Another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month! It’s exciting to see so many excellent books for kids about people that have changed our lives and provide outstanding role models. Today, a peek at the the inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Michelle Lord.
MICHELLE LORD HAS GENEROUSLY OFFERED A GIVEAWAY!!! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Patricia’s Vision. (US addresses) Winner announced 2/28.
Title: Patricia’s Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight
Written by: Michelle Lord
Illustrated by: Alleanna Harris
Sterling, 2020, biography
Suitable for ages: 6-10
Themes/topics: medicine, African American history, perseverance
Opening:
Harlem, New York City, late 1940’s
Young Patricia Bath was curious. She peered at a man begging for coins. Folks in her neighborhood strolled past him, but Patricia watched and wondered.
Why are his eyes cloudy? How did it happen?
She shut her eyes and pondered, What’s it like to live in the dark?
Overview:
Born in the 1940s, Patricia Bath dreamed of being an ophthalmologist at a time when becoming a doctor wasn’t a career option for most women—especially African-American women. This empowering biography follows Dr. Bath in her quest to save and restore sight to the blind, and her decision to “choose miracles” when everyone else had given up hope. Along the way, she cofounded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, invented a specialized laser for removing cataracts, and became the first African-American woman doctor to receive a medical patent.
Activities and Resources:
What would you like to be when you grow up? Why? How could you affect others’ lives?
Companion book: Eye: How It Works by David Macaulay
Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast Dr. Patricia Bath’s life with another scientist’s. What conclusions can you draw?
Why I like this book:
Full transparency, Michelle is one of my critique partners, and I’ve seen this story develop over time with its ups and downs as the author reworked and revised the manuscript into an inspiring story. While Patricia Bath clearly persevered to follow her dream, educating herself and breaking down barriers as an African American and as a woman, I love that she was so clearly driven from the start by her heart. Her compassion comes through from the first page when her dream sparks and peaks in the end with her generosity and service to others. I had never heard of Dr. Bath and her invention. Her life searching for possibility where others saw no hope is a great example for all of us.
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF THE BOOK!
Visit author Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books for a plethora of picture books listed by title and topic/theme, each with teacher/parent activities and resources.
Visit the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge on Kid Lit Frenzy on Wednesdays for more great nonfiction books for kids!
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 
This looks great! I have never heard of Patricia Bath either. I would love to get this for my optometrist’s office.
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That’s a great idea!
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This is exactly the kind of story I love and aspire to write! Kids need to know about these inspiring people who overcame obstacles and persisted in reaching their goals and be encouraged to do the same. Thanks for sharing this!
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I am excited to read this! Congratulations to Michelle – thank you for having the “vision” (pun intended) to tell Dr. Patricia Bath’s story.
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This book looks so inspiring. I also enjoyed hearing that Michelle is a critique partner and that you’ve seen the story through it’s many revisions. Thanks for this review!
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What a great new possibility for our Black History Month studies!!
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I love that Alleanna and Michelle are critique partners. I think that kind of intimate collaboration, and being able to see the book in development, for Alleana, brought this book a kind of magic that happens when all the stars and talent line up just right. Alleanna was one of the first artists that caught my eye two years ago, when I started in Kidlit, and I am proud to say I own a gorgeous framed print of hers, that I look at every day as I work in the recording studio. It brings me joy. I can’t wait to read this interesting story. Another woman in science I would not have known about. Congrats to all involved in making this book. I enthusiastically throw my name into the digital hat. This book would be great to read and share in the Kidlit Recording Studio (Next to Alleanna’s other book “Making Their Voices Heard: The Marilyn Monroe/Ella Fitzgerald Story, Author, Vivian Kirkfield.
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I don’t know if Alleanna and Michelle are critique partners, but Michelle and I are 🙂 – So fun to see that manuscript grow into a book!
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AHA! I confused who was talking in the interview. I think I need a play book sometimes.😆💙
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I love the many books being published for children about African-American women making a difference in their world. I find this book interesting, because I have visual problems. I need to look at the companion book you mentioned too. There are too few picture books for kids about visual difficulties. Excellent review!
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It must be so exciting to watch stories evolve and end up on the bookshelf! I’m looking forward to reading this story. There are 14 copies in circulation at the San Francisco Public Library. Yay!
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I really like this book. Great review and activities, Beth.
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This sounds like a fascinating book! I can’t wait to read it and learn more about Dr. Patricia Bath. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
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This is such a perfect book to share with my students for National Women’s Month as well as Women in STEM
Thank you for sharing it with us.
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Michelle Lord is very talented. Can’t wait to read this book.
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