Vaccination Investigation: The History and Science of Vaccines

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2018

Review

According to the CDC, vaccinations are in the top ten of the greatest public health achievements of the Twentieth Century. After reading this book, readers will understand this rating and the impact that vaccinations have had on the world. Author, Tara Haelle, a science journalist, provides a well-researched presentation of the science of vaccines, their history, the anti-vaccine movement, and the possibilities of the future. This book does not shy away from using scientific terms which makes it a challenging, but a very worthwhile read. Illustrations, charts, and sidebars provide connections to current events and personal accounts. Students using this book for research will find abundant information about vaccines in the U.S and around the world. This book could also serve as a supplement for a science textbook. Source notes, Glossary, Selected Bibliography, resources for Further Information, and an Index are included.

Overall Book Score: very good