An exceptionally clear and inspiring resource combining a human-centered narrative with compelling science.
A biological and historical primer on plagues.
Lucid definitions and explanations distinguish this work that’s deeply respectful of readers’ intelligence. The information-rich text includes ample historical context alongside scientific content—for example, a chapter about the Black Death includes a clear breakdown of the difference between the three types of plague caused by Yersinia pestis and describes how the Little Ice Age—resulting from a volcanic eruption—pushed infected rats into the Silk Road trade routes. Zimmer covers the impact of human behavior on diseases in a chapter on influenza that highlights how modern travel enables faster spread, while also concisely explaining what the “H” and “N” in flu strains mean and how viral reassortment in pigs can help an avian flu mutate to infect humans. The description of dengue fever shows how urbanization and social inequity increase contagion. The chapter “Malaria and Climate Change” includes excellent descriptions of how the Plasmodia parasite operates, the expanding habitats of pathogens and disease vectors, and predictions of future disease spread. Coronaviruses are covered in a chapter on MERS, SARS, and Covid-19 that explains animal disease spillover and how scientists track mutations. A final chapter tackles the metaphorical disease of misinformation. The book concludes with a call for “a more resilient global health system” that promotes equity and “prioritizes truth over fear.” Sidebars, charts, and graphics enhance understanding.
An exceptionally clear and inspiring resource combining a human-centered narrative with compelling science. (timeline, glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, further information, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
ISBN: 9798765648070
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Jan. 19, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Small but mighty necessary reading.
A miniature manifesto for radical queer acceptance that weaves together the personal and political.
Eli, a cis gay white Jewish man, uses his own identities and experiences to frame and acknowledge his perspective. In the prologue, Eli compares the global Jewish community to the global queer community, noting, “We don’t always get it right, but the importance of showing up for other Jews has been carved into the DNA of what it means to be Jewish. It is my dream that queer people develop the same ideology—what I like to call a Global Queer Conscience.” He details his own isolating experiences as a queer adolescent in an Orthodox Jewish community and reflects on how he and so many others would have benefitted from a robust and supportive queer community. The rest of the book outlines 10 principles based on the belief that an expectation of mutual care and concern across various other dimensions of identity can be integrated into queer community values. Eli’s prose is clear, straightforward, and powerful. While he makes some choices that may be divisive—for example, using the initialism LGBTQIAA+ which includes “ally”—he always makes clear those are his personal choices and that the language is ever evolving.
Small but mighty necessary reading. (resources) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-09368-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change.
Testa’s connection to and respect for nature compelled her to begin championing animal causes at the age of 10, and this desire to have an impact later propelled her to dedicate her life to fighting plastic pollution. Starting with the history of plastic and how it’s produced, Testa acknowledges the benefits of plastics for humanity but also the many ways it harms our planet. Instead of relying on recycling—which is both insufficient and ineffective—she urges readers to follow two additional R’s: “refuse” and “raise awareness.” Readers are encouraged to do their part, starting with small things like refusing to use plastic straws and water bottles and eventually working up to using their voices to influence business and policy change. In the process, she highlights other youth advocates working toward the same cause. Short chapters include personal examples, such as observations of plastic pollution in Mauritius, her maternal grandparents’ birthplace. Testa makes her case not only against plastic pollution, but also for the work she’s done, resulting in something of a college-admissions–essay tone. Nevertheless, the first-person accounts paired with science will have an impact on readers. Unfortunately, no sources are cited and the lack of backmatter is a missed opportunity.
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change. (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-22333-8
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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