This slim book features full-page, color illustrations throughout, and the text quotes Seacole’s memoir to give the narrative the flavor of her era, personality, and experiences. It is a riveting story that deserves attention. Both biography and subject are unique and inspiring.
—Kirkus Reviews
Pope’s digital illustrations follow Jeanette Winter’s tack: rounded, slightly naïve figures in simple compositions counterpoint the harsh complexities of the subject matter. Manageable length and smooth, direct narration bode well for classroom use, encouraging exploration of both contemporary racial attitudes and medical practice—as well as why a proper lady might attend a battle in her signature pearls.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Rubin sprinkles Seacole’s own words throughout the book, bringing in some of her larger-than-life personality. The text is longer than a typical picture-book biography, making this a good choice for readers who may be ready for but intimidated by chapter-book biographies. Pope’s illustrations have the difficult job of showing the devastating circumstances Seacole often finds herself in as a battlefield nurse, and his soft, cartoony watercolors deftly walk that line. Back matter includes source notes and a brief bibliography.
—The Horn Book
Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield
Narrated by Adjoa Andoh
Susan Goldman RubinUnabridged — 32 minutes
Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield
Narrated by Adjoa Andoh
Susan Goldman RubinUnabridged — 32 minutes
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Overview
Editorial Reviews
★ 10/01/2020
Gr 3–7—Mary Seacole, a nurse who served on the front lines of the Crimean War, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1805. As a young girl, Seacole watched her mother prepare herbs to help sick people. She decided she wanted to help others with natural remedies, kindness, and good food. Seacole is an unsung hero of the nursing world. Rubin details Seacole's lifelong interest in medicine and how her mother influenced her pursuit of a career in the medical field. Pope's full-page, colorful illustrations allow young readers to imagine Seacole's life. Although the story focuses on health care, it also explores the sexism, classism, and racism that Seacole experienced. Seacole's mother was Creole and her father was a Scottish officer, who died when she was 10. Having one white parent did not shield Seacole from racial slurs hurled at her by both English and American white people. In 1855, at the age of 50, Seacole ventured to Constantinople, Turkey. She visited an army hospital and met Florence Nightingale, who gave her a less than warm reception. Readers learn about Seacole's tenacity, resilience, and giving nature. The text also includes a brief mention of the first modern war correspondent and how Seacole's fame spread throughout many countries. Source notes and a bibliography are included. VERDICT All students should read about Seacole's story of determination and perseverance. This picture book biography could find a home in elementary through middle school libraries.—Samantha Hull, Ephrata H.S., PA
Narrator Adjoa Andoh introduces Mary Seacole, who was born in 1805 to a Jamaican mother and a Scottish father; she married a British officer. While growing up, Mary observed her mother making medicines, and she later traveled to war-torn areas to help out. Andoh’s Seacole is irrepressible despite fighting racism and prejudice—even that exhibited by Florence Nightingale. Andoh is at her best when Mary boldly joins the front line in the Crimean War after paying for her own medical supplies. Seacole is enlivened by Andoh’s spirited voice as she takes food and medicine to the soldiers, which is challenging for a “plump woman,” as she calls herself. Journalist William Russell brought her fame and donations, but she was broke when she returned to England. Listeners of all ages will appreciate meeting this extraordinary woman. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
2020-07-14
A detailed biography of a Jamaican woman who nursed soldiers in battle during the Crimean War.
Born in 1805 to a Creole (mixed-race) mother and a Scottish father, Seacole spent her childhood studying her mother’s medicinal practices and relishing her father’s war stories, hoping to one day travel herself. Her life became a combination of both. After her husband and mother died, Seacole took charge of the boardinghouse her mother left behind. When soldiers arrived sick with cholera, she would nurse them. Wherever she went, her medical knowledge was needed: an outbreak of cholera in Panama when she visited her brother; yellow fever outbreaks in Kingston. Finally, she went to London to volunteer as an army nurse in the Crimean War (the basics of the war are described for context). She was turned away due to her color, but she packed her treatments and headed to Turkey on her own. Florence Nightingale turned her away too, but Seacole knew her services were needed, and she went elsewhere, ultimately spending years treating soldiers on the battlefield. She became famous when a British war journalist praised her, and she eventually wrote a book about her experiences—but she returned to England in debt. Her service was at last acknowledged and her finances saved by contributions made by the English people and the crown. This slim book features full-page, color illustrations throughout, and the text quotes Seacole’s memoir to give the narrative the flavor of her era, personality, and experiences. It is a riveting story that deserves attention.
Both biography and subject are unique and inspiring. (source notes, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 8-12)
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940176243307 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Dreamscape Media |
| Publication date: | 12/03/2020 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Age Range: | 8 - 11 Years |
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