... [This book] tells a simple story about how a tenacious Elizabeth Blackwell challenged the medical establishment to become the first woman doctor in America. In this picture book, Stone steers clear of feminist agendas and sticks to history, highlighting the determination Blackwell needed to overcome both obstacles and discouragement. Male students may have intended her acceptance to New York’s Geneva Medical School—after 28 rejections elsewhere—as a joke, but the joke was on them.

From "NPR’s Book Concierge: Our Guide To 2013’s Great Reads": Meet Elizabeth Blackwell, who... became the first woman to graduate from medical school in America. ... Filled with humor, lively text and charming illustrations, this one could inspire many readers to challenge themselves as well. (For ages 5 to 8)

Tanya Lee Stone, the author of this sharp, witty biography of America’s first female physician, ... takes readers back to the 1830s and the childhood days of Elizabeth Blackwell.... Stone is careful not to condescend to her audience. ... Marjorie Priceman, a two-time recipient of Caldecott Honor awards, infuses her bright gouaches with energy and dynamism. (They’re also awfully pretty and appealing.) ...

K-Gr 2--This picture-book biography of America's first woman doctor takes readers back to the 1840s.... Stone presents the highly readable and detailed story of a girl who is sure to inspire aspiring young doctors. The anecdotes are well chosen to demonstrate Blackwell's unflagging determination, and the conversational text and dynamic illustrations present a glimpse of her strong, caring personality. Priceman's vivid gouache and India ink illustrations capture the emotion of each scene.... An author's note continues her life story as well as the discussion of her impact on modern-day medicine, and a list of sources is included for curious readers. A worthwhile addition to any biography collection.

... Stone takes a lively and conversational approach to the life of the first female doctor in the United States. ... Priceman’s swirly and vivid gouache-and–India ink artwork is an excellent foil for the text, which directly addresses young readers’ own experience while reminding them that in the 1840s, things were different, and that one very determined girl had changed that. ... A bracing, vivacious account of a pioneering woman.