Righting Wrongs: The Story of Norman Bethune

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

Norman Bethune “had a dream of medical care for everyone, regardless
of how much money they had.” Righting Wrongs traces the life of this
Canadian hero, from his birth and early upbringing in small-town
Ontario, through his family life, schooling, development of diverse
talents (notably artistic), training as a physician, wartime experiences
as a doctor during the Great War, the Spanish Civil War, and World War
II in China, participation in the Communist Party, to the early
development and lasting commitment of his desire to help the oppressed
and fight fascism.

This is an excellent biography for young readers. Bethune’s many
accomplishments—including the design of medical instruments still used
today, his revolutionary blood-transfusion techniques, and his simple,
dedicated effort to relieve the sick and injured in generally horrendous
conditions—are described in detail in this warts-and-all account.
Wilson makes note of Bethune’s bad temper and the deleterious effects
it had on his personal and professional life, his arrogance, his
spendthrift ways, and his responsibility for the failure of his
marriage. But what abides with the reader is Bethune’s selfless
heroism and personal courage, and his neverending desire to help
people—all people. This hardcover book is embellished with many
captioned photographs, illustrations, and maps. Highly recommended.