Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

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 story of Ben Carson is the most amazing biography that I have read for a long time. As a teacher in an urban school, I read the first half of the book to the students to inspire them to try hard. We wrote down the stratesgies that Ben's mother used to get his grades up. We noticed how he handled anger. The book is pure inspiration, and yet the man himself is very humble and confident. I have a signed copy from the coauthor, Cecil Murphey and cherish the book. If you read one biography this year, put this one at the top of the list, then wait to see articles in newspapers or on television about this servant of God.

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.

After hearing a speech by Ben Carson, I thought I might buy a book by him, and saw this book with the other titles. I bought it for my daughter, who is an amazing 10 year old who adores It takes a lot to get my daughter to read a non fiction book. She finished Watership Down last week, and her reading level is wonderful. I wanted her to learn Ben Carson's story, knowing it would be kid friendly. She read it in one day, and even took it to school since she couldn't put it down. I am thrilled! She has been quoting from the book all day long and comparing Ben Carson's school experiences to her own. This book has taught her about Ben Carson, but it has also taught her more about life lessons. I think the perfect reading age would be around 3rd-4th grade, but obviously, even a 5th grader can get a lot out of it.

I love this book too. This book shows how a mother plays the vital role on a child's growth, either mentally or spiritually. I highly recommend this book for children and parents.

A teacher at my daughters school suggested she read some non-fiction books. While doing a search for good stories I found this book. The reviews seemed to be very positive so I gave it a go and we read it together. It truly was an inspirational book, for adults as well as children. A great story which kept us wanting to read more. I was so pleased to read that this talented man was not ashamed to talk about God and how He was involved in his life. In an era when "God" seems to be nearly a dirty word I found it completely refreshing and wonderful. I wish there were more books (and television shows and movies) like this as examples for our children to be inspired by.

I enjoyed this book, particularly the beginning. Near the end it went into the medical side of his life and seemed to lose a little of the personal story. Overall I would suggest others read this.

My eldest son was given this book to read by someone from church he loved it so much I purchased one. My youngest son read it and he also couldn't put the book down, they have both said the book has truly inspired them. Every school should have this book and every young person should read this book. It doesn't surprise me that he is now in the running for the Presidency.

It inspired me because Ben Carson came from being in a poor family to a very wise neurologist. Against all odds