A Weed Is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver

Beautiful and accurate introduction to the life of George Washington Carver. It sets his life in a wider context so he is not just "peanut man". I am especially taken though by the idea of a meal (soup, mock chicken, salad, coffee, candy) all made with peanuts!

As a second grade teacher, I read this version of George Washington Carver's life every year to my students. The character lessons included are invaluable and the illustrations stunning. Dr. Carver's example of perseverance and excellence are inspiring to all. In spite of all that was against him; being orphaned, kidnapped, son of slaves, denied education because of his color, no financial support, he succeeded in all of his endeavors. I recommend this book to all children from 4 to 80.

I like this story about George Washington Carver. Bought it for my little kids who are scheduled to take a class on peanuts at a local nursery after having used it in a cyber school with my older kids. Great starting point for a unit study on peanuts we are doing.It is also a great story and introduction to another great American scientist and historical figure. The uses for this book are many - use it when highlighting African American figures in history, use it during units on slavery and the reconstruction, and touches on the Tuskegee institute, another important American institution - so it could also be worked into units on the great depression and WWII. The character studies are also important - can be used to highlight determination and perseverance, hardworking spirit, scientific investigation, helpful personality, and many others.I would recommend this book to anyone with young children but esp school age home schoolers and Charlotte Mason whole books learners.

My 6-year-old son had to write an essay about George Washington Carver. I decided to purchase this book to get him interested in the life of GWC as well as a reference book for the basic facts. I was not disappointed. This well-written tale is very engrossing and my son had many questions to ask about GWC's life; he asked about slavery, about why GWC was kidnapped with his mother as a baby, as well as why young GWC was not allowed to attend school just anywhere, and so on. My son, who attends a school where he is a minority as a white child, was confused and horrified to learn that a time ever existed where people were owned and sold like property, a time when a child could not attend school based on the color of his skin. I'll admit I was a little uncomfortable at first with the deluge of questions. I was unsure just how detailed to be with a 6 year old, how to present the hard truths gently without blunting the reality that slaves faced. But amazingly, his new mind handled the concepts with amazing maturity, and his genuine shock made me grateful that he goes to a school where diversity is so strong that he doesn't even notice skin color; it is just natural variety in his young mind, like the color of your eyes or hair.The illustrations are lovely and my son paused to look over them before and after reading each page. By the time we got to the end, I had tears in my eyes. What a moving story brought to vivid life with beautiful, colorful illustrations and simple, reverent writing about a man who rose above his humble beginnings and through diligence and perseverance became an inspiration for people of ALL colors.Though this is a fact-based story, it IS a story, to be read and enjoyed from beginning to end, so it does not serve well as a quick reference guide--though it is by no means very long, and it does contain important factual details about GWC's life. However, for quick dates and specifics, you might have to consult other sources.

Love this book! This is a wonderful book about the life of Dr. George Washington Carver. I love the fact that this book talked about how Dr. Carver was using his research to make life better for the poor farming community around the Tuskegee Institute. He recommended crop rotation and growing more than just cotton so they could eventually get out of debt in which many were share croppers. Love how this book shows how science should be used to positively impact the world we live in. Not hidden in the back of some university's annuls and away from the people who need it most.