From the author of the National Jewish Book Award Finalist Bartali's
Bicycle comes the story of unsung hero Katalin Karikó, the scientist
whose research of mRNA led to the world-altering development of the
Covid-19 vaccine. Perfect for readers who love science, STEM, and
books like Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America's Doctor
or Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space
Race.
When she was young, Katalin Karikó decided she would study science--even
though she had never even met a scientist! But she was determined to
learn as much as she could about the human body, and once she made a
decision, she stuck with it. Katalin had to learn English while
attending university, but she worked hard until she became a doctor.
After facing many challenges, including lack of research funding and
harsh immigration policies, Kati and her family uprooted from Hungary
and moved to America, where she became a top researcher. She knew that,
with work, she could teach one of the building blocks of life, messenger
RNA, to fight off harmful viruses. There was just one problem--no one
else believed her.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and Kati and her work were thrust into
the spotlight. But with her unshakable will, she was ready to face the
challenge.
Includes a note from Dr. Karikó, a time line, and more information about
mRNA.
