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Elixir
The latest page-turner from Canada's bestselling children's author. Twelve-year-old Ruth must spend her summer at the University of Toronto, where her mother is hired to clean the Institute of Biological Research. There, the lonely girl is befriended by Dr. Banting and his assistant Mr. Best, who are in search of a cure for diabetes. But much to Ruth's dismay, the research they are doing involves testing on animals. She's not the only one concerned about the dogs: a group of animal rights protestors become a regular fixture outside the institute.
When the group leader tries to enlist Ruth's support, she is torn between her sympathy for animals and her loyalty to Dr. Banting and Mr. Best.
When the group leader tries to enlist Ruth's support, she is torn between her sympathy for animals and her loyalty to Dr. Banting and Mr. Best.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2006
1 person is currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books905 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 26, 2017
This is a thought provoking story on a controversial subject. Before 1921 anyone diagnosed with diabetes was given a death sentence. Dr. Banting was determined to change that. He began to do research in hope of discovering a cure.
Ruth's mother was hired to clean at the University of Toronto where the doctor and his assistant, Mr. Best were doing their work. Ruth spent a lot of time at the university and discovered that dogs were used for medical studies and lived in poor conditions. She became acquainted with Melissa who was a leader in an animal rights movement. Ruth also meets Emma who is dying because she is has diabetes. Ruth is torn with the ethical dilemma of using dogs to save human lives. This was an intense story that was difficult to put down.
Ruth's mother was hired to clean at the University of Toronto where the doctor and his assistant, Mr. Best were doing their work. Ruth spent a lot of time at the university and discovered that dogs were used for medical studies and lived in poor conditions. She became acquainted with Melissa who was a leader in an animal rights movement. Ruth also meets Emma who is dying because she is has diabetes. Ruth is torn with the ethical dilemma of using dogs to save human lives. This was an intense story that was difficult to put down.
June 10, 2023
I remember reading this book as a kid, and was actually trying to find what it was called. It’s good for kids like learning, and are ready to start thinking about ethical questions and not see the world as black and white
July 14, 2019
This book is based partially on truth but is fiction purely. I really found this book intriguing for two separate reasons.
1. Many of those I have loved in my family have had issues with this horrific disease known as diabetes.
2. It is about Canadian ingenuity and we often aren't seen as those who do the most and can create drugs that have bettered millions of lives
Well written and with characters such as Ruthie who just flow well
1. Many of those I have loved in my family have had issues with this horrific disease known as diabetes.
2. It is about Canadian ingenuity and we often aren't seen as those who do the most and can create drugs that have bettered millions of lives
Well written and with characters such as Ruthie who just flow well
June 24, 2020
I don't have very many issues with this book; in fact, I have only one, and that was the abrupt way it ended. I would have liked to know about Melissa's reaction to not being able to get in the building, at the very least, and whether or not the cure was completed in time to save Emma. Otherwise, it was a good Canadian historical fiction book.
June 21, 2017
This book does a great job of representing both sides of the controversial vivisection debate, from the perspective of a young person so it is easy to understand....a great book for both kids and their parents to read and then discuss....by my own child's favourite author.
September 12, 2018
A great story about the discovery of insulin.
November 8, 2018
Loved it! I think I found a new favourite author!
April 9, 2019
One of my childhood books
June 26, 2019
A really great way of explaining the invention of insulin (and the controversy of animal testing) to young teens in a language/approach they will care about
February 4, 2023
3.5
Because this book is set in the nineteenth century, there are no LGBT+ characters. No romance, no profanity.
Because this book is set in the nineteenth century, there are no LGBT+ characters. No romance, no profanity.
September 16, 2013
I love Eric Walter's books. I absolutely love them.
They cover such a diverse range of subject matter that it's amazing. It's not just the fact that there are historically-based books 200 years ago and very different issues today, it's the number of issues in each book. The back of this cover states that there is a conflict between medical research for insulin and animal-rights groups. However that's not all that this book is.
This book touches on many different subjects throughout the novel, many of which would be deemed 'to serious for the intended audience', yet in this masterful work they are acknowledged. You can't have a children's novel about dealing with dead parents, the difference between bravery and foolishness.Yet Elixir mentions these serious topics and brings them to life for children.
It's not too much. It's a tiny little mention here or there, which recognizes the issue and gives a lot of food for thought. It's not the juggling of too many topics that you loose track of what's happening where. In fact, if the main issue doesn't interest you, you can look at the other issues. It actually develops the characters very well. Insanely well. The characters aren't just defined by the current issue that they're currently facing. Especially with WWI just ended, there's a lot of the character's lives developed around that. Each person has a story, and there's no shying away from topics because they aren't appropriate for children.
Eric Walter's books have actually raised so many un-answerable questions. It's absolutely amazing.
Especially since this novel is historical-fiction, we all know what happened: insulin was discovered. However if we didn't know this fact, would Melissa's protest stopped the research and then a future loved one of hers died from diabetes? Or would no progress have been made, and Sir Banting feel horrible because the dog reminded him of one of his own?
That bit with Emma, although necessary is very depressing especially since a little boy was the first to receive insulin.
Though I would like to point out one inconsistency. For the election during WWI, it was the first time women could vote. Only women who were wives, sisters, daughters to those in the war could vote. Borden got voted in, while everyone knew that he was campaigning conscription. So no Melissa, we will not vote to send our boys off to fight, we will vote to send off someone else's.
They cover such a diverse range of subject matter that it's amazing. It's not just the fact that there are historically-based books 200 years ago and very different issues today, it's the number of issues in each book. The back of this cover states that there is a conflict between medical research for insulin and animal-rights groups. However that's not all that this book is.
