This Child Will Be Great Book Summary

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia, shares her inspirational journey from a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a powerful leader. Her memoir vividly depicts her unyielding determination to fight for democracy and women's rights in a nation torn by civil war. Filled with personal anecdotes and political insights, Sirleaf's story illuminates the resilience required to break barriers in a male-dominated world. As she navigates challenges both personal and political, readers are drawn into a narrative of hope and empowerment. Discover how one child not only dreamed of greatness but also achieved it against all odds.

By Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Published: 2010

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, for in the pursuit of those dreams lies the power to shape our destinies."

Book Review of This Child Will Be Great

In January 2006, after the Republic of Liberia had been racked by fourteen years of brutal civil conflict, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—Africa's "Iron Lady"—was sworn in as president, an event that marked a tremendous turning point in the history of the West African nation. In this stirring memoir, Sirleaf shares the story of her rise to power, including her early childhood; her experiences with abuse, imprisonment, and exile; and her fight for democracy and social justice. She reveals her determination to succeed in multiple worlds, from her studies in the United States to her work as an international bank executive, to campaigning in some of Liberia's most desperate and war-torn villages and neighborhoods. It is the tale of an outspoken political and social reformer who fought the oppression of dictators and championed change. By telling her story, Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power, and gives us all hope that we can change the world.

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The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, for in the pursuit of those dreams lies the power to shape our destinies.

This Child Will Be Great

By Ellen Johnson Sirleaf