Mad Cow Disease: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Epidemics)

Ridgway, Tom

ISBN 10: 082393487X ISBN 13: 9780823934874

Publisher: Rosen Young Adult, 2001

Synopsis

Important and Timely Information Related to the Social Studies and Health Curricula These in-depth and informative books examine the nature of these diseases and the devastating effects they have had on populations throughout the world and throughout history. From the earliest infections like malaria to modern-day health crises such as AIDS, these fascinating titles explore the causes and the human toll inflicted by these epidemics and their role in the history of humankind.

About this title

From Booklist:

Reviewed with Allison Stark Draper's Ebola.

Gr. 5-8. Despite the horrifying aspects of epidemic diseases, they are still a source of fascination as well as grist for health and science reports. Each volume in the Epidemics series focuses on one such illness, tracing its known history to recent outbreaks, including the Ebola outbreak in Uganda in 2000. Combining full-color graphics, photographs, and a detailed, yet accessible narrative, the entries attempt to separate facts from hysteria and provide a human side to the scientific research by profiling individuals who have given their time, and sometimes their lives, to fighting the destructive outbreaks. In Mad Cow Disease, Ridgway is careful to explain what's being done, particularly in the U.K., to protect the food supply. Written with care, these volumes inform without sensationalizing. Nevertheless, the material may be difficult for some students to handle. Each book ends with a glossary and suggestions of further readings and resources. These book will be good starting points for students needing information on diseases that are continuing to make headlines. Heather Hepler
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From School Library Journal:

Grade 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 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Rosen Young Adult
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 082393487X
• ISBN 13: 9780823934874
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 64