Book Bundles: Viruses, Vaccines, and Victories

(3) K-3 This informative and accessible book begins by categorizing the four types of germs that make us sick: bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. Levine introduces each group with general information followed by brief profiles of two or three specific organisms (e.g., E. coli, giardia, trichophyton, coronavirus). She then covers how germs infect us, the immune system's job, and how vaccines work. The well-designed pages feature color-enhanced micrographs that provide a look at this usually unseen world. Appended are a glossary, suggested reading and websites, and a list of "Germy Jobs."

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lisa Anchin. Driven by a desire to "make the world a better place," Salk helped to develop the first flu vaccine before tackling--and conquering--the polio virus. Similarities to recent events are evident in how the well-paced text and inclusive illustrations portray public response to the 1950s polio epidemic: the fear, isolation, and uncertainty. The process of vaccine development also sounds familiar: studying the disease and its variants, testing the vaccine, and promoting its efficacy. An author's note discusses Marshall's personal connection to her topic. (A timeline would have helped clarify some biographical information.)

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alexandra Bye. Fauci's role in helping the country through the current global pandemic was preceded by decades of work studying infectious disease and public health response. In her timely and engaging biography, Messner portrays Fauci as an effective leader and problem solver whose interest in other people's viewpoints has served him well. Richly colored digital illustrations add warmth to the admiring and respectful narrative. Back matter includes discussions of vaccines and vaccine safety, Fauci's tips "for future scientists," a timeline, a reading list, sources (including Messner's two interviews with Fauci), and ten black-and-white photos (including six family photos).

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. Almeida, who grew up in Scotland in the 1930s and 40s, "dreamed of studying science at a university." She had to quit school at sixteen, however, to help her family financially. She found a job in a hospital lab and went on to make significant contributions to virology at labs in Canada and London. Slade focuses on Almeida's work, mentioning life challenges (including divorce and single parenthood) but not dwelling on them. Paganelli's illustrations are a mixture of reflecting the text and fancifully expanding it. "More About June" includes three black-and-white photos. A timeline and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn