Heart and Soul: The Story of Florence Nightingale

by Gena K. Gorrell

In Florence Nightingale’s day, if a person was sick – and lucky – he or she was nursed at home with caring family members tending the bedside. Hospitals were horrible places from which few emerged alive. The nurses were often drunks and prostitutes. Doctors had rudimentary skills.

Thus the privileged Nightingale family was appalled when Florence, who had done her share of household nursing, announced that she wanted to train to work in a hospital. After all, her role was cut out for she was to be a decorative, witty lady. A career, much less nursing, was out of the question.

It took many years, but Florence found her calling in Crimea. More English soldiers died of sickness there than died in battle. If they were wounded they were almost sure to suffer in misery, lying on pallets caked with old blood, hungry and thirsty, without anyone to offer them so much as a sip of water. Florence caused a revolution in her insistence for cleanliness, wholesome food, and kind treatment of men, who were considered to be nothing more than cannon fodder.

Florence’s campaign resulted in reforms to health care for millions of people. Although she was in frail health for much of her life, her sense of outrage and her extraordinary stamina in the face of prejudice and almost criminal ignorance make her story one of the most inspiring in history.

Dozens of photographs, posters, and cartoons bring the past to life in this memorable biography.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Read For School

152 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Lara Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would suggest "Nightingale Power" as an alternate title for this biography of Crimean War nurse and all-round healthcare reformer Florence Nightingale, after a phrase that Crimean veterans reportedly used to discuss her particular characteristic attribute according to Chapter 6. And I offer to Nightingale's memory my apologies for the fact that until reading this volume the true scope and extent of her experience, work, expertise and influence was scarcely known to me.

Just occasionally the tone and deductions of this book rankled me a mite, but overall it was a revelation. The illustrations, maps and images included nicely complement the text in telling the story of an era and the astounding will and imperfect character of one woman in it.

I recommend this book to anyone who reads and has an interest in the Victorian period, the history of healthcare and medicine, women's history or military history, and for its testimony to the power of one person to make immense differences and progress in her own time and place and beyond decades and borders.

[Anna Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually despise reading nonfiction especially biographies, but this one was easy and entertaining. Very enjoyable to learn more about the women who changed the world's course of nursing. I wouldn't be where I am today without her diligence.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln and I have been getting into the life of Florence Nightingale over the past month or so. It started out from watching an animated hero classic DVD about her so then we checked out a bunch of children's books to learn more. Then I decided to read a little more in depth on my own. I liked the succinctness of this book (143 pages) while at the same time it seemed to cover everything I was interested in learning about this great heroine. I also appreciated that this book did not try to glamorize her too much, but was careful to let the reader know about her faults and peculiar tendencies. Knowing both sides of her makes her a little more human. Anyway, this lady was truly incredible and I was happy to teach my 4-year-old son more about "the lady with the lamp."

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most complete “children’s” biography that I have read thus far on Florence Nightingale. Very enlightening and would be better suited in the teen biography section and for high school age students. Probably more information than most elementary students would want for research or a mini biography report. Florence Nightingale was a determined individual who lived in a time when women were “considered psychologically unfit for higher educations,” and that “too much brainpower would divert energy from the womb and lead to sterility and hysteria. “ I loved that this book didn’t only list Florence’s strengths but also included her weaknesses as well, making her more realistic and relatable.

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heart and Soul: The Story of Florence Nightingale is a fairly long but nuanced biography. We read it aloud for school and I found it a little long, but the kids liked it. The book does a good job of balancing between the popular ideal of Florence Nightingale–the angel with the lamp, etc–and the reality that as a person Nightingale was critical and demanding and self-absorbed. We had some interesting talks about this, with the kids speculating about whether or not Nightingale would have gotten as much done if she had been kinder.

Get more recommendations for great kids chapter book read alouds on A Spirited Mind

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography of the famous English social reformer and aristocrat. Almost single handedly, she upgraded medical care for ordinary soldiers from a degrading painful ( and usually fatal) crucible, to a situation where soldiers were decently treated and had a reasonable chance of recovery.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting enough for adult enjoyment and simple enough for children. This is the best biography on Florence Nightingale that I've read so far.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for a report and it was so slow and boring for me

[Heatherab · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an amazing woman--all she was able to accomplish. Made me want to read more about other amazing women--Mother Theresa, for example.

[Curriculum]

I need to make a biography of illustrated historical fiction books or prose books for and about nurses!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book about Florence Nightingale, and especially loved her example of having a sense of mission (vocation), preparing for it, and pursuing it. She is a great example to me.

[eLLen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning more about Florence Nightingale; and the author Gena K. Gorrell gives background into the times and societal behaviors to give the reader a look into life in those times.

[Blanca]

LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!