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Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down!: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving Invention

By Carrie A. Pearson
Illustrators Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter Edition

Hardcover edition

Publisher W. W. Norton & Company Imprint Norton Young Readers ISBN

9781324003939

Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down!: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving Invention

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SKU
9781324003939J

A delightful and distinctive picture book about Dr. Virginia Apgar, who invented the eponymous test for evaluating newborn health that’s used worldwide every day.



The Apgar Score is known the world over: a test given to babies to determine their health moments after they are born. Less well-known is the story of the brilliant, pioneering woman who invented it.



Born at the turn of the twentieth century, Virginia “Ginny” Apgar soared above what girls were expected to do—or not do. She wasn’t quiet, she wore all sorts of outfits, she played the sports she wanted to—and she pursued the career she chose, graduating near the top of her class at Columbia University and becoming only the second board-certified female anesthesiologist in the United States. The simple five-step test she created—scribbled on the back of a piece of paper in answer to a trainee’s question—became the standard and continues to impact countless newborn babies’ lives today.



Ginny adored science, hated cooking, drove fast, made her own violins, earned a pilot’s license, and traveled the world. Here, Carrie Pearson’s jaunty storytelling and Nancy Carpenter’s playful illustrations capture the energy and independence of a woman who didn’t slow down for anything—and changed newborn care forever.



Author’s note. Professional time line, with photographs. Sources. Full-color illustrations. 
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Praise & Reviews

Gr 1–3—Many adults may be familiar with the term "Apgar Score," but most children will be meeting Dr. Virginia Apgar, the anesthesiologist who invented the eponymous test, for the first time. Born at the turn of the 20th century, Apgar showed little interest in traditional girls' pursuits: she was not quiet, she preferred sports over cooking, and she wore "all sorts of outfits," including pants. Graduating near the top of her medical school class, Apgar became the second board-certified female anesthesiologist in the United States and used her training to develop a five-step newborn evaluation. Asked about her process, she outlined on the back of a scrap of paper what would become a global medical standard. Pearson uses Apgar's determination and interests to endear her to readers, touching on her use of her sense of humor to relax and support new medical students, her passion for world travel, and other hobbies, such as hand-making string instruments. Carpenter's illustrations capture Apgar's energetic and playful spirit, showing a child and later, a woman, in near-constant motion. Back matter includes an author's note, time line, and sources. End papers display an array of baby footprints. VERDICT With a focus on Apgar as a determined woman in the medical field, and an emphasis on her as a quirky individual, this book is an excellent choice for STEM/STEAM collections.—Rosemary Kiladitis

Biography Elementary Plus (Grades 2-6)

Biography Elementary Plus

Biography Elementary Plus (Grades 2-6)

For Grades 2-6

Fascinating biographies and autobiographies will allow your elementary readers to look into the lives, thoughts, and accomplishments of the individuals who have shaped our world. And with 14 books per year, they'll discover a remarkable person each month.

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Biographies, Diversity, Nonfiction, Science/STEAM

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