Vivien Thomas's greatest dream was to attend college to study medicine. When the stock market crashed in 1929, Vivien lost all his savings. Then he heard about a job opening at the Vanderbilt Univ
Vivien Thomas's greatest dream was to attend college to study medicine. When the stock market crashed in 1929, Vivien lost all his savings. Then he heard about a job opening at the Vanderbilt University medical school under the supervision of Dr. Alfred Blalock. Vivien knew that the all—white school would never admit him as a student, but he hoped working there meant he was getting closer to his dream. Overcoming racism and resistance from his colleagues, Vivien ushered in a new era of medicine.
GWENDOLYN HOOKS has written several popular early readers. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband.
COLIN BOOTMAN has illustrated numerous award—winning books for children. Born in the Caribbean, Bootman grew up in Trinidad and the United States. He lives with his family in Trinidad.
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2017 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner for the Texas, Oklahoma region
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