The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now (The Deadliest #1, Scholastic Focus)

The Deadliest #1

by Deborah Hopkinson

Perfect for young readers of I Survived and the Who Was series! Packed with graphics, photos, and facts for curious minds, this is a gripping look at pandemics through the ages. The deadly outbreak of plague known as the Great Mortality, which struck Europe in the mid 1300s and raged for four centuries, wiped out more than 25 million people in the course of just two years. With its vicious onslaught, life changed for millions of people almost instantaneously. Deadly pandemics have always been a part of life, from the Great Mortality of the Middle Ages, to the Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1918, to the eruption of COVID-19 in our own century. Many of these diseases might have seemed like things to read about in history books -- until the unthinkable happened, and our own lives were turned upside down by the emergence of the novel coronavirus. As we learn more about COVID-19, we may be curious about pandemics of the past. Knowing how humans fought diseases long ago may help us face those of today. In this fast-paced, wide-ranging story filled with facts, pictures, and diagrams about diseases -- from plague to smallpox to polio to flu -- critically acclaimed Sibert Honor author Deborah Hopkinson brings voices from the past to life in this exploration of the deadliest diseases of then and now. Filled with more than 50 period photographs and illustrations, charts, facts, and pull-out boxes for eager nonfiction readers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, History, Middle Grade, Childrens, Health, Medical

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2021

About the author

I write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)

NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.

I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.

Reviews

[Readasaurus Rex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its ok

Sorry but I see absolutely no comparison between Covid and the Great Mortality. 40-60% of the population did not die from covid lol

[Beth Menendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea why a previous reviewer only gave this book 3 stars. 4.5 is more appropriate. I may be rating it higher than normal bc I think the 3 stars are not deserved. It is we’ll researched, written on a way that you can sit and read The Who thing cover to cover or a chapter at a time. I appreciated the ties to the past and the future and gives a realistic view of both what disease has been in the past and possible future. It is the most kid friendly version of the adult book Spillover that is an excellent read about the next pandemic. Definitely a great choice for kids 5th-7th grade who like both history and science.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah Hopkinson's The Deadliest series introduces middle grade readers to various disasters that the world has seen and continues to experience. In this particular title, readers are introduced to the challenges related to pandemics. It's a fascinating look into how diseases move and plague the world, both human and animal. Scientists who've helped discover the source and causes of some diseases are discussed along with a few of the influential people who helped in the development of vaccines. The first half of the book looks at bubonic and other forms of plague and the incredible devastation that it caused. Hopkinson tracks the spread of the disease as well as the work that went into finding a treatment and vaccine. I appreciated her acknowledgement that there is still much to learn about the disease. The influenza outbreak of 1918 comes next, followed by a chapter on other troublesome diseases such as cholera, polio, and tuberculosis. Included throughout the book are numerous photographs as well as sidebars about medicine and how scientists have gained knowledge over the years. The back matter includes not only a glossary and index, but a selected bibliography and suggested reading. Also included are some post reading activities and a note to readers about the value of primary source material and how they can contribute to history. I found this book fascinating and informative with enough detail to give young readers a look into the realities of the past without being too graphic and gory. But the fact is this topic is by its very nature sometimes gross and disgusting. For young readers interested in the subject matter, this is a great book on the subject.

[Kristi Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopkinson spends over half the book focused on the plague, both bubonic and pneumonic, particularly the Great Mortality that decimated Europe starting in 1347. She makes the point that we are still learning about the plague during the 14th century, its causes and its spread, by linking history and science.

The Third Pandemic, a round of plague outbreaks that began in the latter half of the 19th century, also played a role in what doctors learned about the spread of the disease and how to combat it (since antibiotics weren't developed until the 20th century). Doctors and scientists also learned how other wide-spread, often fatal, infectious diseases were frequently transmitted - even if they didn't have a cure - which reduced the impact of these illnesses, at least in more industrialized settings.

Then the influenza outbreak of 1918 struck. Many of the practices learned from disease outbreaks in the years before offered some assistance, but still, without a cure, millions of people died. And as scientists know, most strains of influenza that we encounter today are related back to the 1918 virus. Science has provided avenues for preventing and fighting many terrible diseases, but as Covid 19 demonstrated, there are many illnesses we haven't encountered yet, many possible mutations, and while some diseases have been eradicated, some will always be with us and require vigilance.

This book was fascinating in that it traced the history, both accuracies and inaccuracies of a terrible pandemic almost 700 years ago. We still have a lot to learn thanks to historians who explore the records left behind so long ago. Readers can feel a sense of relief that many of the illness that plagued mankind for centuries have been mostly or fully eradicated or can be treated with modern medicine. The book also contains a warning, a recognition that we are not completely safe from the viruses and bacteria, that "diseases will always be with us." Still, Hopkinson ends on a hopeful note.

[Karen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informational, and if it doesn't freak kids out, it's good. It's got to be on their minds after living through Covid.
The book consists of short, fairly accessible chapters that are well researched (of course, because it's Deborah Hopkinson).
There is a good TOC and index, Glossary, and bolded words throughout for emphasis. There is a short test, and unscramble, further reading list, and more.
It's interesting to learn how plagues spread and they've been around forever - or at least a very long time. Also interesting is how scientific understanding has changed over time - leading hopefully to the understanding that it will continue to change.
Overall, very good.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the outbreak of Covid-19, everyone got scared and became curious about such pandemics throughout history. This book is perfect for satisfying such a curiosity. It tells about all the pandemics that happened in the past and how similar were the living conditions back then. The book's language is simple and can be easily understood by all ages. It engages the reader by putting the person in the shoes of one of the victims of the pandemic.

[Vincent T. Ciaramella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read lots of books on diseases (yeah, I’m a history teacher and nerd) and I came across this book while my son was looking for books for himself in the kids section of Barns & Noble. I thought “what the heck” and picked it up for myself.

It’s a nice introduction for any middle school or up student on the Plague. It also contains information about the 1918 Flu and other epidemics and pandemics. I will give it to my son for his collection

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 2-star review probably isn't deserved. It's just that the book was written for children and keeps everything pretty basic. It provides some good history of diseases but that's not what I was looking for. It helped remind me of a couple of diseases I'd forgotten about but it wasn't really what I hoped it would be. That's not Ms. Hopkinson's fault.

[Elyse Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first read this book I had no idea it would come in handy. One day for history at my school we had to do research for the black plague. I used this book to help with a lot of my research.Great help.

Overall the book was great way to represent and explore all about different pandemics. I think that someone who likes to learn about the plague and other pandemics would love the book.

[Candy Shuman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read, and makes you wonder how bad COVID-19 could have been or how many deaths were actually associated with the plague and not other diseases at that time. We may never know but interesting none the less.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice informative read for upper elementary or middle school ages.
I was bugged by the direct voice to the reader.
I learned a few things and confirmed a few things.

Odd pages with info/help for bullying and family hunger. Cool idea if it’s in discussion, you may as well offer help.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just okay, mostly because I've read way better books on the subject. It might be a good one for beginners, though.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for a future (middle school/high school aged) epidemiologist.

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Audiobook on CD is including Coronavirus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love supporting my local, national, and international government, heck yes!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tanya Ouellette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for the first reading on the great pandemics around the world.

[wildct2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and easy to understand.

[Claudia W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love learning about history. Even though it didn’t connect on most parts.

[Isabella O'Loughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grandson gave me this book to read and I was pleasantly surprised at how informative it was. (Did you know viruses do not have cells and are not considered “alive?”) Full of historical facts and clear information about the importance of vaccines, it covers plagues and pandemics from the 1300s to COVID.