It's Catching - by Jennifer Gardy (Paperback)

About the Book

Presents general information about different types of germs, as well as the diseases they cause, and how people work to prevent them from spreading.

Book Synopsis

Don't be afraid to delve into the good, bad, and sometimes truly ugly world of germs. Microbiologist Jennifer Gardy, who calls herself a disease detective, picks up her microscope to bring expert insight to the microbes that are all around us but are too small to see. Irreverent, playful, and contagious in all the best ways, It's Catching discusses a range of germs and the diseases they cause, from the common cold to food poisoning to the Ebola virus.

Kids will be enticed--and pretty grossed out--while becoming immersed in information about pus, bacteria, DNA, genomes, and more. They will learn how germs have shaped human history and also about the individuals who are working to hunt them down. Additional elements, like trading card-style profiles of a variety of diseases, a board game, and a detailed index, make this infectious read both useful and entertaining.

Review Quotes

"A fascinating introduction to microbes and how they affect us ... This is a recommended title that will have readers want to try some of the activities and learn more about the microbes that affect us all. It might also inspire science fair projects that lead to who-knows-what discoveries."
--Helen Mason "Resource Links"

"An entertaining and informative book for inquisitive children."
-- "Education Library, The University of British Columbia"

"Fascinating and age-appropriate ... written information is perfectly complemented with the amusing illustrations."
-- "Canadian Review of Materials"

"Gardy and Holinaty have a good sense of the ideal delivery for a middle-grade audience... The combination of clear, matter-of-fact text and lively design makes this a slender study that's big on information."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Just the right dose of gross ... This scientific exploration of the cooties is compelling and entertaining. The book's engaging design, featuring charts, graphs and experiments, will encourage further inquiry and discovery."
-- "The National Reading Campaign"

"There's plenty to offer in this complex but comprehensible work ... an entertaining and informative eye-opener."-- "School Library Journal"

"This book is so interesting and filled with so much valuable information that it will be read cover to cover."
-- "Library Media Connection, STARRED REVIEW"

"What's not to love about a book that makes an eight-year-old think science is cool?"
-- "The Globe and Mail"

About the Author

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. Josh Holinaty's works include book, magazine and newspaper illustrations and public art commissions. Also the illustrator of A Beginner's Guide to Immortality: From Alchemy to Avatars and the Ira Crumb books, Josh lives in Toronto..