Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up--An informative and entertaining dive into the successes and failures of medical history. Fitzharris's latest title introduces readers to the world of medicine long before the tried-and-true methods used by doctors today. Fascinating, often perplexing, information is included throughout, such as a doctor who thought he should remove the colon from his patients or a surgeon who would keep his bloody knife between his teeth during amputations. There are also plenty of examples, as the title states, of medical marvels stumbled upon by doctors trying to find cures for a disease or trying to make humans live forever. Chapters are named by the part of the body being discussed and illustrations enhance the text. Fitzharris excels at making medical history accessible to young readers, simplifying topics and defining medical terms. This is an engaging title with a multitude of positive messages: keep trying, everyone makes mistakes, and be open to new ideas. It is important to note, this book may be off-putting to some. Descriptions of historical medical practices, while not graphic, can be gross or disturbing. VERDICT Another excellent title from Fitzharris. Recommended for all middle schools.--Lisa Buffi
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In the vein of theirPlague-Busters! (2023), Fitzharris and Teal round up wild examples of medical trial and error. Arguing that "success and failure are often two sides of the same coin," the co-authors demonstrate that mistakes have often resulted in groundbreaking medical breakthroughs. A 19th-century surgeon unable to patch up a hole in a patient's side was afforded the rare opportunity to observe digestion up close; deaths from the first blood transfusions led to the discovery of blood types. Fitzharris and Teal present fascinating content, writing in an easy-to-digest, conversational tone while occasionally slipping in some gallows humor. The promise of grotesque medical tales will lure readers, but the authors also make some profound, even moving conclusions: Failure is a key part of learning, and medicine has come a long way over the years. The material is organized by body parts, with delightfully punny chapter titles: "Racking Your Brains," "No Guts, No Glory." "A Taste of Their Own Medicine" sections between chapters are ripe with tales of dark irony and people getting hoisted by their own petards. Teal's black-and-white images use pops of bright red to spice up the visual gags and caricaturelike portraits of scientists and doctors. The subversive, gory humor is transgressive and fun for young readers without being so graphic as to disturb any but the most sensitive. Extensive backmatter will reward those with the guts to delve deeper. Macabre, madcap, and surprisingly wholesome in its positivity. (selected sources, further reading, index)(Nonfiction. 9-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
