Description

A propulsive nonfiction look at the elite squads of scientists, doctors, and infectious disease experts who guard the boundary between public health and pandemics and how they gather data via boots on the ground “shoe-leather epidemiology” in order to save lives. 

Perfect for fans of Steve Sheinkin and Deborah Heiligman!

Picture a detective. What comes to mind? A fast-talking private eye, interrogating a suspect? Or Sherlock Holmes, in his deerstalker hat, discovering clues to catch a killer?

Now imagine that the suspect isn’t a person but a microscopic menace—a deadly virus or bacteria making people sick. What kind of detective does it take to nab a biological assassin, invisible to the naked eye?

Just like detectives, epidemiologists—scientists who study how diseases emerge and spread—interview witnesses and gather clues to identify the cause of illness, locate those who are sick, and uncover the sources of outbreaks to stop them in their tracks.

From a quickly spreading cholera outbreak in 1880s London, to a mystery illness in New Mexico that stumped investigators, to the development of the vaccines to fight COVID-19 and more, join acclaimed author Amy Cherrix on a journey to explore the past, present, and future of virus hunting as the world’s greatest disease detectives race to crack the medical codes that lead to cures.

About the Author

Amy Cherrix writes nonfiction for young readers of all ages. Her books include In the Shadow of the Moon: America, Russia, and the Hidden History of the Space Race and two books in the award-winning Scientists in the Field series—Backyard Bears: Conservation, Habitat Changes, and the Rise of Urban Wildlife and Eye of the Storm: NASA, Drones, and the Race to Crack the Hurricane Code—a Subaru Prize for Excellence in Middle Grade Science Books finalist. You can find her online at amycherrix.com.

Praise For…

PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “A well-researched, detailed account of two leading engineers in the space race that raises questions about the human costs of war and propaganda…. Engrossing and painfully relevant.” — Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “This comprehensive narrative nonfiction chronicle reveals the personalities and machinations behind the space race.… This rousing history testifies to both the romance and cost of technological advancement.” — Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “A book that reads, at times, like a Cold War spy novel…. Cherrix, who uses formerly classified documents as sources, excels in placing each advancement in its historical context, from the 1930s through the Apollo program…. This account reveals important truths in a style that will captivate teen readers.”  — Booklist

PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “The cherchez les hommes approach used so successfully by Steve Sheinkin in Bomb works just as effectively here, offering readers a brightly defined trail to follow through the morass of historical machination. YA history readers frustrated by an information gap between the race for the bomb and the race to the moon will find this the essential—and thrilling—infill they’ve missed.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “The text adds depth to the history of the space race, with thoughtful, ethical discussions of the U.S. concealing von Braun’s history to further its agenda…. An engaging, fast-paced narrative that will delight readers of history and space technology.” — School Library Journal

PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “An explosive exposé on the scandals and lies behind the race to the moon! I learned so much I didn't know. This exciting, fact-filled page-turner will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the heroes and villains of the Soviet-American Space Race.” — Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Allies and Refugee

PRAISE FOR IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON: “This is a fascinating and complex story I knew nothing about! I learned so much, and I know readers will, too.” — Deborah Heiligman, award-winning author of Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of “The Children’s Ship”