The Poison Eaters

Jarrow vivaciously draws readers into a world of horrors hiding in plain taste. Maintaining a matter-of-fact, conversational tone throughout, she presents a tantalizing flood of anecdotes and facts, text peppered with old magazine adverts, photographs, and gory details aplenty; extensive backmatter encourages further research into a subject more than fascinating enough to warrant it. Revolting and riveting in turns, Jarrow's masterfully crafted narrative will fundamentally alter how readers view their food. Though laced with toxins, this is anything but toxic. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review Beneath a skull-and-crossed-utensils cover, Jarrow unleashes the Poison Squad as part of her fascinating, stomach-churning account of Harvey Washington Wiley's crusade for food safety standards and regulation in the U.S. Vintage ads, product labels, newspaper headlines, cartoons, and photographs offer a visual feast for readers, who will be so engrossed in the stories of unconscionable products and unwitting victims that they won't realize they're imbibing a powerful lesson in food safety and the evolution of today's FDA. Extensive source notes and resources are icing on the cake. -- Booklist, starred review In this microhistory about the pure food movement, Gail Jarrow has created an excellent reference book about a little-regarded topic that will be useful to classes learning about science, American history, and government. The pictures include a variety of primary sources, including photographs, advertisements, political cartoons, and letters, all of which support further research. -- School Library Connection A provocative... riveting chronicle... (i)n gripping, relatable language... this easy-to-read work (is) a fine classroom resource and an excellent addition to any collection. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review