History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemics

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about history’s pandemics, from the Black Death to COVID-19. Perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.

During the Black Death in the 14th century, plague doctors wore creepy beaked masks filled with herbs. RIGHT?

WRONG! Those masks were from a plague outbreak centuries later—and most doctors never wore anything like that at all!

With a mix of sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels, acclaimed author Kate Messner delivers the whole truth about diseases like the bubonic plague, cholera, smallpox, tuberculosis, polio, influenza, and COVID-19.

Discover the nonfiction series that smashes everything you thought you knew about history! Don’t miss History Smashers: The Mayflower, Women’s Right to Vote, Pearl Harbor, Titanic, and American Revolution.

Series Overview: HISTORY SMASHERS is a paperback original series that explores historical moments in a frank and often surprising manner—busting myths and having fun along the way. We launched with two books and will publish one per list after that, with a topic for every kid.

PUB PLAN: Summer 2020: (#1) Mayflower, (#2) Women’s Right to Vote * Fall 2020: (#3) Pearl Harbor * Spring 2021: (#4) Titanic * Summer 2021: (#5) American Revolution * Fall 2021: (#6) Plagues and Pandemics

About the Author

KATE MESSNER is passionately curious and writes books that encourage kids to wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books, like Over and Under the Snow; novels, like Breakout and Chirp; the Fergus and Zeke easy reader series, and the popular Ranger in Time chapter books, and works of nonfiction with a focus on nature and history. Before becoming a full time writer, Kate was a TV journalist and National Board certified middle school English teacher. She lives on Lake Champlain with her family and is trying to summit all 46 Adirondack High Peaks in between book deadlines. Visit katemessner.com and Facebook: Kate Messner for more information and follow her on Twitter @katemessner.

Author Residence: Plattsburgh, New York