Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America's Children
by Monica Kulling (Author) Julianna Swaney (Illustrator)
This thoughtful and beautifully illustrated picture book shares the story of a trailblazer who has inspired generations of girls to change the world.
Sara Josephine Baker was a strong girl who loved adventure. Growing up in New York in the late 1800s was not easy. When she lost her brother and father to typhoid fever, she became determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. In Jo's day, medical schools were closed to women, but times were changing, and Jo was at the forefront.
When she graduated in 1898, Dr. Jo still faced prejudice against women in her field. Not many people were willing to be seen by a female doctor, and Dr. Jo's waiting room remained mostly empty. She accepted a job in public health and was sent to Hell's Kitchen, one of New York's poorest neighborhoods where many immigrants lived. There, she was able to treat the most vulnerable patients: babies and children. She realized that the best treatment was to help babies get a stronger start in life. Babies need fresh air, clean and safe environments, and proper food. Dr. Jo's successes, fueled by her determination, compassion and ingenuity, made her famous across the nation for saving the lives of 90,000 inner city infants and children.
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School Library Journal
Gr 1-3--As a female doctor in the early 20th century, Sara Josephine Baker faced significant obstacles. Most medical schools at the time didn't accept women and it was tough to find patients as one. However, as a health inspector for New York City, "Dr. Jo" provided public health education and stemmed the spread of infection and disease, improving the mortality rates for women and children. Kulling has extensive experience writing children's biographies, and her talent shines here. The text does not shy away from hard truths about the realities many children, especially ones living in poverty, faced in regards to health care. ("This baby, like many others, would die of heatstroke.") Swaney's artwork is a charming supplement to the story. The images successfully display tough subjects, such as sickness and tenement housing, in a way that is accessible for young readers without being too grim. Thoughtful details, such as a child hoop rolling and women wearing leg of mutton dress sleeves capture the spirit of time and place. VERDICT Use to demonstrate the lasting power of positive social change. A fine addition to picture book biography collections.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
One of CCBC'S Best Books for Kids & Teens (Spring 2019)
PRAISE FOR Dr. Jo "[A] valuable addition to the selection of children's books featuring women in history." —Canadian Children's Book News
"This beautifully illustrated account of Dr. S. Josephine Baker's work in New York City is an excellent introduction to an inspiring woman whose public health reforms in New York City saved the lives of 90 000 children and formed the basis for public health programs across the United States." — CM Magazine
JUV004020 - Juvenile Fiction | Biographical | United States
JUV014000 - Juvenile Fiction | Girls & Women
New York (State)
New York
Biographies
Picture books
Pediatricians
Child health services
Health officers
Baker, S. Josephine
