The Polio Files

Mayo Clinic
Ruth Redford, illustrated by Jake Hill
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Age range 9 to 10

Science enthusiast Marnie has a history of digging deep with her research, and her investigation of polio is no exception. Along with her trusty AI sidekick Glitch, Marnie discovers the fascinating history of Polio and how scientists used inquiry to discover its cause and eventually to develop a vaccine. In learning about Jonas Salk and the polio vaccine, Marnie and Glitch uncover the power of science and how it can save thousands of lives every year. From how polio spread to how we're protected from it today, Marnie and Glitch are on the case! 

A fun graphic approach, diverse characters, and humorous text tell this thrilling story of medical history in a high-interest format.

Marnie's Medical Mysteries was developed in collaboration with Nipunie Rajapakse, M.D., pediatric infectious diseases physician at the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center. She completed a Master of Public Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and previously worked as a consultant with the World Health Organization.

Mayo Clinic Press Kids creates empowering health and wellness content in partnership with pediatric experts. Proceeds from the sale of every book go to benefit important medical research and education at Mayo Clinic.

Contributor Bio

Ruth Redford is a freelance editor and author based in the United Kingdom. She loves writing and researching non-fiction projects and is the author of Period: The Quick Guide to Every Uterus.

Nipunie Rajapakse, M.D., is a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician at the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center. She completed a Master of Public Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and previously worked as a consultant with the World Health Organization.