life with broad strokes, offering insights into the experiences that connect her to readers far and wide.
A Triumphant Narrative: Oprah’s biography is not just about her achievements but also about the resonance of her presence, inspiring others to aspire and reach for their own dreams.
Revelations Unveiled: The book lightly touches upon the influences that have shaped Oprah, from her humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Cultural Grandeur: Oprah’s impact on culture and media is undeniable, and the biography encapsulates this influence in a narrative that celebrates her contributions.
Childhood Beliefs Unraveled: The biography encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the narratives they carry, inspired by Oprah’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Conclusion: Oprah’s biography is a brief yet meaningful exploration of her life’s chapters, reminding us that the essence of our stories lies in the authentic self-expression and the legacy we leave behind.
Accompanying Soundtrack: The narrative is complemented by a selection of empowering songs:
Gabriel, dreambody’s "faith in myself"
Cynthia Ervo’s "Glowing Up"
Lady Bri’s "Me"
July 8, 2023
Oprah .. you showed us that anything is possible.. where we come from is only a stepping stone ... Patience, hardwork n perseverance pays off over time..
Thank you for being an inspiration for all of us.. for being a voice and being authentic 🙏
Take care 🤗
Highlights from the book 📖
Your legacy is every life you’ve touched
You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.
Some words were just too hard to say, some stories too painful to tell.
Let Faith Be the Bridge - Sometimes faith is a seed, sometimes faith is a bridge that connects you to your dreams.
... she believed that if she put kindness into the world, kindness would come back to her, even if it didn’t come right away.
Thank you for being an inspiration for all of us.. for being a voice and being authentic 🙏
Take care 🤗
Highlights from the book 📖
Your legacy is every life you’ve touched
You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.
Some words were just too hard to say, some stories too painful to tell.
Let Faith Be the Bridge - Sometimes faith is a seed, sometimes faith is a bridge that connects you to your dreams.
... she believed that if she put kindness into the world, kindness would come back to her, even if it didn’t come right away.
March 3, 2022
The She Persisted mini chapter book biography series are perfect for elementary and intermediate age students interested in learning about the featured person for an assignment or just for an informative read about important women in history. This edition about Oprah Winfrey is one of my favorite in the collection. Though I have read tons of picture/mini book biographies over the years, I do not remember reading one on Oprah that stood out like this. A must have series for any elementary school or classroom.
May 4, 2022
I mean, the thing about asking a tremendously talented author like Renée Watson to write a book is that she will bring herself to the work -- add in the Oprah's tremendously inspiring story, and you get some magic. Loved that Watson braids Winfrey's friendship with Maya Angelou into the story. Love that she uses poetic language to build the narrative throughout (see how she shines). Love that she handles the heartbreaking abuse in Oprah's story with grace and in terms that kids will understand. It's a good series, but this book stands out.
December 24, 2022
4 stars (I really liked it)
I really like this series in general and I was excited to see that this one was written by Renee Watson. However, it was a bit dryer than I expected from Watson (although that did fit into the writing style of the series in general).
I thought I knew a lot about Oprah but I learned so much more in this book. I do think it's a little weird that Oprah's partner, Stedman, is not mentioned at all. I know (now that I Googled it) they aren't married but they have been together for 36 years! You would think that would be worth a mention.
I really like this series in general and I was excited to see that this one was written by Renee Watson. However, it was a bit dryer than I expected from Watson (although that did fit into the writing style of the series in general).
I thought I knew a lot about Oprah but I learned so much more in this book. I do think it's a little weird that Oprah's partner, Stedman, is not mentioned at all. I know (now that I Googled it) they aren't married but they have been together for 36 years! You would think that would be worth a mention.
