Fred & Marjorie

a doctor, a dog, and the discovery of insulin

Illustrated by Angela Poon

Published by Owlkids Books

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*2023 Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award WINNER*

*2023 Red Cedar Book Award WINNER*

*2023 Rocky Mountain Book Award Finalist*

*2023 Forest of Reading 'Light Reads, Great Stories' selection*

*2022 CCBC 'Best Books for Kids and Teens' selection*

*2021 ALA 'Best Graphic Novel for Children' selection*

*2022 Bank Street Books 'Best Book of the Year' selection*

*2022 NSTA & CBC 'Outstanding Science Trade Book' selection*

*2022 OLA 'Best Bets' Honourable Mention*

*2021 Junior Library Guild 'Gold Standard' selection*

*2021 School Library Journal STARRED Review*

*Globe & Mail 'Must Have Books for the New School Year' selection*

*Capitol Choices 'Noteworthy Books for Kids & Teens' selection*

*2021 Top Grade 'Canlit for the Classroom' selection*

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"Readers will want to dig deeper into this true story of canine heroes and lifesaving science.”

—Kirkus Reviews ​

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"A laudably frank, sensitive account...should provoke strong reactions and discussions."

—School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW

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"A new graphic novel that makes history come alive.”

—The Globe & Mail​

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"A delightful graphic novel biography...Highly Recommended. 5/5 Stars."

-CM Reviews

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"In both the writing and artwork, this is a story effectively told in an attractive and accessible way."

—Booklist

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"This thought-provoking graphic novel shares the work of Frederick Banting and Charles Best and their discovery of insulin as a treatment of Type 1 Diabetes."

—National Science Teaching Association

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"A great introduction to a topic that many readers might not be aware of...gives just enough information to make the reader want to learn more. A great addition to any other nonfiction graphic novels you have in your collection."

―School Library Connection

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"A remarkably fascinating and poignant story ... a great STEM book."

―The Picture Book Buzz

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"Heartwarming...anyone with a connection to diabetes will surely love this story, as well as those interested in the sciences and discovery of cures."

―Kiss the Book

 

A graphic novel based on the true story of the life-saving discovery of insulin

 

In 1921, Frederick Banting was a young doctor with an idea: could the mysterious secretions of the pancreas be used to treat diabetes? We now call this substance insulin, and its life-saving discovery was an impactful milestone in medical science.

 

Banting and his assistant, Charles Best, worked together in a small lab to test the theory with street dogs. Banting formed a special bond with one of his test dogs and gave her a name: Marjorie. After Marjorie responded well to insulin treatments, the treatments went on to be used for humans with diabetes—and the results were deemed practically miraculous.

 

A real-life scientific milestone told in an innovative graphic novel format, the book also thoughtfully discusses the use of animals for medical research, including back matter on the subject and further information about diabetes.

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From CBC News:

Students Across Canada Choose These 9 Books as the 2023 Forest of Reading Award Winners

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Order your copy today!

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*Bonus*

Download the free Discussion Guide for Fred & Marjorie

Here!

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