Virus Hunters is a narrative nonfiction book describing the work of scientists who solved the mysteries of pandemics throughout history.  These scientists tracked outbreaks and pursued cures that would save countless lives.  This book focuses on six different outbreaks, including cholera, small pox, and Covid-19.  Readers will discover how experts approached learning about each outbreak, often building on research of other scientists.  One strength of this book is the author’s inclusion of the contributions of Native Americans, women, and people with HIV/ AIDS in the pursuit of scientific progress and justice.  These contributions are woven into the narrative, so readers can see the importance of these groups to the medical history in the United States and beyond.

This book reads like a thriller and readers will enjoy its fast pace as doctors and scientists worked quickly to investigate real life scientific mysteries, facing challenges and setbacks along the way.   Readers can feel the suspense, wondering when and how a cause or a cure would be discovered.  This book is ideal for libraries with middle grade readers, especially school libraries.  There is a table of contents, bibliography, and an index, which can help readers access information contained in this book.  Black and white photographs are scattered throughout the book, helping to provide historical context for readers.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library