November 22, 2023
Now I Know haha
Obviously, I've HEARD of Oprah Winfrey! I knew she had a show, has a book club, and I know what she looks like but....I didn't know why she was so famous, never watched her show 😶
It was nice to learn her story and about how she was a first for a lot of things and about all her charity work she's contributed to! I can see why she's inspired people 😄
She went through a lot to get to where she is today....she persisted through all the tough moments. What an incredible lady 😊
Obviously, I've HEARD of Oprah Winfrey! I knew she had a show, has a book club, and I know what she looks like but....I didn't know why she was so famous, never watched her show 😶
It was nice to learn her story and about how she was a first for a lot of things and about all her charity work she's contributed to! I can see why she's inspired people 😄
She went through a lot to get to where she is today....she persisted through all the tough moments. What an incredible lady 😊
December 23, 2021
Oprah has an incredibly inspiring story and I love that this book makes it accessible to elementary school kids. Watson does a wonderful job incorporating trials, suffering, and sometimes just bad choices with determination, compassion and joy. This ones ways to persist include starting a book club! Love that idea! On a personal note it took me back to working in a book store during the time of the Oprah Book Club, WHEW, she could sell some books!
January 18, 2024
I listened to the audiobook.
Every time that I hear about Oprah's background, I learn something new. Her life of resilience, determination, and generosity is a great example for us all. I appreciated that this book did not omit the traumatic experiences Oprah had, but told them in a way that young people can understand. Young people experience trauma, and learning how other people in similar situations have succeeded can be a motivational influence.
Every time that I hear about Oprah's background, I learn something new. Her life of resilience, determination, and generosity is a great example for us all. I appreciated that this book did not omit the traumatic experiences Oprah had, but told them in a way that young people can understand. Young people experience trauma, and learning how other people in similar situations have succeeded can be a motivational influence.
January 7, 2022
My first book read in the She Persisted series of children's chapter books spearheaded by Chelsea Clinton. Even though I knew Oprah's story, I enjoyed reading her life story again, and even learned some new facts about her. Inspiring book and wonderful practical tips for readers at the end of the book to engage in life as Oprah has. I also gained a new appreciation for Chelsea Clinton!
December 4, 2021
I loved that every chapter title was a line from a Maya Angelou poem, since she was am inspiration and like a mother to her. It also touched on some of the hard parts of Oprah's life with delicacy but honesty. And I learned a few things I didn't know too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
An informative and heartfelt story about Oprah. Covering the things I already knew and connecting me with new key points,events, and people in her life like a puzzle. It touched on sensitive issues in a delicate and compassionate way. Renee Watson did a wonderful job writing this book.
January 22, 2022
I learned things about Oprah that I never knew before - although a children’s book. It could have gone into more depth on certain issues.
February 18, 2022
This book on Oprah Winfrey is a fantastic addition to the She Persisted series. The information is presented nicely for younger readers and I liked how the focus was on her earlier years before she became famous. I didn't know much about her early years. She moved around so much after her parents divorce (Mississippi, Tennessee, Wisconsin, etc.) and she was shuffled back and forth between her mother and her father. She lived with her grandparents in poverty until she was old enough to attend school. The church played a large role in her upbringing and anchored her during these tumultuous years. She suffered so much during her childhood, including abuse, and she was able to overcome it and become the success that she is today.
April 30, 2022
This was such a fun read! It's definitely for little ones. As an adult I enjoyed it just the same. I learned a bit and it's beautiful to be immersed in the celebration of persistence in women!
May 30, 2022
I picked this book up on a visit to the public library. This is a chapter book series intended for young adults. It was enjoyable.
July 6, 2022
Beautiful
A beautiful summary of the life of one of the most influential women of our times. She did not let anything keep her back from excelling.
A beautiful summary of the life of one of the most influential women of our times. She did not let anything keep her back from excelling.
March 4, 2023
Excellent story about Oprah Winfrey's life; the challenges she faced and her accomplishments. Enjoyed reading this book very much. Will be an encouragement for children. Illustrations were lovely.
April 7, 2023
I need a solid bio of Oprah, it’s necessary cause she’s so legendary!!
February 29, 2024
Enorme mujer que luchó por los derechos y tuvo el primer programa de TV y radio nacional una mujer muy exitosa
March 2, 2024
Short , sweet and inspiring book . A must read for everyone looking for some hope in life when things are wrong
May 16, 2024
Interesting and concise.
November 30, 2025
Oprah’s life is a story of hope, faith, and determination.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews