When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own.
Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.
A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver
By Aliki
Discover how George Washington Carver went from a slave to an innovator of agricultural science in this illustrated picture book. Born a slave, he went on to become the most prominent black scientist of the early twentieth century.
I Am George Washington Carver
By Brooke Vitale
With the help of inventor, painter, musician, and botanist George Washington Carver, Brad, Xavier, and Yadina come together to learn how to take care of the Earth.
Who Was George Washington Carver?
By Jim Gigliotti, Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
Born in 1860s Missouri, nobody expected George Washington Carver to succeed. Slaves were not allowed to be educated. After the Civil War, Carver enrolled in classes and proved to be a star student. He became the first black student at Iowa State Agricultural College and later its first black professor. He went on to the Tuskegee Institute where he specialized in botany (the study of plants) and developed techniques to grow crops better. His work with vegetables, especially peanuts, made him famous and changed agriculture forever. He went on to develop nearly 100 household products and over 100 recipes using peanuts.
In the Garden with Dr. Carver
By Susan Grigsby, Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell
Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including “chicken” made from peanuts. Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby’s warm story shines new light on a Black scientist who was ahead of his time.
George Washington Carver: His Life and Discoveries with 21 Activities
By Peggy Thomas
George Washington Carver was a scientist, educator, artist, inventor, and humanitarian. Born into slavery during the Civil War, he later pursued an education and would become the first black graduate from Iowa Agricultural College. Carver then took a teaching position at the Tuskegee Institute, founded by Booker T. Washington. There, Carver taught poor Southern farmers how to nourish the soil, conserve resources, and feed their families. He also developed hundreds of new products from the sweet potato, peanut, and other crops, and his discoveries gained him a place in the national spotlight.
George Washington Carver National Geographic Reader
By Kitson Jazynka
Take a bite into the fascinating history of peanut butter and the man who invented it. Through leveled text and engaging photos, kids meet George Washington Carver and learn about his important work with peanuts and other plants. This level 1 reader is carefully leveled for an early independent reading or read aloud experience, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!
The Groundbreaking, Chance-Taking Life of George Washington Carver and Science and Invention
By Cheryl Harness
This is the inspiring story of a man who rose from slavery to worldwide fame as America’s Plant Doctor. Follow the action as Confederate raiders kidnap young Carver-along with his mother and siblings-and sell them to Arkansas slaveholders. Here, whooping cough threatens George’s life, yet the disease will be the key to his future. Unable to work in the fields, he spends his days studying plants. His desire for knowledge leads him to the rich farmlands of Iowa, where he becomes the first black student-and later the first black faculty member-at the state university.
Carver pioneers hundreds of new uses for plants and revolutionizes American agriculture by teaching farmers the value of rotating cotton with nitrogen-rich crops. Our hero dines at the White House, works with Henry Ford, and testifies to Congress. The book’s vivid illustrations are an invitation to step back in time and become an active participant in this compelling story.
George Washington Carver: More Than “The Peanut Man”
By Janet Rodriquez, Illustrated by Subi Bosa
Born enslaved during the Civil War in Diamond, Missouri, George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist and inventor. He promoted alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion. Among his many accomplishments, he developed more than 300 industrial and commercial products from peanuts. It is time to remember how George Washington Carver’s inventions and his contributions changed our society… and our world! 8-10 years
Masterminds: George Washington Carver
By Izzi Howell
George Washington Carver was born a slave, but became one of the most prominent scientists and inventors in U.S. history. As an agricultural scientist, Carver promoted the idea of growing peanuts and sweet potatoes to be used in over a hundred different ways. He also spent his time championing various efforts in agricultural education in the South. Masterminds readers how Carver, made massive contributions to his field and how his story and discoveries remain relevant today.
Fantastic Kids: George Washington Carver
By Michelle Jovin
George Washington Carver was born into slavery. No one thought much of him because he was sick and weak. He would spend his life proving them wrong. Learn more about the “Plant Doctor” turned “Peanut Man” and how he helped people across the United States. This biography includes a glossary and a table of contents to engage students in reading as they develop their comprehension and literacy skills. This book aligns with national and state standards and features TIME For Kids content to keep grade 2 students engaged in learning.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou
By Bethany Hegedus, Illustrated by Tonya Engel
Writer, activist, trolley car conductor, dancer, mother, and humanitarian Maya Angelou’s life was marked by transformation and perseverance. In this picture-book biography geared towards older readers, Bethany Hegedus lyrically traces Maya’s life from her early days in Stamps, Arkansas, through her work as a freedom fighter to her triumphant rise as a poet of the people.
A foreword by Angelou’s grandson, Colin A. Johnson, describes how a love of literature and poetry helped young Maya overcome childhood trauma and turn adversity into triumph. Coupled with Tonya Engel’s metaphorical and emotive illustrations, this biography beautifully conveys the heartaches and successes of this truly phenomenal woman, and is a powerful tribute to the written word.
Who Was Maya Angelou?
By Ellen Labrecque, Illustrated by Dede Putra
Born in Missouri in 1928, Maya Angelou had a difficult childhood. Jim Crow laws segregated blacks and whites in the South. Her family life was unstable at times. But much like her poem, “Still I Rise,” Angelou was able to lift herself out of her situation and flourish. She moved to California and became the first black—and first female—streetcar operator before following her interest in dance. She became a professional performer in her twenties and toured the U.S. and Europe as an opera star and calypso dancer. But Angelou’s writing became her defining talent. Her poems and books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, brought her international acclaim.
Maya Angelou, Little People Big Dreams
By Lisbeth Kaiser, Illustrated by Leire Salaberria
Maya Angelou spent much of her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. After a traumatic event at age eight, she stopped speaking for five years. However, Maya rediscovered her voice through wonderful books, and went on to become one of the world’s most beloved writers and speakers. This book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Maya Angelou’s life.
Maya Angelou, My Itty-Bitty Bio
By Emma E. Haldy, Illustrated by Jeff Bane
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of Maya Angelou in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help children develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a timeline and other informative backmatter.
Maya Angelou, Little Guides to Great Lives
By Danielle Jawando, Illustrated by Snir Noa
Maya Angelou was an African–American author, poet, playwright and civil rights activist. She wrote seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and a long list of plays, films and television shows. Never taking “No” for an answer, Maya used her voice and her art to overcome prejudice and difficulty and to become an inspiration to those around her and to future generations.
Her story is a rich and remarkable one – a tale filled with strength, hardship and hope. Maya learned the importance of using her own voice to help others and change the world!
My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me
By Maya Angelou, Illustrated by Margaret Courtney-Clarke
Full color photographs. “Hello, Stranger-Friend” begins Maya Angelou’s story about Thandi, a South African Ndebele girl, her mischievous brother, her beloved chicken, and the astonishing mural art produced by the women of her tribe. With never-before-seen photographs of the very private Ndebele women and their paintings, this unique book shows the passing of traditions from parent to child and introduces young readers to a new culture through a new friend.
Life Doesn’t Frighten Me
By Maya Angelou, Illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Shadows on the wall Noises down the hall Life doesn’t frighten me at all Maya Angelou’s brave, defiant poem celebrates the courage within each of us, young and old. From the scary thought of panthers in the park to the unsettling scene of a new classroom, fearsome images are summoned and dispelled by the power of faith in ourselves.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
