Tiny Stiches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas

Vivien Thomas, an African American, dreams of being a doctor but because he is black and has financial difficulties during the Great Depression he cannot attend medical school and ends up working as a research assistant. Thomas pioneers a life-saving pediatric heart operation but it takes twenty six years for his contribution to be recognized. This biographical picture book demonstrates the struggle African Americans faced to achieve equality and would be suitable as a read-aloud to encourage discussion of discrimination, prejudice, racial stereotypes, pursing one’s dreams, facing obstacles, adversity, and perseverance.