"Murphy's dramatic nonfiction narrative recounting of one of the first open heart surgeries ever performed is not to be missed." --School Library Journal (starred review)

In 1944, a groundbreaking operation repaired the congenital heart defect known as blue baby syndrome. The operation's success brought the surgeon Alfred Blalock international fame and paved the way for open-heart surgery. But the technique had been painstakingly developed by Vivien Thomas, Blalock's African American lab assistant, who stood behind Blalock in the operating room to give him step-by-step instructions.

The stories of this medical and social breakthrough and the lives of Thomas, Blalock, and their colleague Dr. Helen Taussig are intertwined in this compelling nonfiction narrative.

Winner, Notable Books for a Global Society * Horn Book Fanfare List * A Booklist Best Young Adult Book