Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2015 Gr 4–8—Claiming the lives of thousands, the Ebola epidemic of 2014 had devastating consequences for three countries in Western Africa and transfixed the world. With straightforward language and eye-catching photographs, maps, and charts on almost every page, this work tells the distressing story of Ebola. Like many other infectious diseases, Ebola crosses from animals to humans. Highly contagious, it is difficult to contain. Newman describes the first emergence of the disease in 1976 and then traces the path of the virus during the 2014 outbreak, beginning with Patient Zero, two-year-old Emile Ouamouno from Guinea. The author discusses the doctors and nurses, as well as other workers and volunteers on the front line, who worked tirelessly, braving stigma and fear to aid the sick and contain the outbreak. Newman also addresses preventative measures, the development of drugs to combat the disease, the fear of an outbreak in the United States, and our responsibility as global citizens to aid poorer countries. Titles that provide up-to-the-moment information run the risk of becoming outdated quickly. To counter that potential problem, Newman supplies websites from organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Agency for International Development, and Doctors Without Borders, which will keep readers updated with the latest material available on Ebola. VERDICT Breaking new ground, Newman has written a truly excellent book for middle grade students that tackles the terrifying specter of Ebola. As the title suggests, readers will come away with more facts and less fears.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 10/01/2015 *Starred Review* Identified fewer than 40 years ago by scientists and health workers, Ebola is still misunderstood by much of the general public. Newman’s level-headed, clearly written title, which reads like a well-researched and in-depth journal article, covers many aspects of the disease, from the structure of the virus and its possible origins to symptoms and how it spreads. Newman also covers very recent developments, including the overblown panic in the U.S. after several Ebola cases emerged in American hospitals in 2014. Large color photos, both current and historical, show workers in the field and survivors, and diagrams, maps, and tables offer succinct access to the facts. With persuasive insight, Newman discusses prevention efforts, economic circumstances that breed conditions perfect for outbreaks, moving stories of families affected by the disease, and the importance of approaching media reports—particularly in the U.S.—with critical-thinking skills. Incredibly up-to-date, sobering, and sensibly written, this multidisciplinary approach to a timely, important topic will be a practical addition to both public and school libraries, not only for reports on the disease or public health but also as a primer on media literacy. Excellent resources and comprehensive source notes close out the volume. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.