Delaware County District Library

American murderer, the parasite that haunted the South, by Gail Jarrow, Sibert Honor winner

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 142-147) and index

contains biographical information

illustrations

index present

Ages 10-17, Calkins Creek

Grades 7-9, Calkins Creek

non fiction

American murderer

bibliography

by Gail Jarrow, Sibert Honor winner

Medical fiascoes series

the parasite that haunted the South

"Imagine microscopic worms living in the soil. They enter your body through your bare feet, travel to your intestines, and stay there for years sucking your blood like vampires. You feel exhausted. You get sick easily. It sounds like a nightmare, but that's what happened in the American South during the 1800s and early 1900s. Doctors never guessed that hookworms were making patients ill, but zoologist Charles Stiles knew better. Working with one of the first public health organizations, he and his colleagues treated the sick and showed Southerners how to protect themselves by wearing shoes and using outhouses so that the worms didn't spread. Although hookworm was eventually controlled in the United States, the parasite remains a serious health problem throughout the world. The topic of this STEM book remains relevant and will fascinate young readers interested in medicine, science, history-and gross stories about bloodsucking creatures"--, Provided by publisher

Vampire -- Worm scientist -- Unlocking secrets -- The laziness germ : all about hookworms -- Battling Necator -- "Skidoo, hookworm" -- Hookworm socials -- The privy problem -- A curse is lifted -- The bloodsucker lives on

pre adolescent