Red Madness: How a Medical Mystery Changed What We Eat

by Gail Jarrow Narrated by Libby McKnight

Overview

One hundred years ago, a mysterious and alarming illness spread across America's South, striking tens of thousands of victims. No one knew what caused it or how to treat it. People were left weak, disfigured, insane, and in some cases, dead.

Award-winning science and history writer Gail Jarrow tracks this disease, commonly known as pellagra, and highlights how doctors, scientists, and public health officials finally defeated it. Red Madness includes stories about real-life pellagra victims and accounts of scientific investigations. It concludes with an author's note. This book is perfect to share with young readers looking for a historical perspective of the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic that is gripping the world today.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book
YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Nominee
School Library Journal Best Book 
Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year
CCBC Choices

★ " . . . This title is descriptive and well researched, with a striking bold-red color scheme. Though the images are graphic and potentially disturbing, they are not sensationalized, and enhance the narrative. This is an excellent addition to nonfiction collections in school and public libraries." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Jarrow delves into the debilitating and oft-forgotten disease that became a public health crisis in the U.S. early in the twentieth century. . . A visually dramatic medical mystery, this is cross-curricular and of high interest." --Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2014-02-26
In the early years of the 20th century, doctors and researchers were stymied by a mysterious, often fatal illness that seemed to strike primarily Southern agricultural workers. Patients presented with a severe rash, intestinal issues and dementia, and in addition to farm workers, many afflicted were found in institutions like mental hospitals and orphanages. After reviewing cases from Europe, doctors diagnosed pellagra and associated it with poverty and a poor diet featuring moldy corn. As the disease spread, the country's medical leadership searched for causes and cures, and the sense of urgency led to the assignment of epidemiologist Dr. Joseph Goldberger to the case. Eventually, Goldberger and those who continued the work after his death identified the culprit as a vitamin deficiency, determined an inexpensive cure and led the way to nutritionally enhanced foods as part of the American diet. This is a highly detailed look at the difficulties of disease control before modern medicine. Jarrow makes clear how societal attitudes hampered efforts to end the scourge as well as the vulnerability of the poor and marginalized. The many photographs also reveal the devastating nature of the disease. The large number of cases described demonstrates the magnitude of the problem, but they can also be hard to follow and require patient readers. The attractive, red-highlighted design, lively narrative and compelling subject matter will resonate with readers. (Nonfiction. 10 & up)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940195594336
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	08/05/2025
Series:	Deadly Diseases
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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