Jarrow concludes her Deadly Diseases trilogy (after Red Madness and Fatal Fever) with a harrowing, in-depth exploration of the reappearance of bubonic plague at the turn of the 20th century. After briefly detailing earlier outbreaks of plague, Jarrow focuses on the Third Pandemic, which began in 1880s China before spreading to India, Hawaii, San Francisco, and beyond. Augmented by archival illustrations and photographs (including some gruesome ones showing the effects of the plague), her gripping narrative balances the clock-racing work of scientists and officials attempting to understand and stop the plague with entwined themes of fear, prejudice, and anger ("San Francisco's Chinese population had been unlucky enough to live near the harbor where plague entered the city"). Extensively researched, with numerous resources for readers looking to study the topic further. Ages 10-up. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 5 Up-The arrival of bubonic plague in San Francisco in 1900 resulted in not only death but also fear, quarantine, and social upheaval. With the diligence of a detective, the awareness of a sociologist, and a novelist's flair for the dramatic, Jarrow investigates a terrifying period of U.S. history while also delving into the background of the disease. This compellingly designed, artfully written blend of science and history will enlighten as it entices. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

If the term bubonic plague conjures up images of medieval Europe, this disquieting book will shift your frame of reference a little closer to home: San Francisco in the early 1900s. Jarrow looks at plague throughout history and medical research into its causes, before zeroing in on its resurgence in the late nineteenth century, when it arose in Asia and reached Honolulu. She offers a detailed portrayal of its medical and social consequences when it struck in California, initially in San Francisco's Chinatown. Thoroughly researched and clearly presented, the text offers a direct window into the period. The intertwined themes of prejudice against Asian Americans, public health officials hampered by politicians, and mistrust of scientific research (which indicated that fleas carried plague from rodents to humans) make the story complex, revealing a good deal about human nature as well as the period and the disease itself. In addition to the many well-chosen period photos and prints, the illustrations include a few color photos of plague-ridden bodies. An informative book on an unusual topic.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist

The bubonic plague, or Black Death, seems conveniently trapped in history books, confined to Europe in the Middle Ages, where it famously killed a good portion of the population. In her third and final book in the Deadly Diseases trilogy (Red Madness, 2014; Fatal Fever, rev. 3/15), Jarrow covers that territory quickly before bringing us into the nineteenth century, where the plague continued to rear its ugly head in places like Hong Kong, Bombay (Mumbai), Honolulu, and finally San Francisco -- where it first appeared in Chinatown in 1900. Initial efforts to diagnose and curb the plague in the city were met with distrust and skepticism by business and government officials, but increasing knowledge about the disease and persistent control efforts won out in the long run. Advances in science and medicine helped make plague outbreaks a less frequent occurrence but have not managed to eradicate them. Jarrows treatment here is once again thorough and fascinating, complemented by a handsome book design that features judicious splashes of color juxtaposed with numerous primary source artifacts (documents and photographs); its longer time span and larger cast of characters make it somewhat less compelling than its predecessors from a mystery/thriller standpoint. Nevertheless, the book is an exemplary contribution to the genre of the history of science and medicine. Substantial back matter includes a FAQ, a glossary, a timeline, an authors note, sources, and an index. jonathan hunt (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.