About the Author

Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in history. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.

Reviews

This short book (49 pages of text plus six pages of additional information, e.g., timeline, glossary, etc.) provides a good description of the search for effective flu vaccines. It begins with an explanation of the biologic structure of viruses and includes a short history of the illnesses in the past, including the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic and the "swine flu" pandemic in 2009. The author includes information of the development of vaccines. The author explains why creating vaccines to counter the flu is so difficult: the mutation of the influenza strains. Especially interesting is the explanation of how viruses are transferred from animal vectors to human and how infections are passed amongst people. Viruses are easily transmitted around the planet because of the ease of transportation nowadays, so the author describes how scientists try to stay in front of possible pandemics through constant research into where influenza strains develop and how these strains are transmitted globally. -ME Lomax, South High School Omaha Public Schools 9/12/2011-- "Omaha Public Schools"

(4) 4-6 Science Missions series. In this book aimed at reluctant readers, short sections describe viruses and vaccines in general before looking at the unique challenges of developing a flu vaccine. While the language is accessible, the technical and scientific details are rather vague. Plentiful pictures, diagrams, and personal stories add some interest. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. GBH (Gail Hedges) The Horn Book GuideFall 2011-- "The Horn Book Guide"

The six-volume Science Missions series presents timely, focused discussions of science issues students will find in the news. Each 56-page book provides sufficient background material on a topic for a student reader to make sense of a controversy. In essence, the authors have dug beneath the hype that accompanies the presentation of science in the media to give students the tools with which to make informed judgments based on empirical data and observation. Each volume teams an experienced children's book author and a content consultant, collaborating to produce a series that should be most useful in a middle school classroom where the teacher wishes to relate science study to current events. Michael Burgan opens the discussion of influenza vaccine development with a short, vivid account of the deadly 1918 worldwide flu epidemic. After a lucid account of how viruses cause disease, he deals specifically with the flu virus, how it differs in its effects from a cold virus, the types of influenza virus, and how flu can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy one. Students will learn about the process of mutation in this real-life situation, as Burgan explains why researchers produce a new strain of flu vaccine each season. The particular hazards associated with the appearance of bird flu beginning in 1997 receive a good deal of attention. Much of the book resembles a captivating, front-line news report on the recent swine flu outbreak, the methods being employed to come up with more effective treatments, and the ongoing search for a universal flu vaccine. While Burgan does mention the risks and objections associated with vaccinations, he does not equivocate on the efficacy of vaccines. He notes that the overwhelming evidence favors vaccination for as many people as possible. This timely and informative book could provide a valuable service in counteracting the fear-mongering and unscientific claims of the strident vaccination opponents within the population. http: //www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=20570-- "NSTA Recommends"