The Poison Eaters: Fighting Danger and Fraud in Our Food and Drugs

Formaldehyde, borax, salicylic acid. Today, these chemicals are used in embalming fluids, cleaning supplies, and acne medications. But in 1900, they were routinely added to food that Americans ate from cans and jars.

In 1900, products often weren't safe because unregulated, unethical companies added these and other chemicals to trick consumers into buying spoiled food or harmful medicines. Chemist Harvey Washington Wiley recognized these dangers and began a relentless thirty-year campaign to ensure that consumers could purchase safe food and drugs, eventually leading to the creation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, a US governmental organization that now has a key role in addressing the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic gripping the world today. Acclaimed nonfiction and Sibert Honor winning author Gail Jarrow uncovers this intriguing history in her trademark style that makes the past enthrallingly relevant for today's young readers.

Six starred reviews -- ★Booklist ★BCCB ★Kirkus Reviews ★Publishers Weekly ★School Library Connection ★Shelf Awareness

An ALSC Notable Children's Book * A Washington Post Best Children's Book * NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book * A BCCB Blue Ribbon * A Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book * A NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12 * A Chicago Public Library Best Children's Book

★ "Revolting and riveting in turns, Jarrow's masterfully crafted narrative will fundamentally alter how readers view their food.Though laced with toxins, this is anything but toxic." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review


Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Calkins Creek Books
Published: 10/15/2019
ISBN: 9781629794389
Pages: 160
Weight: 1.81lbs
Size: 10.10h x 8.00w x 0.60d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2019 pg. 114
Kirkus Reviews Fall Preview 08/15/2019 pg. 53
Booklist 09/01/2019 pg. 90
Publishers Weekly 09/16/2019
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2019 - Book Of Special Distinction
School Library Journal 11/01/2019 pg. 81
Shelf Awareness 11/15/2019
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2020 pg. 105

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 505739 / Poison Eaters: Fighting Danger and Fraud in Our Food and Drugs
Reading Level: 7.7 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 4