Dr. Kate: Angel on Snowshoes (Badger Biographies Series)
Badger Biographies Series
on Goodreads (33)
What’s inside...
Pioneering North Woods doctor Kate Pelham Newcomb is profiled in this addition to the Badger Biographies series for young readers. Born in 1885 in Boston, Kate defied her father's wishes to become a doctor. After medical school, she moved to northern Wisconsin with her husband, where she became familiar with every back road and cabin, visiting patients by snowmobile, canoe, and snowshoe, and accepting payment in firewood and vegetables instead of money. Kate's ultimate dream was to build a hospital for her patients, and with the help of the community's children collecting a million pennies, her dream became a reality in 1954 with the opening of the Lakeland Memorial Hospital.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
104 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Dr. Kate a hero in her community?
How do you think Dr. Kate felt traveling through the snow to help her patients?
Why is it important to help others in need, like Dr. Kate did?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Dr. Kate’s shoes, imagining the challenges she faced. Discuss the importance of helping others and the impact of kindness. Use examples from the book to highlight how individual actions can make a big difference in a community. Share personal stories of helping others to make the experience relatable and inspire empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and dedication
Explanation: Dr. Kate demonstrates perseverance and dedication as she provides medical care in harsh winter conditions in the Wisconsin Northwoods.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist in their tasks and responsibilities, understanding that dedication can lead to positive outcomes and help others.
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: The story showcases Dr. Kate's deep empathy for her patients, as she often goes above and beyond to ensure they receive the care they need.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of caring for others' feelings and well-being, fostering a kind and inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of community service
Explanation: Dr. Kate is a pivotal figure in her community, highlighting the impact one individual can have in improving the lives of many.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in community service and understand how their contributions can make a significant difference.
Example Lesson: Overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dr. Kate faces numerous challenges but uses innovative solutions to tackle them, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach problems with a positive mindset and learn to innovate solutions in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The value of education
Explanation: Dr. Kate's medical knowledge and skills are emphasized, underlining the importance of a good education.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take their studies seriously and view education as a tool that empowers them to help others and achieve their goals.