Pandemic Survival

November 1, 2013

Gr 4-8-From anthrax to whooping cough, and a host of diseases in between, this book covers a huge range of global epidemics, describing their effects on people and civilizations throughout history. Intriguing facts and historical context are woven together, creating a lively and engaging read in its own right, but, coupled with some gross-out details about pustules, buboes, and a variety of other symptoms, it becomes a must-browse title for most collections. Loosely organized chronologically, the chapters move from speculation/best-guess theories about ancient diseases to more current epidemics, such as SARS and H1N1. Lengthy discussions about the Black Death, smallpox, and tuberculosis incorporate descriptions about medical advances and setbacks, as well as pioneering individuals such as Louis Pasteur and Jonas Salk, who were critical to the eventual control of these pandemics. The writing is lively and easily understood, and many of the chapters are introduced with anecdotes, either fictional or real life, that offer compelling hooks to specific topics. Cartoon illustrations dotted throughout the text add little to the book. A glossary and index are helpful additions, but the lack of a bibliography, source notes, or further reading suggestions are noticeable omissions in an otherwise informative read.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2013
Grades 6-9 Columbus sailed the ocean bluetransporting smallpox, syphilis, and scurvy, too! This title offers a tour of diseases through time, from old-world plagues, poxes, and pestilences to the contemporary global epidemics of AIDS/HIV, H1N1, and SARS. Sisters Love and Drake take a lighthearted narrative approach to this tragic saga, which is accompanied by Slavin's colorful and often comical illustrations. Dramatic scenarios, news stories, and even fables personalize and contextualize the accounts of human devastation throughout history, and biographical sketches of notable scientists and health-care workers, including Louis Pasteur and Florence Nightingale, add further interest. A brief glossary and index may leave young researchers wishing for more extensive back matter. Still, this overview will fascinate many and leave them pondering the hygienic behavioral changes that pandemic-surviving societies have achieved. As the authors state, clean living is the reason you're alive. Feeling lousy? Wash your hands long enough to sing the alphabet. Really. Do it now.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)