In the Garden with Dr. Carver

by Susan Grigsby (Author) Nicole Tadgell (Illustrator)

In the Garden with Dr. Carver
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A 2011 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
2012-2013 Children's Crown Gallery Nominee
2011 Growing Good Kids--Excellence in Children's Literature Award

Dr. Carver knew everything in nature was connected.

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.

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Paperback
$9.99

Kirkus

Though fictionalized, the encounter presents Carver's work and ideas in a simple, engaging way that will stay with young readers.

ALA/Booklist

In this charming historical-fiction picture book, a young girl relates an educational and inspirational visit by Dr. George Washington Carver to her Alabama town...this is an enjoyable, accessible, and informative introduction to Carver's work and philosophies as well as gardening basics.

 

School Library Journal

The watercolor illustrations include many humorous asides of children acting like children--making horrified faces as they taste Dr. Carver's menu of 'chicken' made from peanuts and wild-weed salad, or being silly with friends when they are supposed to be listening. Scientific and historical information is well-presented through the gentle text and lighthearted illustrations. Teachers will find many uses for this appealing book.

Review quotes

A 2011 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
2012-2013 Children's Crown Gallery Nominee
2011 Growing Good Kids—Excellence in Children's Literature Award

This is a great book to use to improve the love of science and nature. It also provides beautifully rendered pastel illustrations that capture the time period and essence of Dr. Carver's work.—Library Media Connection

 

 

 

 

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780807536476
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Albert Whitman & Company
Publication date
September 15, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JUV004020 - Juvenile Fiction | Biographical | United States
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
Library of Congress categories
-

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