Born into a wealthy family and comfortable life, Florence Nightingale was set up for a life of ease. As a well educated young woman, Nightingale felt called to be of service to others as a nurse. At a time when hospital conditions were abysmal and nursing was not a respectable position, she left behind her life of comfort and courageously followed her calling. While in Crimea, Nightingale witnessed the terrible conditions in battlefield hospitals and worked tirelessly to improve the sanitary conditions and the health of suffering soldiers. Although Nightingale contracted an illness that forced her to remain at home, she continued to work to improve the conditions of hospitals by writing reports,demanding reform to medical care, and even opening a nursing school. Another simple and informative biography by Adler that wonderfully introduces young students to important historical figures.