PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHIES: Dr. Fauci by Kate Messner & The Girl Who Could Fix Anything by Mara Rockcliff
ABOUT THE BOOK
The definitive picture book biography of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and one of the most crucial figures in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before he was Dr. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci was a curious boy in Brooklyn, delivering prescriptions from his father’s pharmacy on his blue Schwinn bicycle. His father and immigrant grandfather taught Anthony to ask questions, consider all the data, and never give up—and Anthony’s ability to stay curious and to communicate with people would serve him his entire life.
This engaging narrative, which draws from interviews the author did with Dr. Fauci himself, follows Anthony from his Brooklyn beginnings through medical school and his challenging role working with seven US presidents to tackle some of the biggest public health challenges of the past fifty years, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Extensive backmatter rounds out Dr. Fauci’s story with a timeline, recommended reading, a full spread of facts about vaccines and how they work, and Dr. Fauci’s own tips for future scientists.
REVIEW
With the arrival of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the name of Dr. Anthony Fauci has become a well-known one. This picture book biography introduces readers to the man. The emphasis in this book is curiosity and keeping an open mind to the possibilities and problems in the world. His father encouraged him to find a solution when he struggled with his homework. He played baseball with the neighborhood kids and was proud to be able to hit the ball past two sewer manhole covers. When he wanted to play basketball but realized his height would be a problem, he discovered the answer in speed. His ability to talk to people helped him not only become captain of his school's basketball team, but also get along with others in his neighborhood. He went to medical school and became a doctor. His work on infectious diseases along with his ability to communicate effectively led him to become the head of his department. When COVID-19 came along, he worked to find solutions. In addition to a solid overview of Dr. Fauci's life, there is additional information in the back about vaccines as well as Dr. Fauci's five tips for future scientists. The timeline, photographs, and recommended reading all add value to this well-written and inspiring story of scientific inquiry and hard work.
ABOUT THE BOOK
This true story of a woman whose brilliance and mechanical expertise helped Britain win World War II is sure to inspire STEM readers and fans of amazing women in history.
Beatrice Shilling wasn't quite like other children. She could make anything. She could fix anything. And when she took a thing apart, she put it back together better than before.
When Beatrice left home to study engineering, she knew that as a girl she wouldn't be quite like the other engineers--and she wasn't. She was better. Still, it took hard work and perseverance to persuade the Royal Aircraft Establishment to give her a chance. But when World War II broke out and British fighter pilots took to the skies in a desperate struggle for survival against Hitler's bombers, it was clearly time for new ideas. Could Beatrice solve an engine puzzle and help Britain win the war? American author Mara Rockliff and British illustrator Daniel Duncan team up for a fresh look at a turning point in modern history--and the role of a remarkable woman whose ingenuity, persistence, and way with a wrench (or spanner) made her quite unlike anyone else. An author's note and a list of selective sources provide additional information for curious readers.
REVIEW
Beatrice Shilling's skill as an engineer and the remarkable things she did with it made for a fascinating and inspiring picture book biography. From a childhood and adolescence full of building, taking apart, and rebuilding to motorbike racing to a career fixing military aircraft during World War II, Beatrice found a way to use her talents. But she faced numerous challenges as a women in a male-dominated field. It took her an especially long time to convince the Royal Aircraft Establishment to hire her and at first it was only to write handbooks. Eventually she talked them into giving her a chance to work on the planes. Despite making mistakes along the way, she proved herself and enjoyed her work. She even found a man who loved machines the way she did. Her efforts to help her country during World War II were impressive as well. I really enjoyed this picture book biography. Beatrice did some interesting things with her life. I also especially appreciated the inclusion of mistakes she made along the way, it made her seem more human. The illustrations were appealing and well done, full of fun details. This book about a lesser known individual would make for a great introduction to STEM concepts and a powerful reminder of the value of persistence and using your talents.
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