Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Paperback – January 1, 2009

I am a 3rd grade teacher in a Title I (low SES) school, and I am using this book for Read-Aloud. My students are hanging on every word, and my students and I are inspired and motivated by Ben Carson's story. The book immediately hooked my students, as they made personal connections with Dr. Carson's childhood. This book is great to use for character traits, sequencing, cause and effect, context clues, and more. Opportunities exist for students to create reports, bio-poems, and web quests on Dr. Ben Carson by doing some online research about his current accomplishments and non-profit program.I work at a public school, but I don't think the Christian references will be causing an issue. There are mentions of Ben Carson praying and his reliance on the Lord is explained. As a Christian, I am impressed by Dr. Carson's relationship with the Lord in the good and bad times. The mentions are subtle, and to remain compliant to the rules of public school, I explain to my students that people find inspiration, motivation, and comfort in different things. Dr. Ben Carson looked to God to center him in life, and I tell them that others may turn to hobbies, family, friends, or activities.A few of my 3rd graders are sensitive to the medical vocabulary, which for many of them is tied to cultural beliefs about medical procedures. At the first mention of blood, a few of them cringed. As we've moved through the story, they have lost that reaction. I've also adjusted my reading rate during the paragraphs that give some of the descriptions of procedures. By speeding it up a bit, they don't get "the willies."I think anyone would be pleased with this purchase!

My 11 yr old daughter needed to read a biography for a book report. We had an Amazon gift certificate and thought we would use it. Since it was February black history month, we originally searched for Bill Cosby, as she likes his TV show. We found this book instead. What a fantastic book to read!!! My daughter read it aloud to me entirely on her own, only stopping for those medical terms. She is NOT a book lover at all.... only reads because a book report is due, and even she commented how well written this book was and how much she enjoyed it. We both found that reading it was very inspiring and motivational. I enjoyed it just as much as she did too!! It was very well written for kids, and you don't feel like the adult version was 'dumbed' down. We were so enthralled with Ben's story, that we put his biography movie "Gifted Hands" starring Cuba Gooding Jr in our Netflix queue...we can't wait to watch it!

The Movie, Gifted Hands, is true to the book and Ben Carson's life story. Having seen him in person, he went over everything covered in the movie word for word practically. This book is a great middle school book for a biography assignment. It shows great character how someone can overcome their circumstances and be successful, a great model for today's youth. Incidentally, he is a hysterically funny man, not sure why in public you never see that. When he spoke at a dinner I went to, I thought he was a comedian. Seriously, you'd never guess it from his presidential run, but he is a very jovial guy and his wife is lovely. Watch the movie on Netflix and get the book for your kids or grandkids.

I bought it for a child and of course had to sit and read the book myself. It is a wonderful book, well written, inspiring and leaves you thinking- Where did the world go wrong?? This is a MUST READ for children who are growing up in an entitled world. Don't think of it just as a book about a doctor ( those great stories are included of course.) but rather as the story of a young man who against all odds got to where he is today; a happy, productive and successful human. You will see what hard work and good values will do for you! If you are worried about a political lean, you have nothing to worry about. You won't be disappointed!

I am so glad that a children's version of this amazing story is available for children. I am reading it to my fourth grade class while they eat snack each day. If I don't pick up the book quickly enough, one of the students will say, "Aren't we reading today?"Ben Carson's story is inspiring on several levels: It tells the story of a boy who went from "the dumbest kid in fifth grade" to become a world renowned neurosurgeon; it challenges children to become readers who pursue excellence in their endeavors; it demonstrates that a living faith in God can help a person find his way; and it reveals how a single mother with little education and mental health issues can have a tremendous impact on her sons.