George Washington Carver

Author: Bolden, Tonya
Title: George Washington Carver
Book Genre: Autobiography
Publishing Info: Abrams Books for
Young Readers, 41pp.

Summary: This was a wonderful collection of the life and contributions of artist, poet, educator, and inventor, George Washington Carver. The book begins by informing readers of what some may see as tragic circumstances, the loss of his mother when he was just an infant. No matter what changes or adversity Carver faced, he seemed to always maintain a positive outlook on life and its possibilities. Education was always essential to Carver, whether he was teaching himself or moving to various towns to seek higher education. From an early age, Carver had a special talent for agriculture and finding new ways to use every resource. The book gives countless examples of how Carver dedicated his life to “Learning all you can and then go out into the world, and give your learning back to our people.” Not only has Carver’s life been an inspiration to African Americans, but to people all over the world.

Personal rating: ****

Rationale: Very detailed; written in a manner easily understood by students; illustrations which include various photographs of Carver’s life, inventions, and paintings

Reading level: 7.4 Interest level: 3rd-8th

Thematic Areas: African American culture and leaders; courage; life-long learning; conservation of resources; self-reliance; inspiration for all readers

Content Areas: History

Potential Problems or Difficulties: Some words may be too advanced or unfamiliar to some readers

Possible use in classroom: Use to reinforce lessons about American inventors; use in a thematic unit about African-American influences and leaders; have students journal about how the life of George Washington Carver has inspired their outlook on learning; in groups, have students research to find which of Carver’s contributions are still in practice today