In this charming biography for young readers, Kate Messner (Chirp; The Brilliant Deep) recounts the life of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and how he became the leading researcher in the fight against Covid-19.
Anthony Fauci, raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., and the grandson of Italian immigrants, always had an inquisitive, "wide-open mind" that he used to search for answers: he wondered how the world worked, "from the tropical fish in his bedroom aquarium.../ to the vast oceans of sea life, the blazing stars, and the spinning planets." He grew up believing there were solutions to life's problems. After Anthony graduated Cornell Medical College, he became one of the country's leading experts on "what makes people sick... and how to make them well." Dr. Fauci has studied many of the world's most dangerous diseases, including AIDS, West Nile, SARS, Ebola and now Covid-19.
Messner conducted extensive personal research and interviewed Dr. Fauci via Zoom in November of 2020. The book includes backmatter with information on vaccines, "Dr. Fauci's Five Tips for Future Scientists," photos, sources and recommended reading. Alexandra Bye (The Only Woman in the Photo) regularly changes the perspective and format of her vibrant, digital illustrations--including full-bleed double-page spreads as well as vignettes--to create a dynamic reading experience. Her use of light is particularly remarkable as it shines on Dr. Fauci's more optimistic moments or darkens during his tougher times. Messner's accessible text, alongside Bye's superb illustrations, make Dr. Fauci an excellent read-aloud book as well as an easy solo read for children. Messner's open-ended narrative leaves children room to ponder and highlights a key Dr. Fauci quote: "Don't get discouraged. Think about it carefully. Try to work it out." --Kharissa Kenner, Children's Librarian, Bank Street School for Children