"You might find this hard to believe, but there once was a time when girls weren't allowed to become doctors," opens this smart and lively biography of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female doctor in America. Stone develops Blackwell's personality through childhood anecdotes--as a child Blackwell once slept on a hard floor just "to toughen herself up"--before detailing her career path. Priceman's typically graceful lines and bright gouache paintings make no bones about who's on the wrong side of history: those who object to Blackwell's achievements are portrayed as hawkish ladies and comically perturbed twerps in tailcoats. Ages 5-up. Author's agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Feb.)
Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.K-Gr 2--This picture-book biography of America's first woman doctor takes readers back to the 1840s when "girls were only supposed to become wives and mothers. Or maybe teachers, or seamstresses." Stone presents the highly readable and detailed story of a girl who is sure to inspire aspiring young doctors. The anecdotes are well chosen to demonstrate Blackwell's unflagging determination, and the conversational text and dynamic illustrations present a glimpse of her strong, caring personality. Priceman's vivid gouache and India ink illustrations capture the emotion of each scene, as on the page where an exhausted Blackwell lies on a sofa under a cloud of "no's," overwhelmed by rejections (28 in all). Once admitted to medical school, she was not taken seriously by her peers, but studied hard and graduated first in her class, opening the door for women to follow. An author's note continues her life story as well as the discussion of her impact on modern-day medicine, and a list of sources is included for curious readers. A worthwhile addition to any biography collection.--Marian McLeod, Darien Library, CT
Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Tanya Lee Stone has loved writing about women pushing boundaries in books such as Elizabeth Leads the Way, Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?, The House That Jane Built, Who Says Women Can't Be Computer Programmers?, and Pass Go and Collect $200. Her work has received numerous accolades, including a Robert F. Sibert Medal, an NAACP Image Award, NCTE Orbis Pictus Honors, a Bank Street College Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, and a Jane Addams Children's Book Award. She lives in Burlington, Vermont. Stone has a PhD in creative writing and runs the writing program at Champlain College. She invites you to visit her online at tanyastone.com.
Gretchen Ellen Powers has illustrated The Boxcar Children's 75th anniversary edition as well as Summer's Call (about her beloved Mitten State). History has always held a special place in her heart, so she loved illustrating Rosalind's story and shining a light on a marvelous woman whose contributions have too long been cast in the shadows. She lives with her family in a farmhouse among the tall trees and the music of the lake of southwest Michigan. She invites you to visit her online at gretchenellenpowers.com.