Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin (Unlocking the Secrets of Science) [Library Binding]

John Bankston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 2001 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Unlocking the Secrets of Science

Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin is part of the series, Unlocking the Secrets of Science. This series profiles the achievers of the 20th century in the fields of science, medicine, and technology. Written especially for young adult readers, the series helps place each significant invention, discovery, or development in historical perspective while exploring the life of the person responsible for each breakthrough. No science fiction story even approximates the mystery and suspense contained in these true science biographies.

One of Canada's most renowned scientists, Frederick Banting is credited with the discovery of insulin. Early in his life, Banting saw suffering and wondered why doctors couldn't cure sick people. Banting knew he wanted to be a doctor; but he wanted to be a different kind of doctor. He didn't just want to help people feel better while they got sicker and sicker. He wanted to cure them.

In order to become a doctor, Frederick Banting would go against his family. In order to find a treatment for diabetes, he would go against the beliefs of some of the most educated men of his time. Before he succeeded, he would know poverty, hunger, and would lose the woman he loved. This is his story.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10-These pedestrian biographies portray the working lives of two 20th-century scientists. Both provide clear narratives about the way the inventors progressed from initial inspirations through many false trails to eventual success, despite certain obstacles. In an apparent effort to attract readers, the authors wring every bit of drama they can from their subjects' lives. But accounts of conflicts with parents and bouts of depression will not be enough to attract students' interest. Banting was quite well known in his time, and several books have been written about his life for this audience (all are out of print). Carothers's life was not as well documented. Bankston quotes several biographies, but Gaines attributes emotional states to her subject without any documentation. Neither book lists sources. Graphically, both titles are very ordinary, with large blocks of type unbroken by supplemental material. The black-and-white photographs are well reproduced. Average-quality choices for reports.
Jonathan Betz-Zall, City University Library, Everett, WA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 56 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Lane Publishers (August 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584150947
• ISBN-13: 978-1584150947
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,457,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, John Bankston began writing professionally while still a teenager. Since then, over two hundred of his articles have been published in magazines and newspapers across the country, including travel articles in The Tallahassee Democrat, The Orlando Sentinel and The Tallahassean. He is the author of over sixty biographies for young adults, including works on Alexander the Great, scientist Stephen Hawking, actor Jodi Foster, and authors including Katherine Paterson, Ray Bradbury and F. Scott Fitzgerald. He currently lives in Newport Beach, California.