Reviews

I love children's nonfiction. It explains things so clearly and concisely. And also it's often kinda irreverent and fun. This book is no exception. I learned SO MUCH about all sorts of plagues and illnesses! I learned so much about the people who made scientific discoveries that help us stay healthy and alive! Little graphic novel-type strips of historic events are scattered throughout. Also it was really interesting to read a book that integrates COVID-19 as a historic event! Yikes!

lostinausten's review

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hopeful informative sad fast-paced

4.0

A book about all the infamous diseases, pandemics and how misinformation is (unfortunately) powerful.

I thought this book was really interesting and informative, but I'm not sure how much kids would enjoy it, unless they're really into science and history. This book covers a ton of interesting facts/history of polio, HIV, bubonic plague, yellow fever, COVID, etc. I really thought it was fascinating the journey humanity has gone on to try and figure out all the illnesses, their causes and how to best treat them. I also appreciated how this book discusses that global warming, humans destroying different habitats and, of course, ignorance are continuing to lead to the spread of different illnesses.

Overall, a really fascinating look at how humanity finally learned how to help sick people and how some people are still clueless about science and medicine.