Award winning author Gwendolyn Hooks has inspired readers with her heartfelt story about the life of medical pioneer Vivien Thomas in Tiny Stitches.
Title: Tiny
Stitches
Author: Gwendolyn Hooks
Illustrations: Colin Bootman
Publisher: Lee and Low
Books
ISBN: 9781620141564
Review:
Doctors work miracles all
the time. Many of these doctors may go unnoticed, or it may take them years to
make their miracle a reality. But one doctor, Vivien Thomas, wasn’t scared to
make his mark in the world. He had invented a brand new operation using tiny
delicate tools designed to work on troubled tiny delicate hearts.
When the depression hit and
all money was lost but Vivien’s dreams didn’t die. Although he couldn’t go to
medical school he was given an opportunity to work with Dr. Blalock. He learned
so much as a researcher and was hands on. In 1941 he relocated to Baltimore and
worked with Dr. Blalock at John’s Hopkins. Getting settled in and finding a
home was troubling during these times of segregation. His new position as a
Surgical Technician in Research provided him with the opportunity to research,
study and help babies with heart defects.
This heartfelt story of
first steps has cleared the way for so many other students of color to follow
their dreams of becoming doctors. “The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
established the Vivien Thomas Fund to increase diversity and help students
continue their education.” Author Gwendolyn Hooks idea to bring this book into
the hands of children will enlighten and inspire. Gentle hues of browns, yellow
and blues soften the pains of racial issues Vivien Thomas encountered but also
create a glow of pride and achievement in each picture. Young readers have an
opportunity to learn about medical wonders and a real African American hero.
Parents and teachers can use this story as a guide for discussion on African
American history and how children can be whatever they set their mines to
become.
Visit Gwendolyn Hooks at her sites:
Website: GwendolynHooks.com
Twitter: @Gwendthegweat
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