Grade 6 Up—In this timely, comprehensive selection, Goldsmith succinctly traces the history of the flu, giving attention to past outbreaks and epidemics. She also describes flu viruses of today, explains treatments, and details health officials' concerns about bird flu. Areas of current research are summarized. The introduction provides background on 5 teens between the ages of 13 and 16; as chapters unfold, the author refers to them and explains how the flu will impact them and their families. Goldsmith's use of visual analogies helps readers understand medical terms and concepts. For instance, she states that viruses are so tiny that millions of them could fit inside a period punctuation mark. Small black-and-white photographs and charts add variety to the dense text.
