Born in England and raised by a progressive father, an abolitionist who also believed women were equal to men, Elizabeth Blackwell is famous for becoming America's first woman doctor. But her story is far more complex. Students will be interested to learn that Blackwell was denied the ability to practice medicine, simply because she was a woman. Her insistence on breaking barriers, as well as opening doors for other women, will teach students the importance of perseverance, and excerpts from primary sources, images, and sidebars will enrich the reader's experience.