Tiny Stitches

Reach for this book when your child feels their hard work is being overlooked or when they are questioning if they have the 'right' background to pursue a big dream. Tiny Stitches tells the true, often untold story of Vivien Thomas, a Black man who, despite facing the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws and being denied a medical degree, became a pioneer in cardiac surgery. This biography focuses on the quiet power of precision and perseverance. Through the lens of Thomas's incredible journey from a carpenter to a laboratory assistant who developed a life saving procedure for Blue Baby Syndrome, parents can introduce themes of systemic injustice and personal integrity. It is an ideal choice for elementary aged children, offering a grounded look at how talent combined with a steady hand can change history, even when credit is slow to arrive. It provides a beautiful opening to discuss why some heroes remain hidden and how we can celebrate them today.