
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager seems to feel invincible or struggles to see how classroom lessons connect to the real world. Mitty Blake is a relaxed, unmotivated high school student in New York City who stumbles upon century-old smallpox scabs while halfheartedly researching a biology project. What begins as a quest to avoid failing a class quickly spirals into a high-stakes medical and security crisis. This thriller explores themes of responsibility, scientific ethics, and bravery under pressure. While the premise is intense, it offers a gripping look at how a carefree young person finds deep inner strength when the safety of his city and his own life are suddenly at risk. It is an excellent choice for sparking conversations about bioethics and the lasting impact of history on the present.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe descriptions of smallpox symptoms and historical outbreaks can be unsettling.
A physical struggle occurs during a kidnapping and escape attempt.
Themes of self-sacrifice and the weight of potentially harming others.
The book deals directly with bioterrorism and infectious disease. The approach is realistic and grounded in post-9/11 anxiety. While the threat of death is constant, the resolution is hopeful and emphasizes the efficacy of modern medicine and law enforcement.
A middle or high schooler who enjoys fast-paced urban mysteries or someone who needs to be hooked into science through a 'what if' scenario. It's perfect for the student who thinks school doesn't matter.
Parents should be aware of a scene where Mitty is kidnapped and held in a basement. It is intense but not overly graphic. A basic understanding of what smallpox is will help facilitate the post-read chat. The trigger is seeing a child's academic procrastination lead to a dangerous, secretive situation. A parent might notice their child becoming obsessed with a dark topic or hiding their browser history out of fear.
Younger teens (12-14) will focus on the 'gross-out' factor of the scabs and the excitement of the chase. Older teens (15-17) will better grasp the ethical weight of Mitty's choices and the historical context of the 1902 epidemic.
Unlike many medical thrillers that focus on adults or scientists, this places the fate of a city in the hands of a relatable, flawed teenager who has to grow up in a single weekend.
Mitty Blake is a wealthy, underachieving NYC teen who finds an old medical book containing scabs from the 1902 smallpox epidemic. After inhaling dust from the scabs, he begins to fear he has infected himself and potentially the entire city. His panicked internet searches attract the attention of both federal authorities and terrorists, leading to a kidnapping and a self-sacrificial standoff.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.