Mononucleosis (Diseases and People)

Grade 6 Up?These series entries examine widespread viral diseases in terms of their history, causes, treatment, prevention, and societal consequences. The Silversteins relate that five different viruses have been identified as causing Hepatitis, which can be mild or severe, completely cured, chronic, or fatal. Mononucleosis is not fatal, but has no cure and can cause lots of suffering, sometimes for an extended period of time. The authors document the easy-to-read texts with recent articles both from popular and professional literature, a strong point in this series. The black-and-white photographs are merely serviceable and not particularly informative. Names and addresses of appropriate organizations are appended. The research on viral diseases is ongoing and anything published before 1989 is out of date, making these two books useful additions.?Martha Gordon, formerly at South Salem Library, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7-10. Readers may search for a book such as this when they have mononucleosis or know someone who does. The authors enlarge the topic by giving an epidemiological and historical context to the familiar disease and to its less familiar cousins, such as Burkitt's lymphoma and Epstein-Barr virus. Because each chapter is divided into sections, the reading seems less daunting, and the references and suggested readings are current. With black-and-white illustrations, a glossary, and list of sources for more information, this is scientific curiosity at it best. Mary Harris Veeder