June Almeida, Virus Detective!: The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus - Hardcover

Slade, Suzanne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1534111328 ISBN 13: 9781534111325

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, 2021

Synopsis

June Almeida loved learning about science and nature. An excellent student, she was especially interested in biology and won the top science prize at her school. Creative and observant, June noticed details that others often missed. She dreamed of attending university but economic hardships caused her to leave school at age 16. Still, June was determined to pursue her passion for science. She was hired by a local hospital to work in its lab, using a microscope to magnify and examine cells. Her work helped doctors treat patients. June later worked in labs in London and in Toronto. Her skill in using the electron microscope to examine cells and help identify viruses earned her promotion and respect in the science community. When June was 34 years old, she discovered the first human coronavirus. Her groundbreaking work continues to help researchers today in the fight against illnesses caused by viruses, including COVID-19.

About this title

About the Author

Suzanne Slade is the Sibert Honor author of over 150 books for children. As a mechanical engineer, she ofter writes about women in STEM. She lives in Illinois with her husband.

Reviews

Gr 1–4—This narrative biography examines the life of June Almeida (1930–2007), the Scottish virologist who discovered the first human coronavirus. When she was 10, her younger brother Harry became ill and died. As she grew older, Almeida kept memories of Harry close to her heart and dreamed of studying science at a university. However, her family's financial situation required her to leave school at 16 and find a job. She found employment at a nearby hospital, where she worked in the lab and learned how to use a microscope to study cells from sick people. A lifelong photographer, Almeida was able to utilize her technical skills with the powerful electron microscope, which captured the first images of a new virus. Almeida and doctors described the virus as resembling a crown; they named it coronavirus, after the Latin word corona. Slade adeptly documents the personal and professional journey of this lesser-known scientist. Almeida is depicted as focused, driven, and passionate. A bibliography, time line, photographs of Almeida, and additional information are included in the back matter. An author's acknowledgment precedes the main text, which details Slade's correspondence with Almeida's daughter to ensure the accuracy of the work. VERDICT A relevant and timely addition to most biography collections.—Jamie Jensen, Wayne Cox Elem. Sch., Roanoke, TX

Edition details

• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1534111328
• ISBN 13: 9781534111325
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Paganelli Elisa
• Number of pages: 40