This in-depth investigation of viruses mixes a humorous backdrop of cartoon villains with descriptions of viral spread, mutations, and unpredictable hosts. Each chapter begins with a virus story, including AIDS, EBOLA, smallpox, and Spanish influenza. Central themes include vaccine development, monitoring historical trends in virus spread, and researching facts before being drawn into fake news. References to the coronavirus are scattered throughout. Much of the text is composed of common knowledge about viruses as opposed to scientific details. At times, it might be challenging to discern the readability levels and obtain a general understanding of the text. Students may benefit from prior background knowledge about viruses before using this text. The author credits his beta readers for fact-checking scientific and virologic accuracy and refrains from including a bibliography or a supplementary resource list. The discussion of AIDS needs a level of maturity to understand phrases such as safe sex and HIV transmission.

Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

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Jennifer Gardy, PhD is a self-described disease detective. Currently deputy director, Surveillance, Data, and Epidemiology for the the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's malaria team, she has worked at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and hosted science documentaries for CBC Television and Discovery Channel Canada, in addition to research and teaching. She splits her time between Seattle and Chicago.

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"Comprehensive… relevant and engaging."
—Booklist

Praise for Palm Trees at the North Pole written by Marc ter Horst, illustrated by Wendy Panders

"Bring[s] the urgency of climate change front and center for upper-elementary and middle school readers."
—Horn Book

"An entertaining... overview of climate change.... this visually appealing account is inviting and ultimately reassuring."
—Booklist

"I would recommend this book to any child who is concerned about the environment and also wants to do something about it…. Great for a classroom."
—Youth Services Book Review

Praise for Hey There, Earth Dweller! by Marc ter Horst, illustrated by Wendy Panders

"Earth science engagingly presented for middle-grade readers."
—Kirkus