What do you think?
Rate this book
A Sick History of Medicine: A Warts-and-All Book Full of Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries
NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED. This revolting history of medicine through the ages by Jelena Poleksic is full of blood, guts, and gore!
If you don’t like going to the doctor, spare a thought for your ancestors. Got a headache? We can drill into your skull! Need to buy medicine? Can we recommend a dose of ground-up Egyptian mummy? Want to fight off diseases? Try smelling a stinky cesspit.
It’s well-known that to make advances in science you have to make a few mistakes along the way. In this hilarious history book kids will be whisked around the world—from ancient Rome to imperial China—to meet the medical innovators who pushed the boundaries of what was possible, with sometimes disastrous effects. They’ll learn about the use of leeches, maggot-therapy (as gross as it sounds), dancing plagues, public dissections, grave robbers, electric eel treatments, exploding teeth, and much more!
Written by a doctor, everything in this book has been scrupulously researched and readers will learn about the development of some of our greatest inventions, from vaccines to X-rays. Amusing illustrations by Ella Kasperowicz make this a book kids will want to return to again and again.
The vile sequel to the equally revolting A Stinky History of Toilets!
If you don’t like going to the doctor, spare a thought for your ancestors. Got a headache? We can drill into your skull! Need to buy medicine? Can we recommend a dose of ground-up Egyptian mummy? Want to fight off diseases? Try smelling a stinky cesspit.
It’s well-known that to make advances in science you have to make a few mistakes along the way. In this hilarious history book kids will be whisked around the world—from ancient Rome to imperial China—to meet the medical innovators who pushed the boundaries of what was possible, with sometimes disastrous effects. They’ll learn about the use of leeches, maggot-therapy (as gross as it sounds), dancing plagues, public dissections, grave robbers, electric eel treatments, exploding teeth, and much more!
Written by a doctor, everything in this book has been scrupulously researched and readers will learn about the development of some of our greatest inventions, from vaccines to X-rays. Amusing illustrations by Ella Kasperowicz make this a book kids will want to return to again and again.
The vile sequel to the equally revolting A Stinky History of Toilets!
48 pages, Hardcover
Published March 4, 2025
33 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 30, 2024
4 Stars ✨
Thank you MacMillan Audio and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy of A Sick History of Medicine, in return for an honest review.
Audio Narration 🎧 5/5 ✨
Reader beware!! This is definitely a “GROSS” History of Medicine. Written by a doctor, you can tell that it was fully researched. The narrator was absolutely perfect and entertaining. I do however, feel like reading the physical book along with the audio would have been better to get the whole experience, because who doesn’t want pictures when the audio is disgusting enough. :P My kids and I listened to this together as a part of our homeschool. We had a fun time saying “EWWW” and “GROSS” over and over again and laughing a lot. Not only was it disturbing, gross and fun- we learned a lot about the history of medicine. There was facts about inventions, X-rays, vaccines, dental care and how Barbers used to be the doctors in the town. Would recommend for a fun addition to your classroom or home library unless you have a weak stomach… then I would suggest you pass!!
Thank you MacMillan Audio and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy of A Sick History of Medicine, in return for an honest review.
Audio Narration 🎧 5/5 ✨
Reader beware!! This is definitely a “GROSS” History of Medicine. Written by a doctor, you can tell that it was fully researched. The narrator was absolutely perfect and entertaining. I do however, feel like reading the physical book along with the audio would have been better to get the whole experience, because who doesn’t want pictures when the audio is disgusting enough. :P My kids and I listened to this together as a part of our homeschool. We had a fun time saying “EWWW” and “GROSS” over and over again and laughing a lot. Not only was it disturbing, gross and fun- we learned a lot about the history of medicine. There was facts about inventions, X-rays, vaccines, dental care and how Barbers used to be the doctors in the town. Would recommend for a fun addition to your classroom or home library unless you have a weak stomach… then I would suggest you pass!!
January 30, 2025
3.5 stars.
I got an audio copy of A Sick History of Medicine through netgalley. It's a fun introduction to the weird and gross side of the history of medicine, offering a ton of fun facts about different aspects of that history. I've enjoyed Tim Campbell's narration in the past, and he was a good fit here. I do feel like this is one of those books I would have enjoyed more if I had read with my eyes, as the facts presented here are quite rapid fire and I feel like that works better visually. It's still a cute book that makes for good fun for kids who like their history and science on the gross side. Recommended!
