The Vicious Case of the Viral Vaccine (Galactic Academy of Science)

The dynamic duo is back--in a quest to figure out the true nature of vaccines: killers or lifesavers?This installment of the GAS series deals with the understanding of pseudoscience and the influence of rumors regarding effective medial treatment. Mae's report is on the Centers for Disease Control's latest message: that everyone may want to consider getting the new flu shot get the Universal Flu Vaccine. She also educates her classmates on where they can get it and why they should, while assuring that it's completely safe and effective. Her classmates are unimpressed and mutter things such as: "...I heard that vaccines can give people the flu or even make them autistic," and "Some people get asthma so bad from the shots that they have to go to the hospital."This sparks a new mission for the unlikely pair. After solving the case of the stolen diamond chip, Mae is no-more excited to work with Clinton, however, the need to uncover the scientific truth behind how vaccines were discovered, how they work, and whether or not they are safe is crucial. During their adventure, they learn about: the germ theory, the world-changing birth of the polio vaccine, the rise of immunology, Andrew Wakefield and his controversial "finds", and much more in the arena of vaccinations.The Vicious Case of the Viral Vaccine is a politically charged adventure that will also encourage understanding of vaccinations and the science of modern medicine. Well-deserving of a vast, middle-grade readership; especially one that can appreciate killer graphics throughout. Overall, this is a fantastic introduction to modern vaccines and the history, which supports their validity.

As a pro-vaccine mom, I thought this book was right on point. What my son and I liked best about it was the history imbedded in the narrative. We meet Salk, Pasteur, and even Maurice Hilleman. I found the scene set in India, 700 BCE, to a village grappling with smallpox, fascinating. Throughout, the authors do a great job of integrating research into these kid-friendly scenes. The tension between the anti-vax legislator and the protagonist's mom (or her workplace, anyway), was strong enough that my son was totally engaged. The premise is quirky, too. I wish the cover didn't have the dripping syringe, however. There are too many images like this, which make needles, which deliver potentially life-preserving medicine, look scary. But that's a minor complaint.

My son read this book to my 8 year old grandson and I read the book myself out of curiosity. We all love the story! I think the book is a perfect combination of very useful educational information and exiting entertainment. My father used to tell me many interesting stories about the history of vaccines during my childhood. The stories promoted my passionate, long lasting and later professional interest in life science research. I think the book is doing a similar inspiring job. The authors found a way to combine true stories of important medical scientific breakthroughs with captivating fiction plot for kids and adults. Moral dilemmas, important ethical questions and politics are mixed together and narrated in the book in a vary child friendly way.Olga Matveeva