George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist (Heroes of History) Paperback – November 19, 2001

This is a wonderful, first-rate book that tells the story of the extraordinary life of George Washington Carver, a black scientist born into slavery. Orphaned and abandoned in infancy, his father killed in an accident and his mother kidnapped and murdered, he was raised by the couple who had originally purchased his mother. Obsessed from early childhood with nature, especially with plant life, he expiramented with different growing conditions and soils in his own little garden as an 8-year-old child. At age 11 he struck out on his own, working at any possible job in order to further his education. He also witnessed, at this young age, the lynching of a black man and the subsequent burning of his body in a bonfire by a huge crowd of jubilant whites. From that point on, he realized that being a black man in the South was dangerous, his safety never assured. He eventually, through enormous toil, completed bachelor's and masters degrees in science from a midwestern college, where he became a lecturer. His passion remained botany and agriculture, but he was also a talented artist and musician with a knack for making friends wherever he happened to find himself in his determined quest for knowledge. He accepted a position at the Tuskegee Institute, where he was the head of its newly formed agricultural department. His accomplishments earned him national and then worldwide fame. He was consulted by poor farmers, wealthy industrialists and government leaders at the highest levels. Despite all of this, he was subjected to the same violence and humiliation as all other Southern blacks, at one point being hunted by armed white horsemen who shot at him. He was only able to escape by hiding in a ditch, where he covered himself with mud. This world famous scientist also endured the abuses of the Jim Crow laws passed by Southern whites after Reconstruction that systematically dismantled the social, economic, and political progress made by blacks after the Civil War, reducing them to abject poverty, loss of voting rights, apartheid social practices and extreme violence from the KKK and other white hate groups. Despite these tremendous disadvantages, George Washington Carver left behind a supreme legacy of agricultural research, invention, and the application of scientific principles to farming. Against all odds, this slave child became an international figure, honored by universities and governments for his remarkable achievements . He consistently declined offers of fame and fortune, preferring a humble life of service. This book is highly recommended.

Read this with our kids and they (mostly) enjoyed it. Carver was an amazing person with such a drive for learning, perseverance in difficulty and trust in God. The only negative of the book was due to the reality of racism that Carver faced. Our kids were very upset in reading of the racist attacks he and others constantly went through. As we were reading it before bedtime I actually had to skip a few paragraphs that described one of the lynchings he witnessed, as it was told in rather gruesome detail. Otherwise a very inspiring biography of an amazing man!

In his memory as a country we need to pursue equality for all people!!Finesse of person and trust in his creator stand out to me

This is a well-written, engaging book about a fascinating man! It's an inspiration for everyone that an impoverished person with a will to learn can accomplish so much here in America, no matter what race, social status, or background.

I had read his life story in school many years ago(don't remember the name of the book as it would be 50 years ago.) I wanted to learn more about this very bright and inventive man.I enjoyed the scientific viewpoint, and the information was abundant and precise. Excellent book.

I read this book together with my middle schooler. It is an amazing story of integrity, perseverance despite grave prejudice, innovation, faith, and incredible humility! Highly recommend! ❤️ 📚“Why should I be so singly honored is more than I can figure out. I have endeavored to do my little bit in the world as fast and as thoroughly as Great Creator of all things gave me the light and strength. “~ George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver was an incredibly creative human being whose aim was to help others. The book is well written, the language easy to understand, flowing well. A real pleasure.

My son and I love these. Carver was an amazing man after Gods direction