The Poison Eaters

Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the hidden details of the world around them, from the ingredients in their cereal to why laws exist. This gripping work of narrative nonfiction explores the high stakes battle for food safety in America, led by Dr. Harvey Wiley and his brave squad of volunteers who literally risked their health to prove that food additives were poisonous. It is an essential read for developing a sense of civic justice and understanding how one person's integrity can change the world. While the subject matter involves historical accounts of illness and unscrupulous business practices, the focus remains on the triumph of science and persistence. Geared toward middle schoolers, it transforms a potentially dry history lesson into a medical thriller. Parents will find it a perfect tool for discussing the balance between corporate profit and public health, as well as the importance of standing up for the truth even when facing powerful opposition.