This book touches on many different subjects throughout the novel, many of which would be deemed 'to serious for the intended audience', yet in this masterful work they are acknowledged. You can't have a children's novel about dealing with dead parents, the difference between bravery and foolishness.Yet Elixir mentions these serious topics and brings them to life for children.
It's not too much. It's a tiny little mention here or there, which recognizes the issue and gives a lot of food for thought. It's not the juggling of too many topics that you loose track of what's happening where. In fact, if the main issue doesn't interest you, you can look at the other issues. It actually develops the characters very well. Insanely well. The characters aren't just defined by the current issue that they're currently facing. Especially with WWI just ended, there's a lot of the character's lives developed around that. Each person has a story, and there's no shying away from topics because they aren't appropriate for children.
Eric Walter's books have actually raised so many un-answerable questions. It's absolutely amazing.
Especially since this novel is historical-fiction, we all know what happened: insulin was discovered. However if we didn't know this fact, would Melissa's protest stopped the research and then a future loved one of hers died from diabetes? Or would no progress have been made, and Sir Banting feel horrible because the dog reminded him of one of his own?
That bit with Emma, although necessary is very depressing especially since a little boy was the first to receive insulin.
Though I would like to point out one inconsistency. For the election during WWI, it was the first time women could vote. Only women who were wives, sisters, daughters to those in the war could vote. Borden got voted in, while everyone knew that he was campaigning conscription. So no Melissa, we will not vote to send our boys off to fight, we will vote to send off someone else's.
July 16, 2013
In Elixir, Ruth must spend her summer at a scientific research facility in order for her mom to keep an eye on her as she cleans the building. After her father died, Ruth's mother and Ruth have struggled to make ends meet. When a cleaning job comes up at the centre where Ruth's father used to work, Ruth's mother leaps at the chance.
Ruth soon meets Dr. Banting. He is a friendly man who helps Ruth with her dreaded spelling lists. Soon they are having tea together. Their friendship begins to build.
However, the friendship begins to get tested. Some strange protesters begin showing up outside the research centre with signs. They call themselves the Anti-Vivisection Society and they are protesting the use of animals in experiments. When Ruth sees a pamphlet from them, she is horrified. Could people really treat animals this badly?
It turns out, they can. Her beloved Dr. Banting reveals that his research on insulin requires the use of dogs. What should Ruth do? Should she believe the nice woman from the society or her trusted friend, Dr. Banting?
This story explores the debate of animal testing. Both sides of the argument are well represented, using one of the most compelling cases in history: Dr. Banting and Dr. Best's use of animals in their discovery of insulin.
The book is both a work of historic fiction as well as a current event novel that illustrates an age old debate. As well as covering the topic of animal rights, Eric Walters also explores the age when women are beginning to gain equal rights and fight for them. Ruth's strong character demonstrates the courage, intelligence, and compassion a young woman can have.
Ruth soon meets Dr. Banting. He is a friendly man who helps Ruth with her dreaded spelling lists. Soon they are having tea together. Their friendship begins to build.
However, the friendship begins to get tested. Some strange protesters begin showing up outside the research centre with signs. They call themselves the Anti-Vivisection Society and they are protesting the use of animals in experiments. When Ruth sees a pamphlet from them, she is horrified. Could people really treat animals this badly?
It turns out, they can. Her beloved Dr. Banting reveals that his research on insulin requires the use of dogs. What should Ruth do? Should she believe the nice woman from the society or her trusted friend, Dr. Banting?
This story explores the debate of animal testing. Both sides of the argument are well represented, using one of the most compelling cases in history: Dr. Banting and Dr. Best's use of animals in their discovery of insulin.
The book is both a work of historic fiction as well as a current event novel that illustrates an age old debate. As well as covering the topic of animal rights, Eric Walters also explores the age when women are beginning to gain equal rights and fight for them. Ruth's strong character demonstrates the courage, intelligence, and compassion a young woman can have.
December 21, 2012
Elixir is a wonderful novel where a young, 12 year old girl is forced to choose whose side she's on; the dogs or the scientists. Forever, doctors have been trying to find a cure for diabetes, a harmful and severe sickness. But the only possible way they can save millions of people is to test medical products on animals, such as adorable dogs and petite rats. Ruth is an animal-lover, but she meets a girl who is diagnosed with diabetes. Who is more important? Canine, who are man's best friend, or man himself?
This book will inspire people of all ages and get into their very hearts. Some moments in this book just force you to cry, while some let your heart shine and make you so relieved and joyful! I recommend this to everyone, especially those who have a soul (basically, everyone!). Not many authors and books have this much emotion mixed into words. Eric Walters truly has a talent to make people believe how it's always possible to do the right thing.
This book will inspire people of all ages and get into their very hearts. Some moments in this book just force you to cry, while some let your heart shine and make you so relieved and joyful! I recommend this to everyone, especially those who have a soul (basically, everyone!). Not many authors and books have this much emotion mixed into words. Eric Walters truly has a talent to make people believe how it's always possible to do the right thing.
September 10, 2017
It is an interesting book. It helps you know the truth as well as adding fun. It taught me about insulin while satisfying my sense of adventure and action. The details were so exact that it was not very hard to imagine yourself in the places that the main character describes.
August 23, 2016
My favorite part of this book was when they finally found a cure for diabetes and the dog was saved. The worst part of this book is that the dogs got hurt
January 23, 2016
I rated this book, 5 stars because I like how the main character learns something very important and tries to block away the bad people.
July 14, 2015
1.75/5
November 15, 2012
I am strongly against animal testing so this book was hard for me to read in some places.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews