McPherson, Stephanie Sammartino. Breakthrough: Katalin Kariko and the mRNA Vaccine. Lerner / Twenty-First Century, 11/2023. 136pp. Nonfiction. PLB $38.65. 979-8765607947. GRADES 7–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Many years of research and scientific dedication led up to COVID vaccines being developed in record time. This title explains what this meant for one researcher and her lifetime of effort to culminate in such a result. Katalin Kariko’s life is explored, especially her dedication to learning and researching a new treatment concept using mRNA, which she spent decades on before being able to use it to combat COVID. While there are a lot of details provided, it all helps to explain her work, the research, and her unexpected fame. Includes b&w and color photographs of Katalin, colleagues, worksites, and equipment, plus some charts and explanatory matter detailing scientific processes, as well as an in-depth glossary, index and sources. For anyone who wants to know more about the scientific side of helping to address the pandemic, this is well worth reading.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library