Carriers of Genius examines the lives of twelve famous men through the eyes of their mothers. In it, we see how people like Teddy Roosevelt and Albert Einstein came to be the legendary figures and household names they are today. Told in interview format, author and psychic Jan Helen McGee gives these women a voice, as they share in their words what it was like to be the mother of genius and to shape history in unimaginable ways.

A tribute to women everywhere, Carriers of Genius explores little known facts about Disney, Einstein, Franklin, Gershwin, Hughes, Rockwell, Rogers, Roosevelt, Whitman, Wright, Astaire, and Carver, and reminds us that we don’t get places alone.

Flora Disney offset her husband’s short temper with nighttime fairy tales. Pauline Einstein loved literature, played duets with Albert, and nurtured his inquisitive nature. Abiah Franklin believed in curiosity and freedom, but followed her husband’s lead. Rose Gershwin wanted her son, George, to be an accountant, but she adapted easily to his fame. Allene Hughes obsessed over young Howard’s health, yet encouraged solitary time for his mechanical pursuits. Nancy Rockwell’s need for quiet meant a solitary existence for Norman, and her naughty sense of humor influenced his illustrations. Mattie Slye, Roy Rogers' mother, held the family together with music, as Roy’s father moved from job to job. Mittie Roosevelt was a refined, intelligent Southern woman, who along with her sister, related southern naval battle stories to Theodore. Louisa Whitman mimed tales of the sea for young Walt and allowed him to let emotions rule his life. Anna Wright was a freethinker whose interest in beauty and nature inspired her son’s work. Anne Astaire lived apart from her husband as she managed her children’s dance careers. Mary Carver was a 13-year-old slave when bushwhackers stole her from the Carvers. Substitute mothers raised George.