Families who loved When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, AIDS by James Cross Giblin often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager begins asking deep questions about how society survives catastrophic events or when they express curiosity about the hidden history of medicine. This book explores the Black Death, Smallpox, and the AIDS crisis, detailing how these epidemics reshaped laws, religion, and social structures. Through these accounts, the book highlights themes of human resilience, the bravery of early scientists, and the unfortunate ways fear can lead to injustice. While the subject matter is serious, it offers a grounding perspective on how humanity adapts and moves forward. It is highly appropriate for middle and high school students who are ready for a factual, clear-eyed look at world history and the evolution of modern science. Parents will appreciate how it turns a frightening topic into a series of lessons on perseverance and progress.
