Hello, friends! Our book today is Dr. Fauci: How a Boy From Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor, written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Alexandra Bye, a biography of one of the most notable names of the last year, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

As a boy, Anthony had an insatiable curiosity for the world around him, and his family encouraged him to question and learn all he could. Anthony took this to heart, and absorbed all he could from the world around him; not only information, but the importance of values like determination, perseverance, empathy, and cooperation. Anthony worked his way through college and medical school to become Dr. Fauci, working at the NIAID on efforts to combat diseases like AIDS and, most lately, the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Fauci is proud of his efforts, and how the global health community came together to develop a COVID vaccine, but he knows there will always be more problems to solve – and more to learn.

Informative and inspiring. Covering Fauci’s early life and career in a series of impactful moments and themes, Messner’s text does a wonderful job of painting a picture of how “America’s doctor” developed his passions for medicine and helping people in a way that is brisk yet engaging enough for young readers. The art is similarly charming and straightforward, using layout and color cleverly to create a great sense of mood on each spread. Backmatter includes information on vaccines and a message from Fauci himself encouraging young scientists. The length is best for K+ bookworms, and JJ enjoyed the art immensely, especially the breathtaking spread of sea creatures in the night sky. A lovely look at a modern hero of the scientific world, and we loved it. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)