Scientist and Physician, Judith Pachciarz

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-- This series seems to be an attempt to encourage girls to consider careers in science by presenting examples of the lives of women who have succeeded. The very simple texts in large print encourage beginning readers as well. Verheyden-Hilliard tries to make these brief life stories hold interest within the limited vocabulary and uncomplicated sentence structure. Both of the subjects overcame physical handicaps as well, which makes their stories even more inspirational. Judith Pachciarz was ``the first deaf person to earn both a Ph.D. and an M.D.'' The competent black-and-white sketches throughout the book depict the events in a lively way. Anne Barrett was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a bone weakness which caused one doctor to advise her parents to leave her in a hospital all of her life. Fortunately they sought another opinion. The weakness did keep her from growing any taller than three feet, seven inches, but it didn't slow her down in other areas. She became a prize-winning pianist, but decided to become a scientist, and made it, having to convince colleges that she would stand on a box to do laboratory work, if necessary. The illustrations here are more gray than black and white, and have less character and life, but still depict the characters and help hold interest. These women are inspirational role models for young girls and/or youngsters with handicaps. --Sylvia S. Marantz, Wellington School, Columbus, Ohio