Alexander Fleming's Penicillin Promise
By Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis · Ages 8–12
1920s London, a cluttered lab, and a Petri dish that changed medicine.
Awards · 2All awards →
About the book
Join siblings Jennifer and Daniel as they embark on their latest adventure through Dr. K’s magical time portal, landing in the bustling streets of early 20th-century London. There, they meet the unassuming yet brilliant scientist, Alexander Fleming, whose unexpected breakthrough would forever change the course of medicine.
In the quiet of his laboratory, amidst petri dishes and microscopes, Jennifer and Daniel witness a moment of serendipity: the discovery of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic. As they delve into the challenges of scientific research with Fleming, they learn about the power of observation and the importance of even the smallest organisms in our world.
From initial skepticism to the dramatic race against time during World War II, the story explores the hurdles that Fleming and his team face in transforming a moldy discovery into a medical miracle. As the world wars rage outside, inside the lab, Jennifer and Daniel help in the urgent effort to mass-produce penicillin, realizing the potential to save millions of lives from deadly infections.
This book is a celebration of the unexpected paths that lead to great scientific achievements. It highlights the importance of perseverance, the impact of “happy accidents,” and the collaborative spirit required to bring a revolutionary discovery to the public.
Perfect for young readers with a passion for science, history, and adventure, it inspires curiosity and the belief that sometimes, the greatest discoveries come from the most unexpected places.
Learn more at drkportalthroughtime.com →
What readers sayAll 11 reviews →
“This was a really great and accessible book for kids to learn about science, Dr. Fleming's work, bacteria, etc. In addition to an easy to read story that is very suitable for the 8-12 year old suggested age range, this book comes with an 85 page primer for teachers and parents that is super informative and a fantastic resource. There was also a great list of book recommendations for any children who wanted to learn even more.”
“This book series is such a good idea!! Make science fun!! Mystery and time travel what could be more engaging to kids? These books should be in Science classes everywhere. Teaches the scientific method in a fun way and encourages kids to see the great things we have learned from scientists that changed the world. And the best part is the discovery of penicillin was an accident - so its okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them!”
