American Murderer: The Parasite That Haunted the South

Despite the odd blink, a searching look at the borders between science and society.

Jarrow (Ambushed!) chronicles the discovery of a deadly parasitic hookworm, the campaign that endeavored to control it, and the epidemic's social implications in this prodigious work, part of the Medical Fiascoes series, which recounts U.S. public health crises occurring in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1902, zoologist Charles Stiles encountered a hookworm pervading the Deep South and named it Necator americanus, or "American murderer." The parasite spread through human feces and emaciated its victims, who numbered nearly three million. Believing hookworm was "an inevitable ailment of the poor class," middle- and upper-class white Southerners opposed treatment efforts. Stiles attempted to change their minds by manipulating their racial prejudices, stating that Black people "were better adapted to the parasite and more immune to its most harmful effects"--since it was thought to have originated in West Africa. Scientific and societal intersections are only summarily explored in this introspective work, which features straightforward prose and informative sidebars detailing other historical Southern maladies and the scientists who studied them. Photographs, diagrams, and microscopic slides are included throughout; a timeline, glossary, and additional information conclude. Ages 10-17. (Sept.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5-9—Jarrow continues her "Medical Fiascoes" series with this concise yet fascinating history of hookworm disease in the American South. By the early 20th century, large populations in the South were suffering from an unknown illness that left them emaciated, anemic, and unable to work. This was primarily occurring in rural poor communities. At the time, hookworm disease was largely unknown and rarely diagnosed by American doctors, despite it occurring for several decades in the South as well as in other countries. One doctor, Charles Stiles, a renowned parasitologist who worked for the USDA and later the Public Health Service, found that it was easy to diagnose, treat, and prevent. He dedicated much of his career to educating people about this debilitating illness. He faced obstacles on multiple fronts, including cultural resistance to outsiders, economic obstacles to updating sanitary conditions, and his less than charming personality that did not win him many supporters. For the first half of the book, with her usual flair, Jarrow highlights the science of hookworms, which has plenty of gross appeal to keep readers engaged. The second half is equally intriguing as she focuses on Stiles's tireless efforts along with the cultural and historical aspects of the period. VERDICT An excellent addition for middle and high school students.—Karen T. Bilton

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ "Jarrow's impeccable research and fascinating details will keep [readers] hooked, especially when they discover that this creature, known as Necator americanus—the American murderer—is a hookworm that once plagued the South...Numerous archival photos place readers in the time period, while a concluding chapter looks at ongoing parasitic-worm dangers across the globe...An engrossing blend of history and STEM." —Booklist, starred review

"Jarrow continues her 'Medical Fiascoes' series with this concise yet fascinating history of hookworm disease in the American South... with her usual flair, Jarrow highlights the science of hookworms, which has plenty of gross appeal to keep ­readers engaged. An excellent addition for middle and high school students." —School Library Journal

"Jarrow's coverage of the biological mystery is well-organized and deftly explained, and she also skillfully handles the social context of a condition that largely affected marginalized populations. Readers who wish to delve deeper into the topic are assisted by a glossary, bibliography and website list, source notes, timeline, index, and author's note on research." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"The title is a literal translation of the hookworm's scientific name Necator americanus, but the lurid details don't stop there as Jarrow goes on to expand...accounts of the creepy creature's life cycle and the discovery of just how disturbingly prevalent 'America's bloodsucking murderer' was in the South in the 19th and early 20th centuries... [A] searching look at the borders between science and society." —Kirkus Reviews

"Scientific and societal intersections are...explored in this introspective work, which features straightforward prose and informative sidebars detailing other historical Southern maladies and the scientists who studied them. Photographs, diagrams, and microscopic slides are included throughout; a timeline, glossary, and additional information conclude." —Publishers Weekly

"Jarrow...who has carved out a niche for herself in the history of science and medicine, here adeptly weaves solid research, primary-source quotes, and historical artifacts with elements of mystery for a compelling read." —The Horn Book