Portrait of Andrew Carnegie
Biography for young readers

Andrew Carnegie

A businessman who became one of the richest people in the world and gave most of his money to help others learn and grow.

Lived
1835-1919
From
Scottish-American
Reading time
About 2 min
Reading guide
Independent-reader guide

Watch Andrew Carnegie's story unfold

Portrait of Andrew Carnegie
01

Early Life

Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835 in a small town in Scotland.

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Why this story matters

A life worth remembering

A businessman who became one of the richest people in the world and gave most of his money to help others learn and grow.

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  • Which moment changed the direction of this person's life?
  • Which achievement or idea do you think mattered most?
  • What is one question you would ask them?
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Early Life

Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835 in a small town in Scotland. His family did not have much money, and life was often hard.

When Andrew was about 12 years old, his family moved to the United States. They hoped to find better jobs and a brighter future.

First Jobs and Big Dreams

Andrew started working when he was very young. His first job was in a factory, and later he worked as a messenger boy for a telegraph office.

He loved learning new skills and worked very hard. Andrew believed that education and effort could change a person’s life.

Building a Steel Empire

As Andrew grew older, he became interested in railroads and factories. He learned how steel was made and saw how important it was for building bridges, trains, and cities.

Andrew started his own steel company, which became one of the largest and most successful in the world. This success made him very wealthy.

Sharing His Wealth

Even though Andrew earned a lot of money, he believed that rich people should help others. He said that money should be used to make the world a better place as a philanthropist.

He gave away most of his fortune to build libraries, schools, and concert halls. More than 2,500 libraries were built around the world because of his gifts.

Love of Learning

Andrew Carnegie believed that books and education could open doors for everyone. Many of the libraries he funded were free so anyone could visit and read.

He also supported universities and helped teachers, scientists, and students follow their dreams.

Legacy

Andrew Carnegie passed away in 1919, but his kindness and ideas still live on. Libraries, schools, and foundations he supported continue to help people today.

His story shows that hard work, learning, and generosity can change the world in amazing ways.

Did you know?

Fun facts about Andrew Carnegie

  1. Andrew Carnegie paid for more than 2,500 libraries around the world.

  2. He loved reading books and believed libraries were "palaces for the people."

  3. He moved to the United States from Scotland when he was a child.

  4. Andrew once said that helping others was the most important job of a wealthy person.

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2 min read · Independent-reader guide

Three things to remember

  1. Known for: A businessman who became one of the richest people in the world and gave most of his money to help others learn and grow.
  2. Lived: 1835-1919
  3. From: Scottish-American

Words to know

Open a word for a short explanation.

empire

A group of lands or peoples ruled by one government or leader.

Quick check

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What is Andrew Carnegie best known for?

A businessman who became one of the richest people in the world and gave most of his money to help others learn and grow.

When did Andrew Carnegie live?

1835-1919

What place or nationality is connected to this story?

Scottish-American

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