BIOGRAPHIES
Marshall, Linda Elovitz

The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lisa Anchin. Driven by a desire to "make the world a better place," Salk helped to develop the first flu vaccine before tackling--and conquering--the polio virus. Similarities to recent events are evident in how the well-paced text and inclusive illustrations portray public response to the 1950s polio epidemic: the fear, isolation, and uncertainty. The process of vaccine development also sounds familiar: studying the disease and its variants, testing the vaccine, and promoting its efficacy. An author's note discusses Marshall's personal connection to her topic. (A timeline would have helped clarify some biographical information.)

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