The story of the international influenza epidemic.
September 1, 2008
Gr 6-8-On October 8, 1871, a fire started in the O'Learys' barn in Chicago. In January 1918, an outbreak of influenza, with a high death rate, began in Haskell County, KS. These occurrences brought about lasting changes in fire prevention and building codes, and medical changes in dealing with influenza. These books, which describe the disasters and their aftermath in detail, are well written and informative. Although many people know about the Chicago fire, most are wrongly informed about its origin. As the book describes, Mrs. O'Leary's cow is the unfortunate accused in a crime she did not commit. Bennie also explains the lack of photographs of the firechaos did not allow the use of the tripods that were necessary with cameras of the timebut sketches from the disaster and later photographs are reproduced and discussed. The inclusion of black-and-white and color photographs and drawings and sidebars help to make these books first-rate for reports and general browsing."Karen Scott, Thompson Middle School, Alabaster, AL"
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2008
The causes and aftermath of each disaster are explored in detail in these books that are illustrated with photographs and other images. Pandemic covers the history of the influenza outbreak and medical advances made over the last century to prevent future pandemics. Titanic covers familiar ground, while adding details about the ship's construction and passengers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)