Dorothea Dix: Social Reformer

Children's Literature

This series entry explores the life of a major figure at the time the nation was young (1801-1861), using full-color as well as black-and-white historical photographs and illustrations, authentic documents, and factual, engaging text. Dix was a headstrong and determined young woman, educated with both poor and wealthy children in a dame school, and one who sacrificed her health on more than one occasion in nursing. She became a Civil War resource in housing young nurses in Washington and for a while led the nursing profession before leadership was handed off to a man. Dix is remembered primarily for her role in the betterment of the mentally ill, some of whom were chained, boxed, and kept in a dark room, and some of whom would, by modern standards, be considered normal. The text mentions at least three times that Dix changed her name so as to be different from her grandmother, whom she disliked. A table of contents, glossary, bibliography and index are included as well as a map and timeline, quotations from primary sources, and a publisher's omnibus Internet Web site that will be up to date with current information. The book is a good addition to the middle school shelf, about someone often overlooked in studies of the period, and features an involving format sure to interest both less able and eager readers. Part of the series, "Let Freedom Ring: The New Nation Biographies." 2003, Bridgestone Books,