Keyser, Amber J. Anatomy of a Pandemic.

Keyser, Amber J.  Anatomy of a Pandemic.   

Capstone Publishers     2011  48p   22.99 978-1-4296-5493-7 

ms    Graphic-non-fiction           VG-BNS     

Major pandemics of the world, including polio, typhus, smallpox, cholera, influenza,

TB and the bubonic plague, are discussed.  Information about causes, interesting

facts & progression of each pandemic combine with support charts and photographs

which add interest level and clarity.     

This book presents key information about  pandemics. 

It includes a description of each major pandemic since 2700 BC when

the first evidence of malaria was discovered.  The diseases that have caused

pandemics are defined and symptoms are shared.  These diseases include polio,

typhus, smallpox, cholera, influenza, TB and bubonic plague.  Ancient beliefs

about the origins of the diseases and possible treatments are examined followed

by famous discoveries that were pivotal in changing history with respect to the

world of microbes and treatments.  The comparison between bacteria, viruses and

protozoans includes a list of some of the diseases which are caused by each. 

The chart which shows the progression of malaria after a mosquito bites a person

with malaria is particularly helpful for young readers.  In fact, author Amber

Keyser includes many helpful photographs, a particularly eye-catching layout,

and charts and pictures of the human body which depict the body’s defense system

as well as the areas which could be infected.  A variety of practitioners

examine each disease, suggest ways preventative measures could be utilized and

warn us of the dangers of taking antibiotics unnecessarily.  

All in all, this book is interesting, well-organized and full of important information.  The

author’s clarity combines with a natural progression in her delivery of

information to make this book a valuable tool in a health or science classroom

as well as in a reading class in which the teacher would like to compare or

contrast these diseases or show the relationship of cause and effect.  The book

ends with a helpful glossary, a list of resources to consult and an index. 

      “Disasters” includes an examination of hurricanes, earthquakes, pandemics,

plane crashes, shipwrecks, and tornados.  The information is user-friendly and

set up in a well-organized fashion with lots of visual aides to help younger

readers.    Squaresky, Martha