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Synopsis
An examination of the ebola virus, its African origins, and the development of this and other similar emerging diseases.
School Library Journal
Gr 6-8-Middle schoolers will be fascinated by the gory specificity of these series entries. Both titles are brimming with glossy, full-color images of each disease, from its origin at the cellular level through the swathe of human and animal destruction left in its wake. While both are clearly written, they take different narrative tacks. Draper traces Ebola chronologically and geographically, with scientists racing against time as the epidemics progress. Ridgway, on the other hand, approaches mad cow disease like a medical detective with a gift for prose, fascinated with the physiology of the disease and excitedly explaining the process directly to readers. With an eye always on the science, he creates crackling tension. Snappy, bold chapter headings ("The Protein Goes Bad," "The Cows Go Mad") and subheadings ("Disease Hunters," "The Green Abyss") keep both texts moving forward briskly, and the science is explained so well that the glossaries are almost unnecessary. Mad Cow, particularly, is a riveting read and will be a hot item in the circles of the curious.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.