I got an audio copy of A Sick History of Medicine through netgalley. It's a fun introduction to the weird and gross side of the history of medicine, offering a ton of fun facts about different aspects of that history. I've enjoyed Tim Campbell's narration in the past, and he was a good fit here. I do feel like this is one of those books I would have enjoyed more if I had read with my eyes, as the facts presented here are quite rapid fire and I feel like that works better visually. It's still a cute book that makes for good fun for kids who like their history and science on the gross side. Recommended!
October 21, 2024
First - Please note that while I personally received the Audiobook, my rating is specific to the content itself, the print version.
Certainly pretty gross, this will catch - and keep - children's attention (if they're into that stuff). Thankfully it was never too gross. The way it's written will also be perfect for kids, from the sounds of it it's just a bunch of interconnected fun facts. I'd love to see the book in print, so I could better appreciate the facts individually. Via audio, it feels a little like they're all just thrown at you. I really enjoyed Tim Campbell's voice too. The audio wasn't completely a bust, I'd just recommend it for older kids who will be able to grasp that this isn't really a cohesive story, more of a collection of knowledge. Toward the end of the book though, there are (what I'd guess is) a few pages worth of introductions; Tim Campbell is just saying "I'm so-and-so and I -blah-blah-blah. I'm (a different) so and so and I blah-blah-blah". Again an assumption, but maybe there were pictures of each person so it made a little more sense in context? So if you do choose the audiobook, maybe just skip over that part so it's not confusing.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Jelena Poleksic, Neon Squid, Tim Campbell, Macmillan Audio and Macmillian Young Listeners for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!}
Certainly pretty gross, this will catch - and keep - children's attention (if they're into that stuff). Thankfully it was never too gross. The way it's written will also be perfect for kids, from the sounds of it it's just a bunch of interconnected fun facts. I'd love to see the book in print, so I could better appreciate the facts individually. Via audio, it feels a little like they're all just thrown at you. I really enjoyed Tim Campbell's voice too. The audio wasn't completely a bust, I'd just recommend it for older kids who will be able to grasp that this isn't really a cohesive story, more of a collection of knowledge. Toward the end of the book though, there are (what I'd guess is) a few pages worth of introductions; Tim Campbell is just saying "I'm so-and-so and I -blah-blah-blah. I'm (a different) so and so and I blah-blah-blah". Again an assumption, but maybe there were pictures of each person so it made a little more sense in context? So if you do choose the audiobook, maybe just skip over that part so it's not confusing.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Jelena Poleksic, Neon Squid, Tim Campbell, Macmillan Audio and Macmillian Young Listeners for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!}
November 2, 2024
**Review of "A Sick History of Medicine" by Jelena Poleksic** Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"A Sick History of Medicine" by Jelena Poleksic offers a fascinating dive into the gross and gritty aspects of medical history that are sure to captivate older children. The book presents an array of interesting and often revolting facts, such as the bizarre methods of wound cleaning, peculiar ancient bowel remedies, and the use of leeches and worms in treatment.
For curious young minds with a penchant for the macabre, this book delivers on its promise of intriguing true stories from medicine's early beginnings. The humor and quirky details keep the reading engaging, making it an excellent choice for kids eager to learn about the more outrageous side of healthcare.
While the audiobook format is decent, the print version likely enhances the experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the illustrations and layout that complement the text. Overall, "A Sick History of Medicine" is a fun and educational read that appeals to children’s natural curiosity about the strange and gross realities of the past.
"A Sick History of Medicine" by Jelena Poleksic offers a fascinating dive into the gross and gritty aspects of medical history that are sure to captivate older children. The book presents an array of interesting and often revolting facts, such as the bizarre methods of wound cleaning, peculiar ancient bowel remedies, and the use of leeches and worms in treatment.
For curious young minds with a penchant for the macabre, this book delivers on its promise of intriguing true stories from medicine's early beginnings. The humor and quirky details keep the reading engaging, making it an excellent choice for kids eager to learn about the more outrageous side of healthcare.
While the audiobook format is decent, the print version likely enhances the experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the illustrations and layout that complement the text. Overall, "A Sick History of Medicine" is a fun and educational read that appeals to children’s natural curiosity about the strange and gross realities of the past.
November 18, 2024
A Sick History of Medicine will teach you all kinds of fascinating, strange, and sometimes gross things about medicine from ages long past to now.
