The Asian Flu Pandemic of 1957: ISBN 978-1-6782-0096-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0097-8
Bubonic Plague and the Black Death: ISBN 978-1-6782-0098-5 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0099-2
The Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020: ISBN 978-1-6782-0100-5 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0101-2
The HIV/AIDS Pandemic: ISBN 978-1-6782-0102-9 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0103-6
The Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918: ISBN 978-1-6782-0104-3 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0105-0
School Library Journal, Series Made Simple supplement, November 1, 2021
Gr 6 Up—The books in this series provide a great deal of information about past pandemics and plagues. Each book explains the cause of the disease, its spread, efforts to treat it and stop its spread, and societal effects. While these books lack the interesting graphics found in other series, they do provide strong historical background for understanding how medical science has progressed in treating infectious diseases. Standout volumes include Bubonic Plague and the Black Death, which contains many quotes from archival accounts as well as discussion of different historical interpretations of past events. The Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 also contains numerous period photographs and quotes. VERDICT This series offers a solid historical background on different plauges, but offers fewer nonfiction features like case studies, graphs and tables, or spotlight features on scientists and historians. The information, however, is useful for inquiries and comparisons between past and present medical understanding.
The Asian Flu Pandemic of 1957: ISBN 978-1-6782-0096-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0097-8
Booklist, October 1, 2021
This slim volume is packed with information about the origin, transmission, treatment, and ultimate eradication of an influenza virus that bloomed into a worldwide pandemic in the late1950s. Part of the Historic Pandemics and Plagues series (5 titles), this user-friendly guide begins with a helpful time line. Pages are filled with dense paragraphs set off by sub-headings, and archival black-and-white photos help readers understand contemporary context, as do themultiple pop-culture references sprinkled throughout the text. Additional graphics include colorblocked quotes from individuals who were directly involved in the pandemic (doctors, patients, the media, government officials), while brief insets offer satisfying side stories (one addresses the use of the offensive “Asian Flu” descriptor). The accessible language, compartmentalized sections, copious chapter notes, and further-reading resources will be helpful for student researchers.
— Kathleen McBroom