Vaccines
by Don Nardo
Lucent Books 1992
Great fit for High School
Reading level and content both target 9th–12th grade · ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- public health
- scientific discovery
- medical ethics
- disease prevention
- risk vs. benefit
- history of science
- society and science
- innovation
About this book
This clear, engaging nonfiction title traces how vaccines were discovered, how they work in the body, and how immunization campaigns helped control diseases like smallpox and polio. Don Nardo blends history and science to explain key breakthroughs and the scientists behind them. The book also touches on safety, public health policy, and debates around vaccination in an even-handed way. It’s a strong fit for curious teens and report writers who enjoy real-world science with historical context.
Setting: global history of immunization—from Jenner’s England to modern laboratories and public health campaigns
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vaccines right for my child?
Yes — Vaccines is a great fit for High School. The reading level is AR 9.2, which is typical for High School. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include public health, scientific discovery, medical ethics.
How long does it take to read Vaccines?
At a typical High School reading pace, Vaccines takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Vaccines have an AR quiz?
Yes — Vaccines has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Vaccines?
Vaccines has an AR reading level of 9.2, which places it at a High School reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.