Plague-Busters!

August 15, 2023
A lively illustration of the perils of illness in the olden days. In her middle-grade debut, medical historian Fitzharris partners with her husband, Teal, to cheerfully and often humorously chronicle efforts to discover the causes of and cures for six historically fatal diseases: plague, smallpox, rabies, tuberculosis, cholera, and scurvy. Her descriptions of the discomforts and devastations of each disease, as well as the not always appreciated work of disease fighters, are enlivened by Teal's black-and-white caricatures, accented with bold blood-red. Each chapter opens with on-the-scene action, detailing what the disease was like in its heyday. The main narrative shifts to a more traditional but chatty and informal exposition that occasionally addresses young readers directly. Full of intriguing facts and high on the "ew" factor, each chapter concludes with short biographies of famous people who were felled by that particular disease. Pullout boxes break up the text and add to the appeal. A final chapter sums up these medical struggles: "Figuring stuff out and changing minds sometimes takes centuries." Though these epidemics were worldwide, most of the people depicted present white. The Covid-19 pandemic is mentioned only briefly a couple of times, but readers will certainly make the connection between past and present. There's a lengthy list of sources and excellent suggestions for further reading, as might be expected from an experienced author of acclaimed science history for adults. A relevant and timely history. (maps, index) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

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September 1, 2023
Grades 4-7 This is an entertaining, accessible, and satisfyingly disgusting history of six diseases that have ravaged the human race pretty much since the beginning of recorded history: plague, smallpox, rabies, tuberculosis, cholera, and scurvy. Each discrete chapter begins with an engaging, you-are-there scenario describing what it would have been like to come down with specific deadly symptoms in a past century, followed by detailed overviews that begin with very early mentions of the disease; subsequent notorious outbreaks and their effects upon politics, military campaigns, and everyday life; evolving medical explanations (and gruesome, spectacularly ineffective treatments); and noteworthy breakthroughs and the individuals who eventually sussed out, stumbled upon, or scientifically determined effective treatments and cures. Brief bios of notables who succumbed to the disease (e.g., kings and queens, writers, scientists, a gunslinger) round things out. A final section reemphasizes an ongoing theme about the difficulties of getting people to change their habits, followed by chapter notes and recommended resources. Humorous illustrations appear every page or two, making this an equally worthy choice for researchers and browsing pathologists.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from October 1, 2023

Gr 6 Up-An engaging text about the most infamous diseases that have plagued humans throughout history. Short chapters on each ailment begin with anecdotes on what life was like as the disease was inflicting the human population, or the terrible symptoms endured by sufferers. Readers will learn all the details about each illness: where it originated, outbreaks, possible causes and (often outrageous) remedies, and how the disease was eventually cured or prevented and by whom. Red sidebars include further interesting, and sometimes comical, information about the ailment at hand. For example, a man's diary revealed he wouldn't dare wear his new wig after a rumor blamed the spread of the plague on wigs made from the hair of plague victims. Chapters conclude with a section on famous deaths from each illness. Illustrations are included throughout the text. Readers will find this title engaging, informative, but also gross; the authors don't mind mentioning the "violent puking" or "runny poops" sufferers experienced. COVID-19 is missing from the text but is mentioned in the author's note. Sources, further reading, and an index are included. VERDICT Well-researched and entertaining, readers will thoroughly enjoy this stellar title.-Lisa Buffi

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2023
Living through a global pandemic has brought epidemiological thinking to the forefront of pop-science. Those who would like to learn about diseases (mostly) defeated by scientific discovery will be fascinated by this volume, which investigates the history of six deadly diseases that caused human suffering for centuries. Despite the serious subject matter, the book's tone, enhanced by the spot illustrations, is light, allowing readers to delve into the most harrowing descriptions of pain and suffering with enough distance to be more fascinated than horrified. Each chapter focuses on one disease and is preceded by a world map showing the plague's long reach. Sidebars throughout the main text provide anecdotes about the illness and the individuals who in one way or another contributed to our understanding of it. Each chapter ends with a section spotlighting some of the more famous victims of the disease. Endnotes include an extensive list of sources organized by chapter as well as a detailed index and "further reading for future medical historians," making this book well-suited for student research. Fans of Albee's Poison will feel right at home with this darkly comedic piece of nonfiction. Eric Carpenter

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)