Sick!: The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs
What’s inside...
Heather L. Montgomery takes middle–grade readers on a fact-packed, sometimes gross, always fascinating journey through the world of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that pass from animals to humans. Blending real-life detective stories, interviews with scientists, and vivid narrative nonfiction, the book explores how rabies, Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and other microbes made their species-jump, the cultural and ecological conditions that allowed them to spread, and the ingenious ways researchers race to stop the next outbreak. Montgomery’s trademark humor and kid-friendly analogies keep the pages turning while detailed sidebars, photographs, and diagrams turn curiosity into true scientific understanding.
Age
8-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do human actions make spillovers more likely?
Which scientist in the book inspired you most, and why?
What everyday habits can prevent disease spread?
How did cultural practices influence each outbreak?
Should governments limit wildlife trade to protect health?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a ‘germ detective’ game—trace household touchpoints.
Watch documentary clips about one disease then compare to chapter.
Practice evaluating online health information together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Human health and environmental health are connected
Explanation: Each chapter shows habitat loss or animal trade setting the stage for disease.
Real-World Application: Support conservation efforts and make eco-friendly choices.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking combats misinformation
Explanation: Scientists test multiple hypotheses before concluding.
Real-World Application: Check reliable sources before sharing health news.
Example Lesson: Small actions have big impact
Explanation: Handwashing and vaccination halt outbreaks.
Real-World Application: Adopt daily hygiene habits to protect community.