Kati's Tiny Messengers

From the author of the National Jewish Book Award Finalist Bartali’s Bicycle comes the story of unsung hero Katalin Karikó, the scientist whose research of mRNA led to the world-altering development of the Covid-19 vaccine. Perfect for readers who love science, STEM, and books like Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor or Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race.

When she was young, Katalin Karikó decided she would study science—even though she had never even met a scientist! But she was determined to learn as much as she could about the human body, and once she made a decision, she stuck with it. Katalin had to learn English while attending university, but she worked hard until she became a doctor.

After facing many challenges, including lack of research funding and harsh immigration policies, Kati and her family uprooted from Hungary and moved to America, where she became a top researcher. She knew that, with work, she could teach one of the building blocks of life, messenger RNA, to fight off harmful viruses. There was just one problem—no one else believed her.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and Kati and her work were thrust into the spotlight. But with her unshakable will, she was ready to face the challenge.

Includes a note from Dr. Karikó, a time line, and more information about mRNA.