: : Inside: 10 books about George Washington Carver to add to your home library! : :
Did you know that George Washington Carver was the first black student at Iowa State College of Agriculture? After earning his masters, he received an offer from African American educator Booker T. Washington to teach at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. While a professor there, he developed techniques to improve soils depleted by repeated plantings of cotton.
If you are looking to learn more about George Washington Carver, keep reading for 10 children’s books featuring him including picture books and chapter books.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we earn a commission at NO extra cost to you. For more information, please read my full disclosure policy.
Descriptions come from Amazon; some are edited for length
Children’s Books about George Washington Carver
Picture Books
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 luminously illustrated picture book.”
In the Garden with Dr. Carver by Susan Grigsby
“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. And 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.”
The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta
“The inspirational story of George Washington Carver and his childhood secret garden is brought to life in this picture book biography. 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. Learn about the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship: a tale that begins in a secret garden.”
A Picture Book of George Washington Carver by David A. Adler
“This is the inspiring story of the pioneering African-American teacher, scientist, and artist. Carver is perhaps best known for his scientific work with peanuts and sweet potatoes (and for inventing peanut butter!), but Time magazine also called him the ‘Black Leonardo’ for his painting. Adler tells of Carver’s work at the Tuskegee Institute with Booker T. Washington, his hard childhood, and his determination to learn despite many obstacles, A man of deep faith, Carver worked throughout his life to create scientific discoveries that would improve the lives of Southerners, especially African Americans.”
George Washington Carver: The Peanut Wizard by Laura Driscoll
“Annie Marcus is just nuts about peanut butter! When Annie finds out that George Washington Carver was responsible for the popularity of peanuts, she picks him for her scientist report. Annie learns all sorts of fascinating info. George Washington Carver was born into slavery, but his dedication and unquenchable thirst for knowledge drove him to become a professor at a time when most institutions of higher learning were closed to blacks. This title explores Carver’s brilliant career and discoveries, as well as his triumph over segregation to become one of the world’s most renowned plant experts.”
National Geographic Readers: George Washington Carver 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!”
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 full-color biography includes important text features such as a glossary and a table of contents.”
Chapter Books
The Story of George Washington Carver by Eva Moore
“Born into slavery, George Washington Carver became one of the most prestigious scientists of his time. This biography follows Dr. Carver’s life from childhood to his days as a teacher and discoverer.”
George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist by Janet Benge
“Once a kidnapped slave baby, George Washington Carver found freedom in learning everything he could about the world around him. Overcoming poverty and racism, George became a brilliant scientist and a gifted professor who dedicated his expertise to helping black farmers escape the devastating grip of poverty. George’s scientific creativity knew no limits. His ingenious experimentation with peanuts and other plants helped rescue the failing Southern economy. Still remembered for his far-reaching and diverse achievements, Dr. Carver generously shared his talent simply for the reward of helping others.”
Who Was George Washington Carver? by Jim Gigliotti
“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.”
Want to learn more about the Tuskegee Institute and Airmen? Check out these book lists!
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!
