Epidemics & Plagues

*Note: This post contains an affiliate link. When you make a purchase using this link, we receive a small percentage of the final sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Thrice Read Books in this manner.

Epidemics & Plagues by Richard Walker

"Kingfisher Knowledge" is a groundbreaking series for readers hungry for information on today's hot topics. Lively, engaging text, packed with information, accompanies stunning photographs that enhance each chapter. Amazing, state-of-the-art digital artwork guides readers into the fascinating heart of the subject. This learning adventure does not stop there - information panels throughout lead the reader to further discovery. Each chapter offers website links, book lists, places to visit and career information. "Epidemics & Plagues" takes an in-depth look at epidemics and plagues past and present, finding out about the big killer diseases and what happens when they spread rapidly and affect large numbers of people. It conveys the sad yet gripping histories of the Black Death of 13th-century Europe, the Great Plague of London, the devastating smallpox epidemics of 18th-century America and the flu epidemic that followed the First World War. It peers under the microscope at the agents that cause smallpox, influenza, cholera, tuberculosis, AIDS and malaria, examines the science to find out why they spread so quickly and what might be done to stop them. It also looks at history and legend to get an idea of why people have always been so frightened by the threat of epidemics and plagues.
(From Amazon.com product listing.)

Blended Medicine

Blended Medicine by Michael Castleman (Contains Affiliate Link)

This work profiles 21 mainstream and alternative therapies, including naturopathy, yoga, and biofeedback. Each method is explained and reasons for its use and level of success, are given. An A to Z reference of 106 health conditions, with the most effective complimentary remedies, is included. (From Amazon.com product listing.)

Diseases

Diseases by Bryan Bunch and Jenny Tesar (Contains Affiliate Link)

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up—Students will find a goldmine of basic reference information in these attractive, up-to-date volumes. Following an introduction with clear general-health guidelines and instructions on how to use the encyclopedia, diseases are presented alphabetically. Articles boast consistent internal organization and excellent visuals and explanations. The set emphasizes the diseases of young people, "from acne to warts" and a wide range in between. Layouts feature a visually inviting outside column devoted to titles, photos, and insets; a listing of the disease type (infectious, genetic, etc.); see-also references, and relevant Internet sites. The entries are divided by subheadings: cause, incidence, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, stages and progress, and prevention. Warnings and emergency information are printed in brick-red text that contrasts effectively with the black type and blue headings. The material is accurate and easy to understand, and scientific terms are explained clearly. Each volume has a set index. The only noticeable drawback in this thorough and accessible resource is the unavoidable dating of medical information—this is the third edition in 10 years. A great selection.—Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA

From Booklist

This is the third edition of a set previously published in 1997 and 2002. Nothing has changed in terms of layout and design, which is a good thing, since we praised the old editions for being well organized and easy to use. Some entries now list Web sites for additional information. Also new is an expanded system of cross-references. Among the new entries are Cholesterol and triglycerides, SARS, and Travel and disease. The set is designed to correlate with National Health Education Standards. Providing up-to-date health information is crucial, and libraries will want to replace older editions. Mary Ellen Quinn
(From Amazon.com product listing)