Epidemic

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-- In Epidemic, Lampton surveys the greatest plagues in recorded history, giving the most attention to the bubonic plague of the mid-14th century. He discusses the function of the human immune system, the kinds of pathogens that cause disease, the types of contagious diseases that are most likely to turn into pandemics and the patterns they follow, and the development of vaccines. However, AIDS is mentioned only in passing, with the lone statement that, ``AIDS in Africa is already a raging epidemic . . . .'' Readers may come away with the mistaken impression that it is only a problem there. Rahn's Animals That Changed History (Atheneum, 1986) discusses all of the types of plagues and includes more detail on the ``Black Death.'' Insect Attack focuses on the infestations that have seriously harmed humankind, as well as the general life cycles of insects, the kinds of pests that pose danger to humans, and the use of chemical as well as biological controls. The text gives an inadequate explanation of how ordinary grasshoppers can turn into locusts and fails to explain why Africanized bees are more aggressive than the European species. Also, a diagram showing examples of complete and incomplete metamorphosis is mislabeled. Pringle's Killer Bees (Morrow, 1990) provides a more detailed and objective account of the bees' characteristics. An eclectic mixture of black-and-white and full-color photos, old etchings, diagrams, etc. illustrate both books. They are of good quality; however, some are merely decorative. While Lampton's titles are clearly written and logically organized, they are flawed, in varying degrees, by important omissions and minor errors. --Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library