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Dr. Fauci

How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America's Doctor

Illustrated by Alexandra Bye

About The Book

The definitive picture book biography of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and one of the most crucial figures in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before he was Dr. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci was a curious boy in Brooklyn, delivering prescriptions from his father’s pharmacy on his blue Schwinn bicycle. His father and immigrant grandfather taught Anthony to ask questions, consider all the data, and never give up—and Anthony’s ability to stay curious and to communicate with people would serve him his entire life.

This engaging narrative, which draws from interviews the author did with Dr. Fauci himself, follows Anthony from his Brooklyn beginnings through medical school and his challenging role working with seven US presidents to tackle some of the biggest public health challenges of the past fifty years, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Extensive backmatter rounds out Dr. Fauci’s story with a timeline, recommended reading, a full spread of facts about vaccines and how they work, and Dr. Fauci’s own tips for future scientists.

About The Author

Kate Messner is passionately curious and writes books for kids who wonder, too. Her award-winning titles include picture books like Over and Under the Snow and The Brilliant Deep; novels like All the Answers, Breakout, and Chirp; engaging nonfiction like The Next President and Tracking Pythons; the Fergus and Zeke easy readers, the popular Ranger in Time chapter books, and the History Smashers illustrated nonfiction series. Before becoming a full-time writer, Kate was a TV news reporter as well as a middle school teacher. She lives on Lake Champlain with her family and is trying to summit all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks in between book deadlines. Learn more at her website, KateMessner.com.

About The Illustrator

Alexandra Bye is a freelance illustrator specializing in fun, colorful illustrations for a variety of media such as editorial and children’s publications. Her work is constantly inspired by her flourishing New England community and reflects the energy and dynamic personality of hometown pride. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking, Nordic ski racing, Jiu Jitsu, studying nutritional therapy, and hiking in the White Mountains with her dog, Oliver.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (June 29, 2021)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665902441
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Awards and Honors

  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List PrimaryTitle
  • CBC/NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book
  • Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection Title
  • Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award Reading List (PA)
  • Picture This Recommendation List

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More books from this illustrator: Alexandra Bye