Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?
The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2013
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- gender equality
- courage
- breaking barriers
- growth mindset
- resilience
- following your dreams
- overcoming prejudice
About this book
This lively picture-book biography introduces Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman in America to earn a medical degree. Tanya Lee Stone’s engaging text and Marjorie Priceman’s energetic illustrations show how Elizabeth’s curiosity and grit helped her push past the many “no’s” of the 1800s. Perfect for young readers and read-alouds, it sparks conversations about gender roles, perseverance, and big dreams. Kids enjoy the spirited voice, memorable art, and empowering message that you can change the rules.
Setting: United States, mid-1800s (1830s–1850s), early medical schools and hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, gender equality, courage.
How long does it take to read Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? have an AR quiz?
Yes — Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors??
Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.