I'm Trying to Love Germs

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Author(s)

Bethany Barton

Publisher

Viking Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

November 07, 2023

ISBN

978-0593326725

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Children's Choice Award winner Bethany Barton dives into the microscopic world of germs with fascinating information and tons of humor!

This book is covered in germs! But to be fair, so are we. Did you know that there are more viruses and bacteria on Earth than there are stars in the known universe? Learn all about the microbes in and on our bodies that help us survive, the ones that don't, and everything in between. Written in Bethany Barton's trademark balance of informative and hilarious, I'm Trying to Love Germs is a perfect entry point to viruses, the pandemic, and the importance of washing our hands.

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1 review

All About Germs and How They Can Be Positive Too

November 17, 2023 (Updated: June 04, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Learning Value

5.0

I'M TRYING TO LOVE GERMS teaches that while germs have a bad stigma, not all of them are actually bad. Even though they're too small to see, they're everywhere. Scientists call germs microbes or pathogens and there are some people who study bacteria for a living. Some make you sick and are no fun, but others are vital to our survival. Humans have a lot of bacteria living inside of them that do all sorts of things like bacteria that fight in your mouth, protect infection on your skin, and help digestion by breaking down the food.

The overall format of the book is engaging and I love the introduction where it says this book is covered in germs. I also really love how it tells the reader to pinch to zoom in so we can see the germs. The author goes into the four different types: bacterium, virus, fungus, and protozoan. The illustrations have simple detailing and I love how the cover appears throughout the book to add a bit of humor. In the back of the book, there's a section called "A word on Washing Your Hands" and it teaches children the importance of washing your hands.

Final Verdict: I'M TRYING TO LOVE GERMS is packed with information about the good side of microbes with a twist of humor to add some extra entertainment for children. I would recommend this for fans of science, biology, and for those parents who want to educate their children more on germs.

Bethany Wicker Top 10 Reviewer 934 reviews

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5.0(1)

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Not all germs are bad

April 13, 2026 (Updated: June 04, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Learning Value

5.0

Thank you to Bethany Barton and Viking/Penguin Random House for a copy of I'm Trying to Love Germs.
"I like to think of germs like glitter" - my favorite line in the whole book. It's such a perfect picture of germs - one sneeze and germs cover you like a jar of glitter would.
This book is a hard cover, perfect for kids 4-8 years of age. It's full of colorful examples of germs along with pronounciations. I loved how creative the author was - in one image, the germs are depicted as famous movie/rock stars.
I think this is a great science book to share with younger children to teach them that not all germs are bad and to know how to handle germs in a safe manner, and most importantly - why.
I am eager to share this with a friend who is a teacher. I know she will love this for her son and her classroom.