Plot Summary

When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, Aids

James Cross Giblin
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When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, Aids

Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 1995

Book Brief

James Cross Giblin

When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, Aids

Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

212

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Europe • 14th Century

Publication Year

1995

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

1190L

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Super Short Summary

When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, AIDS by James Cross Giblin explores the social, economic, and medical impacts of three major epidemics: the Black Plague, smallpox, and AIDS. Through a historical lens, Giblin shows how these diseases spread, the societal reactions, and advances in medicine aimed at combating them. He also warns of future epidemics due to antibiotic resistance. The book may contain discussions of death, illness, and historical inequalities that could be triggering to some readers.

Informative

Dark

Mysterious

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

444 ratings

59%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

James Cross Giblin's When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, Aids is lauded for its engaging and accessible exploration of historical pandemics. The narrative is informative and captivating, ideal for young readers and educational settings. Critics note, however, that its brevity occasionally sacrifices depth. Overall, it's a compelling primer on the impact of epidemics.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, Aids?

A reader who would enjoy When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, AIDS by James Cross Giblin is typically interested in medical history, epidemiology, and social impacts of diseases. Similar in appeal to John M. Barry's The Great Influenza and Gina Kolata's Flu, it combines historical narrative with scientific analysis.

4.1

444 ratings

59%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

212

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Europe • 14th Century

Publication Year

1995

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

1190L

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