She Persisted: Virginia Apgar

She Persisted

by Sayantani DasGupta, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrations)

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds!

In this chapter book biography by bestselling author and physician Sayantani DasGupta, readers learn about the amazing life of Virginia Apgar--and how she persisted.

There weren't many women who tried to become doctors when Virginia Apgar went to medical school--but she didn't let that stop her. After a professor discouraged from becoming a surgeon, she became an anesthesiologist instead and created the famous Apgar test to check the health of newborn babies. It's a test that's still used in hospitals across the world today!

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Virginia Apgar's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.

And don't miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Sally Ride, Temple Grandin, and more!

Praise for She Persisted: Virginia Apgar

"A fast-paced tale that will spark curiosity--Dr. Apgar would approve." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Equally appealing for report writers and readers looking for role models." -- Booklist

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Middle Grade, Science, Childrens, Biography Memoir

80 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2021

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again the she persisted series as a great series about women who played in important role in history. This book is about Virginia Apgar. When Virginia Apgar went to medical school she was only one of nine women students in her class. But she did not let that stop her. Her dream was to become a surgeon but do you to the discouragement from a professor she became an anesthesiologist. And thank God that she did because she created the Apgar test which is a test that checks the health of newborn babies. The test she created is still used in hospitals to this day. I think her journey of being only one of very few women in medical school is something to be talked about. Every day Virginia had to fight to show her classmates and professors that she was meant to be there. Due to her fight and dedication medical issues for newborn babies can be detected much faster.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had heard of the Apgar test, but I didn't really know its origin, much less that it was named after an anesthesiologist named Virginia Apgar. This biography tells readers about her childhood and her variety of interests as well as her time in medical school. When she was discouraged from becoming a surgeon and turns to anesthesiology instead, she does so with great passion and intensity. Later, she also enjoyed teaching and had many pursuits that kept her busy and stimulated. This account of her life will prompt many youngsters to want to learn more and to emulate Virginia in her persistence in her medical career. The author has included several anecdotes from her subject's life as well as showing just how multi-faceted she was. She seems to have had a great sense of humor too. The illustrations show her at various ages, busily pursuing her interests.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned about the Apgar test pretty recently, maybe in the She Persisted picture book haha, so it was interesting to learn more about Virginia Apgar and her struggles to become a doctor in a time when it was not common for women to become doctors. This book was interesting and motivational, telling how Apgar reached her goal. DasGupta certainly makes sure the reader knows that Apgar was a fast talker, etc. and always moving.
I did feel like the organization of the book was a bit off. Like some parts seemed like they didn't fit in with the rest of the chapter. I also wish that more about the Apgar test was included, like maybe how Virginia decided on those five things.
Like the other She Persisted chapter books, it's a great start to learning more about the famous woman (more than the picture book) but leaves me wanting a bit more.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

She persisted and became a doctor!

In a time when men discouraged women to become doctors, Virginia Apgar persisted and not only became a doctor but became a famous one! Her work with babies is still used today and its amazing all the ways she contributed to medical field.
She was also musically talented and good with her hands! Honestly, glad this kids series introduced me to her life and the other women mentioned in the She Persisted series 👏👏
Learning a lot and they really are inspiring women.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many people, the name Apgar was familiar to me from the Apgar score still used today to gauge newborns' health. However, even in this short volume, I came to like Virginia Apgar. She truly seems like a multitalented, funny, creative, kind, intelligent character who accomplished so much, all while dealing with sexism.

I really enjoyed the story about her stealing and replacing a wooden shelf that she thought would be perfect for crafting a string instrument.

I think that, if I had learned about Dr. Apgar when I was a kid, I probably would've been more interested in pursuing medicine.

[Jenn Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an adult I learned about the Apgar score and its namesake doctor, Virginia Apgar. But I would have loved to read about her in a book like this as a child. Super inspirational. Focuses on both her contributions to our world and the obstacles she had to overcome to be successful. Would absolutely recommend and it looks like this whole series will be great.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of how Apgar persisted in a thought-of man’s career in medicine. She created the Apgar test, a test created and still used today on babies after 1 minute and 5 minutes following their birth. Described not only her accomplishments but also relayed her humbleness, compassionate bedside manner, and unique teaching style which made her popular with her students. (easy following but informative read – use enough detail without overwhelming young readers).

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the She Persisted series. Biography for mid to upper elementary level readers. DasGupta takes readers from Apgar's early childhood through the end of her career. They see the challenges she faced at all levels as she was a woman. The Apgar score research and incorporation is shared and the book goes on to share everything else this doctor did for science.
Simple to follow text. I appreciate the list of activities for readers to try included at the end.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short story as part of the She Persisted series for children and the classroom about Doctor Virginia Apgar who established the Apgar Scoring system that is still used today to assess a newborn's health immediately after birth. She was also involved in establishing what is now Neonatology. Fun fact, she trained in my state at UW Madison to be an anesthesiologist and became a leader in the field.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This juvenile biography of Dr. Virginia Apgar is delightfully, informative, charming, and easy to digest! Great for kids seeking short biographies and interested in science/pediatrics themselves. I love that at the end of each of the books in this series there is a How You Can Persist page that gives young readers ideas they can cultivate and accomplish NOW!

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The She Persisted mini chapter book biography series are perfect for elementary and intermediate age students interested in learning about the featured person for an assignment or just for an informative read about important women in history. This edition about Virginia Apgar, is well written and made me want to learn more, which is exactly what these introductory stories should be.

[LeAnn L Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read in the ‘She Persisted’ series. Even though these are children’s books, as an adult I find them fascinating and informative. I will pass on to my grandchildren. Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger started something amazing. Good work, Dr. Sayantani DasGupta👍🏼

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about the life of Virginia Apgar the doctor who invented the Apgar test for newborn infants. She was an accomplished woman and did many things in service to humanity. Very encouraging. Good book for children to read. Illustrations were wonderful.

[Karen Schoessow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative! I picked this up while sorting through a bin of "She Persisted" biographies when I recognized the last name. This would be easy for upper elementary students to read about Dr. Apgar.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting biography about notable woman.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing about Virginia Apgar until I read this book. What an inspiring woman!

[Chloe Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was definitely a quick read!

[Danica is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

I also enjoyed this one.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, that woman accomplished a lot of stuff. I had no idea. Excellent book, great for the age group.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about a strong and determined woman who won't give up.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful older children’s biography!

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio

I love this series for young people. Boys too. Excellent.
Love these determined and brilliant ladies!

[Rene Del Bosque Moncayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fue unas de las primeras mujeres médicos especialistas en niños

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My older son has been reading all the books in this "She Persisted" chapter book series, so I have been reading each book after he finishes them. I read each one in a single sitting and this book on Virginia Apgar was particularly strong. Each book in the series is written by a different author, so the quality can vary, but every one has been excellent so far. I really knew nothing about Virginia Apgar, and I never really knew that the Apgar test was created by Virginia Apgar and later named after her. She had an incredible career and she was constantly having to prove herself in her professional career because the medical industry was dominated by men during her time. She was brilliant and highly educated and it was fascinating to read about her accomplishments.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.