On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue: How Milton Hershey Brought Milk Chocolate to America

Cohen’s rags-to-riches biography of Milton Hershey (1857–1945), America’s real-life Willy Wonka, is tightly and evocatively told, interweaving lessons of persistence and corporate philanthropy. Hershey, who grew up poor, “probably never tasted chocolate as a child.” But after leaving school at 14 to support his family, he began learning candy-making at an ice cream parlor, where he realized a dream to build his own candy business, and wondered about creating affordable confections. Striking out on his own, he failed repeatedly before making his fortune first with caramels, then chocolate, but never forgetting his roots—creating a school for orphaned boys and building an town for his workers to live in, “with tree-lined streets, libraries, schools, trolleys,” and affordable housing. Succinct, fact-filled prose detailing Hershey’s life pairs well with Salerno’s old-timey digital, gouache-textured drawings, which convey the emotional roller coaster of Hershey’s youthful hopes, dashed dreams, and thoughtful progress. Photographs and source notes conclude. Ages 4–7. (Dec.)