Check out Gail’s blog posts about this book:
The Vampire That Haunted the South
Bare Feet, Worms, Outhouses, and Thyme

Read an interview with the Mixed-Up Files of Middle Grade Authors about this book

Calkins Creek, 2022
Ages 10 to adult
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-68437-815-9; ebook 978-1-63592-829-7

Tiny creatures lurk in the warm soil of the American South, waiting to attack a human victim. Once they invade through bare skin, the parasites travel deep into the gut of the unsuspecting host, where they suck blood like a vampire.

It sounds like a nightmare, but that’s what happened in the American South during the 1800s and early 1900s as hookworms slowly drained the energy and life from millions of southerners. Can early 20th-century scientists and doctors fight back and cure the victims?

This exciting medical mystery and STEM book uncovers the secrets of the parasite named the “American Murderer.”



WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:

YALSA/ALA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist
ALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book 2023
School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Books 2022
National Science Teaching Association/Children’s Book Council Outstanding Science Trade Book 2023
National Science Teaching Association/Children’s Book Council Best STEM Book 2023
Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Older Readers 2022
Evanston [IL] Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids 2022
EUREKA! 2022 Excellence in Nonfiction Honor Book – California Reading Association
California Department of Education Recommended Literature List, Grades 6–8
NPR Books We Love
International Literacy Association, Children’s Literature and Reading Best Nonfiction Books 2022
Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices 2023
Texas Library Association, Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List Grades 9–12, unanimous recommendation, 2024
Kansas NEA Reading Circle Highly Recommended Title
Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens 2023
Wisconsin Battle of the Books 2024, Grades 8–12
Missouri Dogwood Reading List 2023, Grades 6–8
Utah Children’s Literature Association, Beehive Award Nominee for Informational Books 2025
The Nonfiction Detectives Best STEM Books for Kids 2022
Nerdy Book Club Award Long Form Nonfiction 2022
Cybils Awards High School Nonfiction Finalist
Junior Library Guild selection

★”Jarrow’s impeccable research and fascinating details will keep [readers] hooked, especially when they discover that this creature, known as Necator americanus – the American murderer – is a hookworm that once plagued the South . . . An engrossing blend of history and STEM.” – Booklist, starred review

“This thoroughly researched and engaging account details the discovery and treatment of widespread, devastating cases of hookworm in the southern United States in the early 20th century. “– ALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book

“For the first half of the book, with her usual flair, Jarrow highlights the science of hookworms, which has plenty of gross appeal to keep readers engaged. The second half is equally intriguing as she focuses on Stiles’s tireless efforts along with the cultural and historical aspects of the period. An excellent addition for middle and high school students.” – School Library Journal

“Jarrow, who has carved out a niche for herself in the history of science and medicine, here adeptly weaves solid research, primary-source quotes, and historical artifacts with elements of mystery for a compelling read.” – Horn Book

“Jarrow (Ambushed!) chronicles the discovery of a deadly parasitic hookworm, the campaign that endeavored to control it, and epidemic’s social implications in this prodigious work.” – Publishers Weekly

“Jarrow’s coverage of the biological mystery is well-organized and deftly explained, and she also skillfully handles the soical context of a condition that largely affected marginalized populations.” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"The title is a literal translation of the hookworm’s scientific name Necator americanus, but the lurid details don’t stop there as Jarrow goes on to expand...accounts of the creepy creature’s life cycle and the discovery of just how disturbingly prevalent 'America’s bloodsucking murderer' was in the South in the 19th and early 20th centuries... [A] searching look at the borders between science and society." – Kirkus Reviews

“The engaging narrative grounded in mystery will keep readers turning the pages…Highly recommended for public libraries, school libraries, and biology and American history classes.” – The Nonfiction Detectives

“Author Gail Jarrow has done an outstanding research job, which she presents in an entertaining, easy-to-follow style. She imparts a quality and quantity of (truly gross) information that will keep grownups reading as raptly as the intended tween and teen audience.” – Richie’s Pick