Sickness and death. Fear and compassion. Superstition and science. James Cross Giblin examines the history of bubonic plague, smallpox and the AIDS epidemic of today, shedding light on science, nature and human nature as he looks at the impact that each has had on human society. A thoughtful, engrossing narrative that acknowledges the partnership of science and compassion in measuring the mark of human achievement. (Ages 12-17)