With jaunty jazz playing in the background, we learn how doctors used the heads of ants and beetles during surgery, what weird things medicines from an apothecary might contain, how maggots and leeches have historically been used in medicine and how they're still used today. We'll learn how a pee wheel might help diagnose an illness and how a fecal transplant could help cure what ails you. Long ago, you might have had a barber working on you instead of a surgeon or a blacksmith in place of a dentist. We learn about dissection parties, and amputation competitions, and so many other weird and wonderful things from the history of medicine. I think my favorite part was learning how frogs may have helped inspire Mary Shelley's Frankenstein story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to A Sick History of Medicine: A Warts-And-All Book Full of Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries by Jelena Poleksic in exchange for my honest feedback.
With jaunty jazz playing in the background, we learn how doctors used the heads of ants and beetles during surgery, what weird things medicines from an apothecary might contain, how maggots and leeches have historically been used in medicine and how they're still used today. We'll learn how a pee wheel might help diagnose an illness and how a fecal transplant could help cure what ails you. Long ago, you might have had a barber working on you instead of a surgeon or a blacksmith in place of a dentist. We learn about dissection parties, and amputation competitions, and so many other weird and wonderful things from the history of medicine. I think my favorite part was learning how frogs may have helped inspire Mary Shelley's Frankenstein story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to A Sick History of Medicine: A Warts-And-All Book Full of Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries by Jelena Poleksic in exchange for my honest feedback.
January 7, 2025
As someone deeply interested in the intersections of history, science, and societal change, A Sick History of Medicine by Jelena Poleksic was an absolutely riveting read. Having had the opportunity to listen to this as an Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley, I found myself fascinated by the dark and often unsettling truths Poleksic brings to light about the evolution of medicine.
Poleksic doesn't shy away from exploring the grim and sometimes unethical practices that shaped modern medicine. From misguided experiments to controversial breakthroughs, this book provides a comprehensive yet accessible examination of how humanity’s pursuit of healing has often been fraught with moral ambiguity and missteps.
The author has a gift for weaving historical narratives with sharp social commentary, making the book both informative and thought-provoking. The balance of well-researched facts and engaging storytelling makes it an enjoyable read for history buffs, healthcare professionals, and casual readers alike.
Poleksic doesn't shy away from exploring the grim and sometimes unethical practices that shaped modern medicine. From misguided experiments to controversial breakthroughs, this book provides a comprehensive yet accessible examination of how humanity’s pursuit of healing has often been fraught with moral ambiguity and missteps.
The author has a gift for weaving historical narratives with sharp social commentary, making the book both informative and thought-provoking. The balance of well-researched facts and engaging storytelling makes it an enjoyable read for history buffs, healthcare professionals, and casual readers alike.
August 29, 2025
I’m not a fan of the tacky—and frankly overdone—Corporate Memphis style of illustrator Ella Kasperowicz and the writing of Dr. Jelena Poleksic has the vibe of a quirky Buzzfeed listicle. I'm sure kids will gets a kick out of the book simply because the text and images both lean heavily into the gross-out factor. I think the best that can be said for the book is that it might prompt a child to want to explore something written in one of the blurbs in more detail, but otherwise the content is so superficial that the heavy-lifting is left to the often-overwhelming illustrations.
It really seems that Poleksic wanted to spotlight contributions by women, as well as non-Western healing practises, to the field of medicine, but much of this particular content felt shoehorned in at the end. Ultimately, I wouldn't purchase this book for the children in my life, but I would certainly recommend borrowing it from the library as a fun silly read. Likewise, it would be a good purchase for elementary school libraries or classrooms.
It really seems that Poleksic wanted to spotlight contributions by women, as well as non-Western healing practises, to the field of medicine, but much of this particular content felt shoehorned in at the end. Ultimately, I wouldn't purchase this book for the children in my life, but I would certainly recommend borrowing it from the library as a fun silly read. Likewise, it would be a good purchase for elementary school libraries or classrooms.
February 21, 2025
A book of random compilations of remedies cherry-picked from history and different places of the world. It's a fun, silly book that even my 4 year old thought was an enjoyable listen. They're really into medical/doctor information so this was right up their ally.
I like that it noted that women's contributions were often stolen or not noted; but it probably would have been more impactful if the contributions by women were woven in through whole book instead of clumping them together near the end. Also, at least on the audiobook, years/time-spans were missing on a fair few.
