George Washington Carver knew what it was like to be poor. He also knew how to make the most of every penny and resource. When he was 12 years old he started supporting himself. He even supported himself while going to school. He made money by running small laundry businesses, helping out in private homes, and having a small farm.

Carver wanted to share his knowledge and research with other African Americans. He was especially committed to helping poor black farmers. He had lots of advice on how to become more "thrifty and self-supporting." So when he was working at Tuskegee Institute, he wrote many educational booklets for farmers. What do you think he advised in this booklet, "Help for the Hard Times"?