Who says women can't be doctors? : the story of Elizabeth Blackwell

In the 1830s, when a brave and curious girl named Elizabeth Blackwell was growing up, women were supposed to be wives and mothers. Some women could be teachers or seamstresses, but career options were few. Certainly no women were doctors.

But Elizabeth refused to accept the common beliefs that women weren't smart enough to be doctors, or that they were too weak for such hard work. And she would not take no for an answer. Although she faced much opposition, she worked hard and finally--when she graduated from medical school and went on to have a brilliant career--proved her detractors wrong. This inspiring story of the first female doctor shows how one strong-willed woman opened the doors for all the female doctors to come.
Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone is an NPR Best Book of 2013

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Author Notes

Tanya Lee Stone studied English at Oberlin College and was an editor of children's nonfiction for many years. She also has a Masters Degree. She teaches writing at Champlain College. After many years as an editor. Tanya moved to Vermont and returned to writing. This award-winning author has written titles that include the young adult novel, A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl, Up Close: Ella Fitzgerald , picture books Elizabeth Leads the Way, Sandy's Circus, and Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? She has also written narrative nonfiction with her titles: Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, and The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie. In 2014 her title, Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles, made The New York Times Best Seller List.

(Bowker Author Biography)

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

K-Gr 3-Who says women can't be doctors? Almost everyone in Elizabeth Blackwell's world. But the independent and strong-willed "tiny wisp of a girl" persists. She endures ridicule and scorn from classmates and townspeople and ultimately graduates at the top of her class, becoming the first woman doctor. Stone's story begins with the statement, "I'll bet you've met plenty of doctors in your life," an odd presumption for an audience of younger elementary school children. It continues with slightly awkward text. Jon Carroll's perky music and background sound effects throughout the two read-along narrations (one with page turn signals, one without) will keep the interest of young listeners. Narration by Jorjeana Marie is a perfect fit for the story and enhances it. Stone reads a very informative author's note that describes the interesting focus of Blackwell's medical career and her significant contributions. VERDICT Recommended for young listeners interested in stories of pioneering women.-Jane Newswander, Cunningham Elementary School, Palmyra, VA (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publisher's Weekly Review

"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.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Publisher's Weekly Review