Patricia's Vision - (People Who Shaped Our World) by Michelle Lord (Hardcover)

About the Book

Born in 1940s Harlem, Patricia Bath dreamed of being a doctor--even though that wasn't a career option for most women. This inspiring biography follows Dr. Bath in her quest to become an ophthalmologist and restore sight to the blind. "Choosing miracles" when everyone else had given up hope, she invented a specialized laser for removing cataracts, becoming the first African-American woman doctor to receive a medical patent.

Book Synopsis

The inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath, a groundbreaking ophthalmologist who pioneered laser surgery--and gave her patients the gift of sight.

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.

Review Quotes

"The text begs to be read aloud; the reader will find onomatopoeia, stylish repetition, and short sentences that add a zippy cadence to the story's rhythm. Harris's rich illustrations depict important moments in Bath's life and include interesting details: medical equipment, an eyeball or two, and a schematic of her invention. An inspirational story of a woman who worked hard and never gave up on her dream to rid the world of blindness. A book all children should hear or read."--School Library Journal

About the Author

With three sisters and two daughters, Michelle Lord believes in girl power. She is the author of Sterling's A Girl Called Genghis Khan, as well as A Song for Cambodia, Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin, and numerous science books. Michelle lives in New Braunfels, TX, with her family.

Alleanna Harris is an illustrator and artist from Willingboro, NJ. She graduated from the University of the Arts in 2015 with a BFA in Animation. Visit her online at alleannaharris.com and on Instagram @alleannaharris.