(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.)

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) YA Essential Lives series. Though sometimes repetitive (Estée) or awkwardly written (Malcolm X), these standard-issue biographies, illustrated with stock photographs, do offer balanced portraits of their subjects and will be useful for report writers. With fewer years to cover, Malala includes chapters on Pakistan, Islam, and the Taliban. The many sidebars are informative if somewhat distracting. Reading list, timelime. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Lives titles: Estée Lauder, Jonas Salk, Malcolm X, and Malala Yousafzai.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) YA Makers of Modern Science series. These in-depth accounts detail the accomplishments of two pioneering scientists as well as the research fields (immunology and virology, genetics) to which they made major contributions. The texts are dense, but, notably, the books reveal the inner workings of academic science in the twentieth century, where both intense competition and collaboration aided the quest for knowledge. Black-and-white illustrations and photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Makers of Modern Science titles: Jonas Salk and Barbara McClintock.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. In spite of the dry book design and grainy photographs, this is a relatively readable biography of Salk that focuses on his work developing a polio vaccine. Tocci includes scientific explanations when necessary and gives readers a sense of both Salk's work and his character. Personal narratives and detailed source notes give credibility to the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) YA Lerner Biographies series. This laudatory biography focuses on Salk's work leading up to and immediately following the discovery of a successful polio vaccine. The author effectively conveys the excitement of scientific inquiry. Extensive source notes and a section about the polio virus are helpful and thorough. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Gateway Biography series. In readable prose, the authors discuss Salk's life with focus on his most important achievement, the vaccine for the polio virus. They also tell of his difficult personality, his family relationships, and the competition between him and Albert Sabin, who advocated a live virus vaccine. Black-and-white and color photos, as well as a time line and direct, though undocumented, quotations add valuable context. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian