Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield
Age 8+
True Stories People & Places
The true story of Mary Seacole, the "Celebrated Heroine of the Crimean War".
Over two hundred years ago in Kingston, Jamaica, a little girl called Mary watched as her mother selected a bottle of medicine for a sick British soldier. This marked the beginning of Mary Seacole's passion for nursing, which would go on to shape the rest of her life. As a young woman, she would have to overcome personal tragedy – the sudden loss of her mother and husband – and prejudice from her peers to reach the battlefields of the Crimean War, nursing soldiers back to health and even carrying them from the midst of the fighting.
With words by Susan Goldman Rubin and lively illustrations by Richie Pope, this is the true story of the "Celebrated Heroine of the Crimean War".
Creators
Susan Goldman Rubin has written a number of award-winning biographies for children. Her subjects have included a number of artists, such as Diego Rivera, Matisse, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Vincent Van Gough. She lives in California; visit her at her website: susangoldmanrubin.com/index.html
Richie Pope is an illustrator and cartoonist. He has provided work for The New Yorker, The New York Times, Google, TIME magazine, The Washington Post and many more – his work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators and Spectrum. This is his first book for Walker. He lives in Texas; visit him at his website: richiepope.com/
Reviews
Mary Seacole, a nurse who served on the front lines of the Crimean War, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1805…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. 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.
School Library Journal (starred review)
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
The book is well written and is based on Mary’s autobiography. . . . Since she is not especially well known, the story of Mary’s life would add diversity to any women’s studies or black history studies program or library collection.
School Library Connection
