Elizabeth Blackwell: Pioneer Woman Doctor

by Jean Lee Latham, Ethel Gold (Illustrator)

A biography of the first woman doctor in the United States, who worked in England and America to open the field of medicine to women

Genres: Biography

80 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Born on April 19th, Jean Lee Latham grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia. She attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where she wrote plays and operated the county newspaper’s linotype machine. She earned a master’s degree at Cornell University. While completing her degree, Ms. Latham taught English, history, and drama at Ithaca.

Once she graduated, she became editor-in-chief of the Dramatic Publishing Company in Chicago. She worked hard to become a radio writer, but WWII changed her plans. She signed up for the US Signal Corps Inspection Agency, where she trained women inspectors. The U.S. War Department gave her a Silver Wreath for her work.

After D-Day, Ms. Latham made the decision to write biographies for children. Her first book was The Story of Eli Whitney, published in 1953. Her third book, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, earned the Newbery Medal in 1956.

Playwright, author, and teacher, Ms. Latham died on June 13, 1995, at the age of 93. Her manuscripts are housed in the Children’s Literature Research Collection at the University of Minnesota.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a kids book is the best way to get a quick picture of history. I like this short little book as it helped me appreciate just what women have gone through to take on the roles in society that they now have. this was the first woman doctor —what grit!!

[Melissa King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a much lower reading level than I expected. Simple, short sentences but higher level words. Very interesting, I’m sure all of my kids will enjoy and remember it.