Judson, an accomplished author known for her extensive portfolio of juvenile biographies, crafted approximately seventeen narratives about notable Americans before penning Andrew Carnegie. Her work was acknowledged with prestigious accolades, including three Newbery Honor Books and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in 1960, which celebrated her enduring influence on children's literature. Judson's meticulous approach involved delving into diaries, letters, and historical records, allowing her to construct fictionalized biographies that remained popular and were often reprinted, standing as exemplary works in the genre.

Judson's primary aim was to introduce young readers to American leaders who embodied dedication and vision. Her interest in the contributions of American immigrants surfaced early in her career, making her well-suited to write about Andrew Carnegie, a distinguished businessman and Scottish immigrant. Carnegie's life story, brimming with virtues like fairness and generosity, seamlessly aligned with Judson’s objectives and earned her admiration. While other authors, such as Katherine B. Shippen with her work Andrew Carnegie and the Age of Steel in 1958, had explored Carnegie's life, Judson sought to bring a new perspective to his story.

Through the use of fictionalized dialogue grounded in factual events, biographies like Judson's Andrew Carnegie have the power to animate history for young audiences. Such works not only offer enjoyment but also spark curiosity about the past, serving as a gateway to more rigorous historical studies. By blending narrative and fact, Judson's approach made significant historical figures accessible and engaging, fostering an early appreciation for history among young readers.