From the author of the National Jewish Book Award Finalist Bartali's Bicycle comes the story of unsung hero Katalin Kariko, 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 Kariko 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. Kariko, a time line, and more information about mRNA.

About the Author
Megan Hoyt first fell in love with reading on a cozy branch of the crab apple tree outside her Texas home. She devoured Beverly Cleary's books there, and Marguerite Henry's "horsey books" still remind her of the loud Texas cicadas at dusk. Bartali's Bicycle is Megan's debut picture book biography. Her first picture book was Hildegard's Gift, and her poem, "Thanksgiving by the Lake," appears in the anthology Thanku: Poems of Gratitude. When she is not writing, Megan tutors child actors on set for Disney, Warner Bros., Showtime, and Cinemax, among others. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where most days she is surrounded by three fluffy pups and piles upon piles of picture books. Visit Megan online at www.meganhoyt.net. Vivien Mildenberger is an award-winning illustrator of many books for children including All in a Drop and The Voice that Won the Vote. She lives in a spooky old farmhouse just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. There she works on her illustrations, pottery, and other general magic-making. Visit her online at vivien.mildenberger.com.

Reviews
"Teachers will want to use this story as model of perseverance and dedication for their lessons; elementary readers will like learning that overcoming obstacles still matters. An excellent addition to collections." - School Library Journal (starred review) "The author presents clear pictures of her subject's character as well as achievements. An inspiring profile of a scientist making history." - Kirkus Reviews "Concisely telling Kariko's life story, Hoyt emphasizes that dedication, collaboration, and hard work were crucial to her success. An informative picture-book biography." - Booklist "Hoyt stresses perseverance in this moving biography of scientist Katalin Kariko...detailed text emphasizes Kariko's arc to professional success." - Publishers Weekly



Book Information
ISBN 9780063216624
Author Megan Hoyt
Format Hardback
Page Count 40
Imprint Quill Tree Books
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Weight(grams) 454g