A Picture Book of Florence Nightingale by David A. Alder

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• Age Range: 6 - 9 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 3
• Lexile Measure: 760L
• Series: Picture Book Biography
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; Reprint edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English

From inside flap: Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, to wealthy English parents. Although it was not customary at the time for someone of her background to become a nurse, she felt it was her calling. Her parents were horrified, as nineteenth-century hospitals were dirty and primitive. Still, Florence tirelessly pursued her dream, serving the poor and sick. She became the superintendent of a hospital in London, cared for the wounded in the Crimean War, and campaigned for improved medical conditions for British and American soldiers. Florence Nightingale's high standards for health care revolutionized the nursing profession.


My Review: I know that Adler's books circulate frequently, but this book is...lacking. Lacking flow, lacking information. Overall, this book provides a very basic overview of Nightingale's life, it includes very little dates, or substance. Basically the book says: she was a dreamer, refused marriage, finally got her wish to study nursing, attended the wounded in the Crimean War, and died secluded with her many cats. Adler spends more time on her parent's child naming reasons than he does on the major aspects of her life and career. The illustrations aren't particularly attention grabbing, have the quality of hazy water colors. I'd not recommend this book for a collection. 

Better Reads on Florence Nightingale



Florence Nightingale / Demi.

Florence Nightingale revolutionized the world of medicine by emphasizing cleanliness, food that was hot and nutritious, and organization in hospitals. What began as an attempt to make army hospitals safer and more effective became a lifelong mission, and remains relevant today. This new picture book biography of Florence Nightingale, from celebrated author and artist Demi, beautifully portrays the story of Florence's life and explores the long-lasting effects of her career.

Florence Nightingale : the lady of the lamp / Barnham, Kay.
Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 to a wealthy family. Against the wishes of her parents, Florence soon realized her dream to nurse and became superintendent at a hospital in Harley Street, London. However, it was for her work during the Crimean War that Florence is most remembered. Upon arrival at the British army hospital in Scutari, Turkey, Florence and her nurses set about bringing order to the filthy, diseased chaos that greeted them. Sickened by what she had witnessed at Scutari, at the end of the war Florence returned to London where she dedicated the remainder of her life campaigning for better nursing facilities both in the army and civilian life. (Amazon).