Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America's Children

Gr 1–3—As a female doctor in the early 20th century, Sara Josephine Baker faced significant obstacles. Most medical schools at the time didn't accept women and it was tough to find patients as one. However, as a health inspector for New York City, "Dr. Jo" provided public health education and stemmed the spread of infection and disease, improving the mortality rates for women and children. Kulling has extensive experience writing children's biographies, and her talent shines here. The text does not shy away from hard truths about the realities many children, especially ones living in poverty, faced in regards to health care. ("This baby, like many others, would die of heatstroke.") Swaney's artwork is a charming supplement to the story. The images successfully display tough subjects, such as sickness and tenement housing, in a way that is accessible for young readers without being too grim. Thoughtful details, such as a child hoop rolling and women wearing leg of mutton dress sleeves capture the spirit of time and place.