I listened to this as an ALC via NetGalley... Overall, the background music is too loud and often competes with the narrator and sound effects.
I don't know if I will be adding this to their collection, but would probably check it out from the library so they can listen and read it again.
I like that it noted that women's contributions were often stolen or not noted; but it probably would have been more impactful if the contributions by women were woven in through whole book instead of clumping them together near the end. Also, at least on the audiobook, years/time-spans were missing on a fair few.
I listened to this as an ALC via NetGalley... Overall, the background music is too loud and often competes with the narrator and sound effects.
I don't know if I will be adding this to their collection, but would probably check it out from the library so they can listen and read it again.
November 24, 2024
I listened to this audiobook prior to publication thanks to LibroFM's Educator ALCs.
This book is right up my alley since I love medical history! This would be the perfect book for a young reader with an interest in science, medicine, and/or history. This audiobook was produced very effectively with an incredible narrator, sound effects, and music. It was a fun listen and I think it would be a great tandem read with the audiobook paired with the printed book so the reader could build context by seeing the words and illustrations as they listen. As just an audiobook it might be difficult for a younger reader to follow along because it's a series of facts and stories about different topics.
This book is right up my alley since I love medical history! This would be the perfect book for a young reader with an interest in science, medicine, and/or history. This audiobook was produced very effectively with an incredible narrator, sound effects, and music. It was a fun listen and I think it would be a great tandem read with the audiobook paired with the printed book so the reader could build context by seeing the words and illustrations as they listen. As just an audiobook it might be difficult for a younger reader to follow along because it's a series of facts and stories about different topics.
November 24, 2024
A Sick History of Medicine is a no-holds-barred look at the ickiest, grossest parts of medical history. The content of the book is really interesting and offers a new perspective on the topic. My rating of this book, however, is lower because of the production value. As seems to be the trend with many kids offerings lately, this audiobook is just over-done. The narration was over the top, sound effects were obnoxious, and on top of it all, there was music playing in the background. It was sensory overload, and I did not enjoy listening to this with my kids. Can we stop over-stimulating the kids and just let interesting information stand on its own merit?
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for gifting my family with an ALC to review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for gifting my family with an ALC to review. All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2025
A Sick History of Medicine is a fun and lively nonfiction book exploring the interesting, silly, and sometimes disgusting ways humans have treated illness and disease. Though written for kids ages 5–8, it’s packed with fascinating facts from different eras and cultures that many of us aren’t aware of. Plus, it has just enough “ewwww” to keep readers and listeners engaged! This would be a great addition to any children’s library or classroom.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator Notes:
A Sick History of Medicine is read by Tim Campbell, who delivers the facts in an easy, conversational tone that makes the audiobook enjoyable to listen to.
Disclosure: An advanced audio copy was provided by Libro.FM for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator Notes:
A Sick History of Medicine is read by Tim Campbell, who delivers the facts in an easy, conversational tone that makes the audiobook enjoyable to listen to.
Disclosure: An advanced audio copy was provided by Libro.FM for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 11, 2025
I loved this as an audiobook. In audio form, its rapid fire facts grouped into categories. It is full of obscure medical facts that have no business coming up in most conversations; those are facts I want to hear! As a children’s book, I think the appropriateness depends on the child. I’d argue there’s nothing straight vulgar or inappropriate in this book. However, I would also say my 8 year old is too immature to handle the amount of poop fact ammunition this book provides. So, it’s inappropriate for him but not all 8 year olds.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Jelena Poleskic; Neon Squid, and Macmillan audio for this audiobook ARC.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Jelena Poleskic; Neon Squid, and Macmillan audio for this audiobook ARC.
November 12, 2024
A short concise over view of all the interesting things we use to believe and do in the name of medicine and healthcare. This book is perfect for kids interested in how medicine works or why we do things the way we do now. Some of this stuff I had no clue about and a lot of it is bound to make your kid giggle and laugh and maybe say ewwww. This is a great little book for kids peaking their interest in medicine and the human body. The audio version of the book is even better because they make sure to have fun sound effects in the book and the narrators tone keeps you listening and interested.
December 13, 2024
This book, written by a doctor, is filled with fascinating facts about the history of medicine. The author's passion for both the history of medicine and science adds authority to the title. It is packed with captivating historical information while maintaining an engaging tone. The audiobook's narration is clear and well-paced. My 9-year-old loved it and has listened to it several times. Books like this, exploring the history of medicine, are excellent additions to public and school libraries. This audiobook was kindly provided to be as an advance reader copy by NetGalley.
