Alexander Fleming : Pioneer with Antibiotics

Children's Literature

As one of many books from the "Giants of Science" series, this one features Alexander Fleming who discovered the bacteria-fighting aspects of the common drug known to us as penicillin. Beginning with a life and death situation in which penicillin saves the day, the book entices the reader to learn more about the drug and man who put it to use successfully. Fleming's life is traced from his youth, where he frolicked on a farm, to his med school days, and finally to his work, which changed medicine. Along the way readers are made aware of his never-ending ability to conduct research while looking for ultimate cures. The easy-to-read format consists of didactic material in short sections. The text itself is written in historical story form. The book contains several sidebars, which quote Fleming or students and doctors of his time period. In addition, photos from the era, illustrations, and full color up-to-date photos of magnified specimens fill the book. A comprehensive timeline, glossary, source page, and index round out the book. Add this, and others from the series, to classrooms studying science and history. 2002, Blackbirch Press/The Gale Group,
— Nancy Garhan Attebury

School Library Journal

Gr 5-10-Overviews of two scientists' lives, times, and achievements. Both books are short and richly illustrated with drawings and full-color and black-and-white photographs. The writing will appeal to middle-school science fans and good readers, while reluctant high school students fulfilling assignments will appreciate the brevity. The titles are visually appealing but probably won't draw in too many pleasure readers.-Laura Younkin, Ballard High School, Louisville, KY