The Invisible War: A Tale on Two Scales - Softcover

Críticas

"I found it strikingly original and surprisingly riveting, and though the yuck factor is high, that's exactly what will draw children in to learn about both World War I and microbiology." Jane Sullivan, The Age/Sydney Morning Herald.

"It’s wonderful to see a book written for youth tackle the complex subject of viruses and the human microbiota in such an entertaining way. No bacteria is left unturned in this book, and the explanations in the Appendix about ideas, phrases and concepts covered in the story (there are numbered circles that appear throughout the story, and these correspond to the information in the Appendix) add to the understanding of the often complex processes and information presented. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the human gut, microbiology, viruses, cross infection and WWI Western Front history." Reading Time blog, The Children's Book Council of Australia.

Reseña del editor

The Invisible War is about the bacteriophage (bacteria-eating virus) which lives in human mucus and fights dysentery (caused by the Shiga / Shigella bacterium). The story takes place on two different physical scales; the macro-scale, from the point of view of a Australian nurse serving in the trenches of France, and the micro-level, from the point of view of the microbes which fight to keep her body alive when she contracts dysentery.

Inspired by very recent discoveries which demonstrate that there is an amazing symbiosis that takes place between us and the bacteriophages. Described widely as a ‘second immune system’, this symbiotic relationship is our first line of defense against infection by disease-causing bacteria.

The Invisible War also shows the filthy tragedy of war and the extreme physical conditions endured by young men and women in World War One.