Publishers Weekly
★ 06/10/2024
In this thrilling work, Cherrix (Eye of the Storm) breaks down the fascinating careers of scientists employed in the Epidemic Intelligence Service, “the world’s most elite squads of epidemiologists” in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Using cheeky, approachable text, the author compares EIS officers tracking down the source of an outbreak clue by clue to “Sherlock Holmes with a microscope in place of a magnifying glass.” Covering early disease investigators like John Snow (1813–1858)—the first to understand data gathering and mapping to locate the source of a cholera outbreak in 1854—and the CDC chief epidemiologist who laid the foundation for the EIS, Cherrix details instances of scientists identifying, tracking, and working to eradicate pandemic viruses as one would an Indiana Jones adventure. Each selection culminates in this highly educational work that reads like a gripping and timely whodunit. Other events discussed include how, in the 1970s, investigators hunted down every known case of smallpox to completely eradicate a disease for the first time in history, as well as the scientists who worked to develop the Covid vaccine in 2021. Includes ample back matter. Ages 8–12. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
Written with the intensity of the best true crime, Virus Hunters proves what we've suspected all along... scientists ARE action heroes. Readers won't be able to put it down.” — Candace Fleming, Award-winning author of The Enigma Girls
“Virus Hunters reads like a face-paced action novel—I couldn’t put it down! From cholera to Covid-19, meet the disease detectives behind historic outbreaks and learn how these unsung heroes use science and perseverance to eradicate illness and create life-saving vaccines. Highly engaging and important in a time when misinformation also spreads like a virus. A must-read for future doctors and scientists.” — Lori Alexander, Sibert Honor-winning author of All in a Drop: How Antony VanLeeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World
PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “A well-researched, detailed account of two leading engineers in the space race that raises questions about the human costs of war and propaganda…. Engrossing and painfully relevant.” — Kirkus Reviews
PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “This comprehensive narrative nonfiction chronicle reveals the personalities and machinations behind the space race.… This rousing history testifies to both the romance and cost of technological advancement.” — Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “A book that reads, at times, like a Cold War spy novel…. Cherrix, who uses formerly classified documents as sources, excels in placing each advancement in its historical context, from the 1930s through the Apollo program…. This account reveals important truths in a style that will captivate teen readers.” — Booklist
PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “The cherchez les hommes approach used so successfully by Steve Sheinkin in Bomb works just as effectively here, offering readers a brightly defined trail to follow through the morass of historical machination. YA history readers frustrated by an information gap between the race for the bomb and the race to the moon will find this the essential—and thrilling—infill they’ve missed.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “The text adds depth to the history of the space race, with thoughtful, ethical discussions of the U.S. concealing von Braun’s history to further its agenda…. An engaging, fast-paced narrative that will delight readers of history and space technology.” — School Library Journal
PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “An explosive exposé on the scandals and lies behind the race to the moon! I learned so much I didn't know. This exciting, fact-filled page-turner will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the heroes and villains of the Soviet-American Space Race.” — Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Allies and Refugee
PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “This is a fascinating and complex story I knew nothing about! I learned so much, and I know readers will, too.” — Deborah Heiligman, award-winning author of Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of “The Children’s Ship”
