History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemics

Think you know the history of plagues and pandemics? Get ready to have everything you thought you knew completely smashed!

History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemics cuts through the myths and misconceptions to deliver the surprising, unfiltered truth about history's deadliest diseases — from the Black Death and smallpox to polio, influenza, and COVID-19. Written by acclaimed author Kate Messner and packed with illustrations, photos, sidebars, and graphic panels, this is narrative nonfiction at its most gripping. It's the perfect read for curious kids who love uncovering the real stories behind the headlines they've heard all their lives.

• Myth-Busting Fun: Did plague doctors really wear those creepy beaked masks during the Black Death? Spoiler: they didn't — and discovering the truth is just as fascinating as the legend. Every chapter challenges what readers think they know.
• Broad, Relevant Coverage: From medieval bubonic plague to cholera, tuberculosis, and COVID-19, this book connects history to the world kids are living in today, making it as timely as it is educational.
• Engaging, Varied Format: A dynamic mix of sidebars, illustrations, photographs, and graphic novel-style panels keeps even reluctant readers turning pages, making it a great fit for a wide range of learning styles.
• Part of a Beloved Series: History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemics is a standout entry in the popular History Smashers series — perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales who are ready for something meatier.

About the Author

Kate Messner is an award-winning author of books for young readers, including the History Smashers series, the Ranger in Time series, and many others. A former middle school English teacher, Kate brings both a passion for accuracy and a gift for storytelling to her nonfiction work, making complex historical topics accessible and exciting for kids. The illustrations in this volume are by Dylan Meconis, whose graphic artwork brings the history to vivid life on every page.

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