Blood and Germs

Recommended Ages: 10-17

A nonfiction read for those who love all things medical and have an iron stomach.

After reading Ambushed!: The Assassination Plot Against President Garfield, I was interested in other non-fiction writings by Gail Jarrow.  This particular title was already on my “to read” list, so choosing it as my next non-fiction read was an easy choice.  

My son is fascinated by history and the Civil War in particular after his Virginia Studies course in 4th grade.  I certainly learned more in his explorations and studies than I ever did when I was in grade school.  Living in Virginia doesn’t hurt too much either in this regard.  

I like the angle Jarrow takes in her nonfiction writing to focus on the germ theory and medical advancements at the time.  It is a unique way of looking at the Civil War and the impacts on our nation and its people.  If you have a child interested in the medical field, I think this book would certainly be a hit.  

Given the nature of the topic, there could be some aspects a bit too gruesome for younger readers or those a bit more sensitive.  There are pictures of injured and dead men in the book, as well as pictures of amputated limbs.  While this can be harrowing, it is also an element of fascination in the story with all the primary documentation.  One of the intriguing and disturbing descriptions involved maggots.  Jarrow writes “Flies were a constant pest in camps and hospitals...The fly larvae, called maggots, ate the dead tissue of the wound without damaging healthy tissue.  Although the wriggling maggots were itchy, they cleaned out the wound and prevented further infection” (p.49).  

As you can also imagine, there were not many qualified doctors to handle the injuries and illnesses faced by armies in the North and South.  Jarrow discusses the repercussions of unqualified and unskilled surgeons, as well as the women and communities that stepped up to fill in the gaps as nurses and requisitioning medical supplies.  Jarrow highlights exceptional men and women who paved the way for new industries, careers, and methodology in the care of those who served.  

There is much to glean from this book and Jarrow clearly spent a lot of time researching and gathering documentation.  If you have the stomach to bear it, I would recommend Blood and Germs as a great nonfiction read to add to your historical units.