Women in Medicine, the fifth book in the “Science Wide Open” series, introduces young readers to the incredible contributions of women in the medical field, including Dr. Helen Taussig, Dr. Gerty Cori, and Florence Nightingale. The book’s premise is engaging—a curious young girl asks questions that spark a journey through several careers in medicine. It aims to inspire kids, especially girls, to explore science.
The vibrant illustrations by Danielle Pioli are a highlight. They bring the concepts to life and make the historical and medical details accessible. However, medicine is a vast field, and while the author touches on a range of topics—from surgery to disease treatment—the breadth ends up causing the 40- page picture book to feel incomplete.
I read this with my grandchildren, including two girls in the target age group of 7-10. They found the book informative but didn’t feel drawn to revisit it. This series seems like a fantastic fit for homeschoolers and parents looking to spark an early interest in science. However, Women in Medicine would have benefitted from a more focused approach. Overall, while it’s a visually stunning and informative read, it didn’t quite hit the mark for us. 3 stars.
** Thanks to the publisher, Science, Naturally, for a review copy. The opinions are my own.