Deadly viruses

With straight-shooting narration and plenty of scenarios to keep things interesting, this ­entry in the Top Six Threats to Civilization series (6 titles) explores ways in which viruses have affected the world on a large scale and ways in which they potentially could in the future. An introduction describes the 1918 outbreak of the Spanish influenza and the worldwide panic it wrought; the book then explains that, in today's climate, bioterrorism is the most probable instigator of widespread disease. Text-heavy, detailed chapters explain how disease attacks the body, differentiate between a pandemic and an epidemic, offer ways to prevent them, and provide examples of worst-case scenarios. True stories are presented alongside hypothetical ones, which might cause some confusion, but this is a readable, high-interest exploration of a past and future concern that makes science accessible.--Maggie Reagan Copyright 2019 Booklist

Gr 9 Up-Using actual events in addition to fictitious scenarios, this series gives readers a sense of the grim possibilities of what daily life could become in the future. The authors provide an account of outcomes in the hopes that such catastrophes never happen. The threat of each problem is assessed, with ideas and sage advice offered on what young people can do to prepare. Terrorism and the ease and anonymity of today's connected world play significant roles within many of the titles. VERDICT The unique and timely content makes this a viable purchase. © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.