Erin Dealey

Welcome back!

Today we’re happy to be featuring the picture book bio,

A Doctor at Heart: The Story of Groundbreaking Scientist and Teacher Vivien Thomas

by Joan Schoettler 

Illus. Steffi Walthall (Beach Lane Books)

About the book:

I had never heard of this truly ground-breaking, African American cardiac surgeon, Vivien Thomas. What a tribute to Thomas’ persistence and belief in himself, against all odds. But don’t take my word for it:

This picture book biography. . . focuses on Thomas’s trailblazing accomplishments and uses specific scenarios centered in concrete emotions to make them relatable. The story does not shy away from the many racial barriers Thomas faced. . . A final spread shows Thomas receiving an honorary doctorate from Johns Hopkins in 1976, capping this look at an often-overlooked medical pioneer.

— BCCB 

As a boy, Vivien Thomas dreamed of becoming a doctor, even though Black doctors were rare in his community. . . This attractive picture-book biography encourages students to aim high, work hard, and keep moving toward their goals. Illustrated with handsome scenes reflecting Thomas’ era, Schoettler’s engaging narrative emphasizes his devotion to his dream of becoming a doctor and the great respect he earned from others along the way.

— Booklist

A tribute to a pioneering African American cardiac surgeon. Growing up in the South as the sort of person who “loved solving problems and figuring things out,” Vivien Thomas never enrolled in college but worked his way up as a white medical researcher’s lab assistant to become an expert on the malady known as “blue baby syndrome.” …He was not, [Schoettler] goes on pointedly, even awarded a doctoral degree until 1976, when he was 65 years old, or given proper credit in the procedure’s formal name until 2023… A sympathetic profile of an achiever well worth knowing better.

– Kirkus 

About the author:

Joan Schoettler grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. A number of years ago she asked a celebrated children’s writer where her stories came from. The author challenged Joan to find them within. She took that challenge, and we’re so glad she did!

Not only is she an award-winning author of five picture books and one middle grade novel, Joan taught children’s literature and storytelling at California State University, Fresno. Her storytelling is illuminated in her stories about nature, art, and artists. Her writing demonstrates a global view as her stories traverse the world. 

Let’s ask some questions:  

Before it was a book…

Q 1. Where and when did you first learn of Vivien Thomas and his inspirational story?

Joan Schoettler: A number of years ago, I watched an HBO drama, Something the Lord Made, about the life story of Vivien Thomas. His story captivated me. Halfway through the documentary, I grabbed my pen and journal and began taking notes. I thought,  “Vivien’s life would be an amazing and important story to share with children.”

The next day I watched the film again, and my determination to write a book about Vivien Thomas took hold.

Research

Q 2. What was your research like for this project?

Joan Schoettler: Online articles provided my initial overview of Vivien’s life. Authors wrote with deep respect and appreciation of Vivien Thomas, and their high regard for him spoke volumes to me.

Vivien’s work as a scientist in cardiovascular surgery and his dedication to educating young surgeons are areas I chose to focus on and to share with children.

Partners of the Heart, Vivien Thomas and His Work with Alfred Blalock, Vivien’s autobiography, became a cornerstone for my research. Reading his life story in his voice, with his own quotes, and a sprinkling of photographs invited me to learn more. Research at the Alan Mason Chesney Archives, the official archives for Johns Hopkins Hospital, supported my research.

While his accomplishments became integral in his book, the small additions in his personal life spoke to me too.

Challenges

Q 3. What was the biggest challenge you had in creating this book?

Joan Schoettler: Condensing the information about Vivien into a book for young readers challenged me to choose episodes in his life that best represented who Vivien was.

In writing picture book biographies, reflections on what will draw the young reader into the story, what will inspire them, and what they will take away from the reading is essential. I began when he was a young boy so children could relate to him and learn about his early years.

I usually overwrite early on in my writing process, so the decisions of what was most important and interesting, but also demonstrating Vivien’s hardships, was challenging.

Vivien led his life to the fullest. He overcame many obstacles throughout his life and lived up to his expectations. This extraordinary man is an example for readers of all ages.

Surprises

Q 4. What surprises did illustrator Steffi Walthall bring to the book?

Joan Schoettler: Steffi’s art complemented the story with well-researched details, imagination, and creativity.

It is her attention to details that enriched each page, from the floating shapes and patterns on the first page, to the instruments Vivien used, and the celebration of Vivien Thomas by his former students and colleagues on the final page.

The facial expressions on the janitors, on the guests at Blalock’s party, to Vivien’s face when he accepted his honorary doctorate, capture deep feelings displaying emotions. She invites the reader to realize the depth of Vivien’s creativity and the issues of racism that followed him through much of his life.

Take-aways

Q 5. What do you hope readers will take away from reading this book?

Joan Schoettler: Vivien Thomas lived a life of curiosity, inventiveness, and community. But Vivien also experienced disappointment, discrimination, and racism.

Vivien stood up to Dr. Blalock on numerous occasions which demonstrates his belief in doing what is right and being treated equally.

My hope is for readers to follow their dreams, remain determined in difficult times, and celebrate the accomplishments they work on throughout their life. Vivien is an example for all.

ED Note: 100% !!!

Many thanks to Joan Schoettler for joining us on the blog today.

And Happy Book Birthday to

A Doctor at Heart: The Story of Groundbreaking Scientist and Teacher Vivien Thomas.

To learn more about Joan’s work, check out her web site: joanschoettler.com

And follow her on social media:

Instagram: @joan.schoettler

Facebook: Joan Schoettler

Bluesky: Joan Schoettler

Linkedin: joan-schoettler

Pinterest: joanschoettler

Happy School’s Almost Out to all!

And thank you to #Teachers and #Librarians everywhere for connecting young readers with books!