Tonya Bolden
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, New York , 2008
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9366-2
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Genre: Noniction, Dewey 630.92
Plot Summary: Includes bibliographical references (p. 39-40). A biography of American botanical researcher and agronomy educator, George Washington Carver, whose work to promote alternative crops in the post-war South played a major role in revolutionizing Southern agriculture.
Themes/Tags: biography, George Washington Carver, agriculture, Alabama
Awards and Reviews: Wilson's Children 01/01/09, School Library Journal starred 04/01/08, Booklist starred 02/01/08, Book Links starred 03/01/08, Kirkus Review starred 12/15/07, Horn Book 10/01/08, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 03/01/08, Library Media Connection 08/01/08
Library Media Connection (August/September 2008) A fresh biography from Tonya Bolden, this title retraces the turbulent life and celebrated accomplishments of the famed "Peanut Man" through chronological photographs, original works of art, and thought-provoking text. Bolden takes the reader back to George Washington Carver's birthplace and leads him through his life from enslavement as a child, on his quest for new knowledge and becoming a successful environmentalist, to being honored for his contributions in agriculture by way of a museum erected in his name. Her use of historical photographs, artifacts, and drawings depicting Carver's love of nature and his scientific explorations is reminiscent of walking through a museum with the book as the tour guide. Although suited for older readers, this selection would be a valuable addition to any biography collection. Recommended. Suzanne Buza-Snead, Librarian, Maverick Elementary, San Antonio, Texasu
Extensions: Introduce students to George Washington Carver as presented in this particular text. Then, using additional online media center resources, have teams of two students write their own short biography of Carver. Using Bolden's text as an example, have student's create their own collage-type presentation using printed photographs, magazine and other mixed media provided by the librarian or students (fabric, sticks, soynuts, etc). The biographical text will be displayed among the collage in a format suitable to the students. The final projects will be displayed on the media center showcase table at the end of the month.
GPS SS5H3: The student will describe how life changed in America at the turn of the century. b. Describe the impact on American life of the Wright brothers (flight), George Washington Carver (science), Alexander Graham Bell (communication), and Thomas Edison (electricity).
Terri's Review: ►►►►► 5 Bean and Cheese Nachos (out of 5) True story: I picked this book up and did not put it down until I finished. Wow, what a wonderfully written, presented, informative addition to any library collection! I personally did not know much about GWC, other than he was a scientist who did wonders with peanuts. There was so much more to this genius of a man from such humble beginnings, who made great strides at such a turbulent time in American history. Wonderful colors, photographs and drawings accompany the tale of Carver from his birth, to his early knack for horticulture, to art, to science, ultimately being recognized by Congress at the height of racial tension for his accomplishments. He was always a bit dismayed to be the "peanut man", because his true and most interesting passion by far was sustainability. He was actually one of the grandfathers of "green". In another year and time, I could imagine him on a commune wearing hemp shirts and sporting dreadlocks. He was the ultimate conservationist, and thought that everything we needed from clothes to medicine were attainable from nature. Interestingly, he received some flack from his peers for his lack of involvement in the African-American movement at the time. An absolute must-have for any library collection.
