About the Book: Most children have become familiar with the name, Dr. Fauci. But they probably don’t even think that he was once a kid with a first name, dreams and challenges just like them. This picture book biography makes Dr. Anthony Fauci real. His story will stimulate curiosity, which is something we seek to nurture when developing the dispositions that will prepare students for careers in STEM. As a kid, Anthony was always asking questions. When he had challenges (which the book addresses) he would ask questions first and use those questions to find a solution. Because the author actually interviewed Dr. Fauci for this book the text contains the maxim by which Dr. Fauci has tackled many challenges. This advice came from his dad and is so important for all kids facing challenges today and in their future careers. As a kid Anthony learned to start with wondering, then gather evidence, and to keep an open mind. With this approach to life he became a success.
The back matter of this book is important so teachers will want to plan on finding ways to share it. There are kid friendly explanations of vaccines (most children have had many types of vaccines), Fauci’s Five Tips for Future Scientists (great STEM lessons), a timeline of Fauci’s life beginning in 1940 and continuing through 2021, Recommended Reading for Children & Young People, Author’s Note, and Photographs of Anthony.
I would use this as a read-aloud to explore the life of a current contributor to what is known about science—how his early life has had an impact on his present life. I’d use the back matter to support multiple STEM lessons. I would share this book with my colleagues in 6th-8th grades who could focus on the back matter and the life lesson Anthony’s father taught him. One of the reasons I highly recommend this book is for its rereading/exploration value.
About the Author: Like Dr. Fauci, Kate Messner is passionately curious. That curiosity led her to arrange to interview Dr. Fauci—to ask him questions about his life and about his tips for future scientists. Her curiosity has enabled her to explore numerous topics and win many awards for her nonfiction books. A goal for her writing is to encourage kids to wonder. Perhaps her writing reflects that fact that she was both a classroom teacher (middle school) and a TV news reporter. She and her family have a goal to summit all 46 Adirondack High Peaks and fit their climbing in between her book deadlines.
Pathways Themes: Heroes
Authors: Rick Ginsberg and Yong Zhao
Author: Erik M. Francis
