Susan Bivin Aller

Florence Nightingale is from the series "History Maker Bios". This book is written by Susan Aller. It is not the type of book that seeing the cover would cause you to pick it up and read it. Florence Nightingale is an inspiring individual, and it is amazing what she was able to do during a time when women had limited options of meaningful careers. She was born in 1820 in Florence, Italy but the family moved home to England when she was one. She loved learning and was quite organized. At show more eleven her father began teaching her, and she traveled throughout Europe. She wanted to make a difference, but her parents would not allow her to become a nurse because at that time nurses were not respected and were looked at as having an almost servant role. Twice during her lifetime she felt God had called her to serve Him. She was fortunate to have family friends that allowed her to work with deaconesses at the Kaiserworth Institution. She knew this was what she was called to do. When the Crimean War broke out against Russia, England was unable to care properly for the wounded. They were short supplies, medicine and organization. Florence soon left for Crimea with 38 nurses. She was able to change the way doctors and others felt about nurses by the work they all did. She had the hospitals cleaned and mattresses made for the injured who were staying in the halls due to lack of space among many other things. Men were getting better, rather than dying. She eventually went on to change the hospital system and respect for nurses. Her gifts of organization, compassion for the sick, and determination turned the way people thought about nurses. In 1860 the Nightingale Training School for Nurses opened in London. Countries all over the world would ask Florence for her advice; this included the United States during the Civil War. Her determination to persevere against what others thought she should do is an inspiration. There is a selected bibliography and an acknowledgement for photographs, artwork and quotes. The timeline is beneficial. Once students begin reading, they will enjoy learning about Florence Nightingale or any other individual in the series. show less

Very well done for the age-group intended. Colorful illustrations (although the maps are hard to decipher), and interesting "inserts" that act as footnotes to the primary narrative.

Well-written, favorable biography with unusual illustrations, timeline, and index.

This was a good book. Before reading this book, I did not know who Madam C.J. Walker was. She was an entrepreneur and creator of hair products. She created a business and is one of the most successful women of her day. This book just state facts. I think students would use it for reports and research. However, I do not think students would just want to read it. I would recommend this book for grades 1-3.