A Doctor Like Papa [Paperback]

Natalie Kinsey-Warnock (Author), James Bernardin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 2003 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Sometimes dreams come true. . . .

All Margaret wants is a sister, a dog, and, most important of all, her mama's permission to study medicine so she can be a doctor like her papa.

"Doctoring's no kind of life for a woman," Mama says. Margaret's papa is the only doctor in the whole Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, and he faces countless perils every day.

Still, Margaret holds tight to her dreams . . . until a terrible virus breaks out, threatening her plans, her community, and, worst of all, her family. Suddenly it's up to Margaret to make the right choice.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-A fine beginning chapter book. Margaret is the strong, smart daughter of a Vermont family doctor in 1918. She accompanies her father on his rounds as he visits neighbors and is paid for his services in chickens and apples. The 11-year-old loves to help her Papa, and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Unfortunately, Mama does not agree that this is an attainable goal for a girl, and so discourages her daughter. The family is also affected by World War I when Uncle Owen is called into service. Margaret and her younger brother enjoy life as children, even with the news of the world and the hardships of life going on around them. The influenza epidemic, which hits their community, also brings drama to this tale. Good suspense and believable characters are the hallmarks of this short but well-written story. A good, easy choice for any collection.
JoAnn Jonas, Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. Margaret's dream of becoming a doctor like her father is put to the test in 1918 in rural Vermont. Her wishes for a sister, a dog, and for Mama to allow her to study medicine are set aside when Uncle Owen is declared missing in the war in France, and a deadly flu epidemic threatens the entire state. Margaret must use her wits and what she learned from watching her father at work to protect herself and her brother and save a young girl's life. Plot driven, the short chapters read quickly, conveying the conditions of the time and place. The ending is tidy and the characterizations are superficial, but the impact of a remote war, the strong family ties, and a girl's determination to follow her dream are clearly drawn. Margaret gets her wishes along with an understanding of human nature and an affirmation of her ambition. An easy read for historical context. Julie Cummins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (November 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064442918
• ISBN-13: 978-0064442916
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,952,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars nice chapter book for young girls, February 6, 2004

By 

Melissa Sack (georgia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Doctor Like Papa (Paperback)

Margaret wants is a sister, a dog, and, most important of all, her mama's permission to study medicine so she can be a doctor like her papa. When a deadly flu epidemic threatens the entire state, Margaret must use what she learned from watching her father at work to protect herself and her brother and save a little girl's life.

This is a lovely story that will excite children's imagination. It shows little girls and boys as well that they can be what ever they set their minds to be. This book is great for bringing about discussions on medical history, the 1900's family life, and character lesson on determination.

We would recommed this book to mainly girl readers ages 9-12. If you enjoy the Little House on the Prarie series we feel that you will enjoy A Docotr Like Papa.