Books like Carver, a Life in Poems by Marilyn Nelson
George Washington Carver was born into slavery in Missouri around 1864 and later raised by the white family who had owned his mother. Driven by a desire for education, he earned a master’s degree and, in 1896, joined Tuskegee Institute at Booker T. Washington’s invitation, where he established the agricultural department. Carver devoted his career to alleviating poverty among land‑less Black farmers by discovering new uses for soil‑replenishing crops such as peanuts, cowpeas, and sweet potatoes. His scientific achievements were matched by his artistic gifts as a painter, musician, and teacher. Marilyn Nelson’s Newbery Honor book offers a richly detailed portrait of Carver’s devout, complex life.
First publish date: 2001
Genre: Poetry/Contemporary Poetry
Authors: Marilyn Nelson
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