Virginia Wouldn’t Slow Down!: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving Invention is another read online via Edelweiss that was mostly there. Carrie A. Pearson’s book was more fleshed out than the other sample I read, and perhaps is one of the best biographies of an unknown person I have read. And of course, I will find a copy when it comes out to fill in the plot points missing.
Dr. Virginia Apgar would invent a test that would help doctors evaluate newborns and their health, among other achievements. And because of this unusual subject, this book works on several levels. If you are studying medication, if you are doing women’s history or if you are looking for people you do not normally read about, this is the book to have. Because we are not just seeing a doctor, 
but the girl who became a doctor during a time when girls did not do things like that. And she would become a type of doctor that was brand new at the time, an anesthesiologist. As the book points out, Apgar had many hurdles to overcome, and overcame them she did. She seems like she was not only a good doctor, but a fun teacher, and an interesting person. In August 2023 I can share all of that and more with you.
And sharing this book means sharing the illustrations, too. I am not sure of the word I am looking for, but Nancy Carpenter made artwork that is hilarious and yet, not “funny.” They are clever, cute, allow the serious nature to be handled tastefully and not dull. And all the while allowing the educational aspects and well as “regular stuff” come out. They make an already cool story just that much cooler. They are not overwhelming, but detailed and colorful and they have spunk!
