Mozi Esmé: Review: George Washington Carver

“When I was young, I said to God, 'God, tell me the mystery of the universe.' But God answered, 'That knowledge is for me alone.' So I said, 'God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.' Then God said, 'Well George, that's more nearly your size.' And he told me.” ~G W Carver

I love introducing Esmé to positive role models and was thrilled when we “accidentally” received a DVD on the life of George Washington Carver Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc. from for review. His story is an awesome testimony to the power of allowing God to use one’s life through humble service.

Synopsis:

Born into slavery and reared during the Reconstruction years in the South, George Washington Carver struggled through poor health, poverty and prejudice…to become a great benefactor, not only to his people…but to his country as well. Carver is known in history books as the “peanut man” – for his research into and promotion of alternative crops to cotton. As one of the world’s foremost experts in agriculture and horticulture, Carver, through his research and teaching at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama practically reinvented land management in the South. He is said to have compiled a list of over 300 uses for and by-products of peanuts such as cosmetics, dyes and paints, plastics, gasoline and nitroglycerin.

But his work as a creative scientist stretches far beyond that endeavor. He marveled at the world around him and his ability to inspire those closely associated with him may well have been one of his greatest lifetime achievements. As a living example of the importance of hard work, a positive attitude and a good education, Carver was instrumental in changing the stereotype of the time that the black race was intellectually inferior to the white race.

Here then, is the story of Carver’s life…a life that should not be forgotten, for it is full of hope, meaning and inspiration. To commemorate his life and inventions, George Washington Carver Recognition Day is celebrated on January 5, the anniversary of Carver's death.

For anyone looking for an inspirational story, for historians, teachers and students, and for young and old alike this DVD featuring stunning photography and a superb original music score is certain to be watched again and again.

Recommended Age: Grades 8-12; I think this is perfectly appropriate for middle school.

Price: $24.95; web sale for $19.95

AND here’s a special coupon code for you! Enter TOSC1 at checkout, and you’ll get this for $16.95 (plus S&H)

To Purchase: Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc.

For More Reviews: TOS Crew

What Mom Liked:

Carver himself. I knew the basic story, but never to the depth of what I saw in the video. A man who had no need for riches because the whole earth was his to enjoy. Who was committed to educating and uplifting others. Who sidestepped the volatile arena of racism to win the admiration of all races. And who saw God’s greatness in the smallest of Creation’s details.
Nature clips. Esmé enjoyed the various shots of water snakes and frogs and flowers.
Clips of Carver. I was fascinated with his humble demeanor on screen. I hadn’t realized the effect of whooping cough on his voice before.
Quotes. The DVD included many quotations of Carvers, which, as much as anything else, revealed his intelligence and strength of character.

What Mom Didn’t Like:

Professional quality. While the flow of this DVD went very nicely and the narration was well done, the images weren’t super crisp on our 54-inch TV screen. And I’m always disappointed when there are no subtitles.
“This is a movie about statues.” Granted, this DVD is geared for an older audience than Esmé, but her observation was shared by her dad. The statues and museum scenes were prominent in the first part of the DVD, and some acting of the early scenes of Carver’s life would have been nice.

Thanks to Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc. for providing the book for review and to TOS Crew for coordinating the review. We are not being paid for this review, and all opinions are our own.