April 16, 2025
This was a pretty revolting, but interesting read. Kind of perfect for my homeschooled kids. My 8yo, 5yo and I listened to the audio together and we all made the stank face through about 60% of it. From pee wheels, to scooping other people's poo up and putting up another's behind, to barbers being surgeons, the narrator really brought to life so many historical facts that will make you say, "Huh?" while learning about how our medical know how has evolved over the ages.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the author for sending me the free ARC of this audiobook in exchange for a candid review.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the author for sending me the free ARC of this audiobook in exchange for a candid review.
April 4, 2025
For grades 3-5th. This is a gross but fun book with facts about the history of medicine. It has taken humans along time to figure it how to care for people's health. This books hows all the scary, gross, odd and peculiar things we have tried in the name of medicine and health. Older kids will love lean about farts, blood and bugs and how they were used to "keep" people healthy. A great book talk book for summer.
November 26, 2024
A good audiobook filled with fun, gross facts on medicine while you prepare dinner for the kids… if you have the stomach for it. As is the custom for these types of books, I still wish it were longer.
Recommend as a quick read to pass the time, but not for the squeamish.
(I received this ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you.)
Recommend as a quick read to pass the time, but not for the squeamish.
(I received this ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you.)
January 3, 2025
I listened to the audiobook of A Sick History of Medicine, and it was just as engaging as I imagine the print version would be! The facts are delightfully gross, making it both fascinating and entertaining. The storytelling keeps you hooked, blending bizarre medical history with humor. Highly recommend for fans of weird, fun nonfiction!
February 7, 2025
Interesting and sometimes gross information about medicine. It's amazing to me the things we used to think about germs and medicine. The most interesting fact: doctors created a turn table for laboring mothers to use centrifugal force to deliver a baby. There would be a net that (hopefully) caught the baby. The craziest thing?! This was patented in 1963!! Thanks @libro for this free ALC.
June 20, 2025
Kids are curious and that inquisitiveness can be satisfied with A Sick History of Medicine: A warts-and-all book full of fun facts and disgusting discoveries. I found myself interrupting my husband repeatedly with gross facts and interesting details. The illustrations are engaging for all ages. This nonfiction book is ideal for identifying text features in any grade level.
November 14, 2024
This is a collection of interesting and somewhat gross facts about how medicine was practiced in the past, and occasionally even now. I liked the audio effects, and I think it will certainly entertain any kids who listen.
Thanks to Neon Squid and Netgalley for an early copy.
Thanks to Neon Squid and Netgalley for an early copy.
January 3, 2025
Weird facts told with silly music and art. Great audio for kids and adults! Readers will definitely find something to be surprised about and a fact they have to tell someone about.
(Thanks LibroFM for the copy of this audiobook. Thoughts are my own.)
(Thanks LibroFM for the copy of this audiobook. Thoughts are my own.)
Read
March 18, 2025"Nowadays, doctors still look to poo as a treatment by doing faecal transplants. They scoop up a healthy person's faeces, or poo, and put it up the bum of a sick person. Germs in the healthy poo get rid of the bad bacteria that was making them feel icky." YOOOOOOOOOO
Suitable age: 5+
Suitable age: 5+
November 8, 2025
It's always interesting to read about how things were perceived in the past. Medicine is certainly one of these areas. Many new facts to store in my brain: How to remove a guinea worm, ancient Chinese methods.for preventing small pox.....Pretty cool.
November 19, 2024
Great historical facts read in succession but unfortunately not captivating enough of an audio for my 3yo. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC though. I think I would love it as a hard copy
December 17, 2024
wow! That was incredibly interesting and informative. its great for any age. def one for the school library. i highly recommend it.
December 23, 2024
I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.
I enjoyed this creepy, gross telling of the history of medicine. The music in the audiobook was lively too.
I enjoyed this creepy, gross telling of the history of medicine. The music in the audiobook was lively too.
Read
April 1, 2025🤮 but in an interesting way?
May 7, 2025
This was fun child-friendly introduction to weird medicine; however, the audiobook background music was quite loud in comparison to the narrator so it made it difficult to focus.
September 8, 2025
Very interesting and disgusting!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews