A Doctor Like Papa

by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, James Bernardin (Illustrator)

When the first star twinkles in the evening sky, Margaret squeezes her eyes shut and makes three wishes-one, for a sister; two, for a dog; and three, the most important of all, that Mama will let her study medicine.

But Margaret knows it will take more than wishing on stars to change her mother's mind. "Doctoring's no kind of life for a woman," Mama says. "It's too hard and dangerous." Margaret's papa is the only doctor in the whole Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, and he works long, hard hours and faces countless perils every day.

Still, Margaret holds tight to her dream...until a terrible virus breaks out, threatening Margaret's dream, her community, and, worst of all, her family. Suddenly it's up to her to make the right choice.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

My sister, three brothers, and I grew up on a Vermont dairy farm in a region known as the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, USA, where my Scottish ancestors settled almost two hundred years ago.

Our lives revolved around our church, our community, and the hard work of farming. Along with milking and feeding the animals each morning and evening, there was the work of each season: maple sugaring, plowing, picking stone, planting, haying, corn-cutting, harvest, cutting wood.

While my parents lives were consumed by farming and providing for their children, they managed to pass on much more to us. My mother, a teacher, instilled in us a love of books and reading, and a curiosity about everything, while my father, besides being an excellent athlete, has also encouraged our interest in the natural world, whether it was identifying birds, trees and wildflowers, or pointing out constellations on a starry night.

My book As Long As There Are Mountains is based on my childhood and my love of the farm, the land, and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Reviews

[Sara Carmona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction about a doctor's family in Vermont during WWI. The narration of this book had a distinctly childlike tone to it, making it appropriate for young readers.

[Dakota Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great title from Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, who is becoming one of my favorite juvenile historical fiction authors. Her other book that I read and loved was "Lumber Camp Library", and I look forward to finding and reading more of her work. This book covers a very heavy topic (the influenza outbreak of 1918), and I would advise that, if you're recommending this book to a young person, you make yourself readily available to discuss the topics with the child, and if you're able, read the book yourself. Despite its heaviness and depth, it is so well written and sensitively made that I plan to recommend this far and wide. It is also technically easy to read, with no difficult vocabulary. Kinsey-Warnock's style of writing is direct and compassionate, and I found myself getting emotional at more than a few sections of this text. A heartily endorsed five star read for ages 7 through early teen (and anyone beyond that, to be honest!).

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye-opening look at rural life about 100 years ago. The story starts just before Margaret's Uncle Owen goes off to fight in World War I. Margaret's papa is the community doctor and Margaret wants to be a doctor too. Also a fascinating look at the Great Flu Pandemic of 1918-19 through the eyes of a child. A great introduction to historical fiction for children.

[Elizabeth Crisfield]

We read this out loud in a little more than an hour. It was great historical fiction for our 5 and 9 year olds. Good characters, interesting twists. Potentially not a good story for kids who have experienced abandonment.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet, yet heartbreaking story about the influenza of 1918.

[Amanda Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting because the reading level is pretty low but the subject is very intense. I read it out loud to my kids so they weren't as scared as if they had been reading it on their own. It was well written, the length was good for young kids learning more about that time period.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I love to read a book in one sitting, and so many of Natalie's books are like that. Dont worry about all the commotion around you, because her books take you away to another world.

I couldn't help but think of own my great grandma, Winnie, who used to accompany her father, the country doctor, on his calls far and wide in turn of the century Texas. She wound up a nurse, one of the first graduates of Paris (Texas)Nursing School, and I'm sure her adventures were not so different from Margaret's.

I love her pioneer spirit and her bravery. And how cute when you find the secret as to why so many young girls were named "Edith"...I wont tell you...!

[Miss Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

gr 2-4 72pgs

1918, Vermont. 11 year old Margaret wants to be a doctor just like her papa when she grows up, but her parents insist that girls can't be doctors. When the influenza epidemic hits their small town, Margaret and her brother must go to stay with relatives, but along the way they hear a dog barking near what appears to be an abandoned house, could sick people needing help be inside?

Based on a true story.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the influenza epidemic in 1918 Vermont, a young girl determines to be a doctor like her father.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Influenza epidemic in Vermont, 1917-1918.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this--see http://www.eatreadandbemommy.com/2015... for why!