"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is the story how the cells of a poor, African-American woman named Henrietta Lacks, became one of the most important medical tools ever used. Mrs. Lacks died in 1951 but her cells, called HeLa, have flourished by the trillions for over 50 years. HeLa has been vital to medical science and discovering the polio vaccine, chemotherapy, and HIV medications. The HeLa cells have been used in labs all over the world and have even been taken to space. But who was Henrietta Lacks? How did the granddaughter of slaves become so important to medical science? And if her cells are so important, why can't her children and grandchildren afford medical insurance? Author Rebecca Skloot's book focuses on Henrietta Lack's family history and the struggles her descendents have faced since her death while also illustrating the medical breakthroughs and progress made possible by HeLa. This is a multi-layered, riveting story that will appeal to a wide range of readers.