Sick!: The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs

Gr 4-8–Parasites, bacteria, and viruses (aka germs) affect animals just like they affect humans. Montgomery takes readers on a deep dive into the animal world examining the myriad ways that animals fight back against germs or how they protect themselves in the first place. There are ample illustrations and many comic strip–like panels that work with the chatty text to create an engaging whole. The anthropomorphizing of germs is a little cutesy (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus becomes Stephanie Staph), but the concept is fascinating. What can we learn from the habits of animals? How do chimps know to self-medicate by eating bitter mjonso leaves when they are feeling poorly? Why can vultures eat rotten food and not get sick? How can bats carry deadly viruses and not be affected? Montgomery explains the work of scientists who are exploring these questions. In many cases, the answers have the potential to help humans better fight diseases; readers will realize there is much to learn.