Millbrook Press. An Imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. 2023
Debbie Dadey, well-known for her series, The Bailey School Kids, hits the mark in her first picture book biography. An engaging and exciting read, readers will learn about Dr. Kati Karikó, whose research into using mRNAs for a vaccine, led her to create the vaccine that saved millions of lives from COVID-19.
Born in Hungary in 1955, Katie was a curious student who was never daunted by what she did not know. Learning inspired her and science was her passion. After earning her PhD, kathie became curious about mRNA, or messenger ribonucleric acid. “mRNA provides the instructions to make proteins - such as germ attacking antibodies - to keep us healthy.”
Not supported by her peers, Kati still persists until 2005, along with Dr. Drew Weissman, the two publish a study that opened the door for mRNA to be used in vaccines. When COVID-19 started spreading all over the world in 2020, it was her and Weissman’s work with mRNA that got the job of making the vaccine quicker.
Oakley’s illustrations, created with pencil, Procreate, and Photoshop, lend themselves to the picture book biography format. Colorful, the pictures reflect what is being discussed in the text. Quotes from Dr. Karikó and her colleagues are placed in a darker font throughout the book.
Includes a timeline, a short description on steps to making a vaccine, a helpful explanation of stages all vaccines in the United States must go through before they are given to the public, an author’s note, glossary, source notes and titles for further studying.
A nice addition to the growing picture biographies of a determined woman who persists despite the lack of support from peers.
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