Literature on Cells, Human Systems and Genetics
Science Trade Books
ANTONI VAN LEEUWENHOEK: FIRST TO SEE MICROSCOPIC LIFE (Great Minds of Science series). Lisa Yount. Illustrated with various photographs and prints. Enslow. 128pp. ISBN library: 0-89490-680-1. $18.95. (I) Not a scientist but a fabric seller, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's life teaches us much about the science processes of observation, persistence, record keeping, and hypothesis. He improved upon a tool of his trade, the magnifying glass, to create quality microscopes. For his entire 91 years, he was curious, meticulous, and thrilled with his discoveries and successes. An inspiration to all budding scientists. Includes activities using a microscope or magnifying glass. Glossary. Index. Chronology. Chapter Notes. Further Reading List. Afterword.
BLOOD (Body Books series). Anna Sandeman. Illustrated by Ian Thompson and various photographs. Copper Beach/Millbrook. 32pp. ISBN library: 0-7613-0477-0. $13.90. (P) For all "how" and "why" questions young minds ask, this book will delight children, teachers, and parents. It offers a look at the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to find out how the blood keeps flowing and why it is essential to making the human body tick. Glossary. Index.
Bodyscope: Movers and Shapers. Patricia Macnair. Illustrated with prints and photographs. Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin Company. 40pp. Trade ISBN 0-7534-5791-1, $9.95. (E) Fifteen topics of interest include how the skeleton supports the body, what muscles do, how a broken bone heals, and skeleton secrets. One unique feature is the Info Lab, which supplies fast facts. Photographs, x-rays, and other graphics reinforce under-standing. Glossary, Index, Websites, Pull-out Poster.
THE BONE DETECTIVES: HOW FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGISTS SOLVE CRIMES AND UNCOVER MYSTERIES OF THE DEAD. Donna M. Jackson. Illustrated with photographs by Charlie Fellenbaum. Little, Brown. 48pp. ISBN 0-316-82935-8. $16.95. (I,A) This engaging book details the investigative processes used by forensic anthropologists to determine the sex, race, height, and weight of a person by studying the bones and teeth. Includes colorful photos of the activities, historical accounts of famous forensic investigations, and a list of other forensic detectives. Author's Note. Glossary.
BONES. Anna Sandeman. Illustrated by Ian Thompson. Millbrook. 28pp. ISBN library: 1-56294-621-8. $13.90. (P) Colorful photographs and diagrams make this an excellent resource for young children to learn about the human skeleton, joints, and muscles. Index.
BONES: OUR SKELETAL SYSTEM. Seymour Simon. Illustrated with drawings and photographs. Morrow Junior. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-688-14644-9, $16; Library ISBN 0-688-14645-7, $15.93. (P,I) The author takes young readers on a tour of the skeletal system of the human body. Using detailed drawings and X-ray photographs, the reader gets a general and closeup view of the 300 bones in the body, their structure, and their function.
THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. Seymour Simon. Illustrated with various photographs. Morrow Junior Books. 32pp. ISBN trade: 0-688-14640-6, $16; library: 0-688-14641-4, $15.93. (I) Stunning photographs and well-written text take the reader on a tour of the brain. This is an excellent introduction to the complex processes that go on inside our heads. The electron microscope pictures of nerve cells, axons, and the synapse region are outstanding.
THE CONCISE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE HUMAN BODY. David Burnie. Illustrated with photographs and prints. DK Publishing. 160pp. ISBN 0-7894-0204-1. $19.95. (I,A) Four hundred full-color illustrations and more than 2,000 key words provide a rich source of information and an invaluable "first stop" reference guide to answer readers' questions about the world of the human body. Includes tables on infectious and noninfectious diseases and a biographical index of over 100 scientific pioneers. Index.
Decoding Life: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Genome. Ron Fridell. Illustrated with photographs. Lerner Publishing Group. 96pp. Library ISBN 0-8225-1196-7, $27.93. (I) From Gregor Mendel to genetic engineering, this book provides an overview of modern genetics. The author discusses the completion of the Human Genome Project and explores its potential for improving human life as well as the possible unintended implications of this knowledge. This book is very readable for the intended audience. Bibliography, Glossary, Index, Source Notes, Further Reading, Websites.
DK Guide to the Human Body. Richard Walker. Illustrated with photographs. DK Publishing. 64pp. Trade ISBN 0-7894-7388-7, $19.95. (A) Dynamic computer-enhanced, three-dimensional illustrations reveal the inner world of the human body. Multiple imaging techniques such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans present the reader with views of the human body from the microscopic to the macroscopic level. Each image helps to explain the complex functions of the body systems. Glossary, Websites, Index.
Dr. Charles Drew: Blood Bank Innovator (African-American Biographies). Anne Schraff. Illustrated with photographs. Enslow. 112pp. Library ISBN 0-7660-2117-3, $20.95. (A) Millions of people owe their lives to Dr. Charles Drew and his pioneering research on blood plasma. He developed a system of blood transfusions and the first blood-storage system. Drew was a champion of civil rights and a teacher of other black doctors. He accomplished all of this at a time when black doctors were not allowed to treat white patients. Chronology, Chapter Notes, Further Reading, Internet Addresses, Index.
EVERYBODY HAS A BELLYBUTTON: YOUR LIFE BEFORE YOU WERE BORN. Laurence Pringle. Illustrated by Clare Wood. Boyds Mills. 32pp. ISBN 1-56397-009-0. $14.95. (P,I) This gentle, yet informative text introduces the reader to human life within the womb. Various stages of development are described, as well as the function of the umbilical cord. Enhanced by stunning pencil drawings on pastel backgrounds. Includes a note to parents. Further Reading List.
EYES. Stephen Savage. Illustrated with photographs. Thomson. 32pp. ISBN library: 1-56847-349-4. $14.95. (I) Animals' eyes must be suited for certain ways of life. This remarkable book explores the different ways that eyes can help animals move, gather food, and avoid dangerous predators. The huge, closeup photographs add to the enjoyable text. Glossary. Index. Further Reading List.
Eyes and Ears. Seymour Simon. Illustrated with prints and photographs. HarperCollins. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-688-15303-8, $15.99; Library ISBN 0-688-15304-6, $16.89. Paper ed. (F). (E) Powerful photographs and informative illustrations enhance written descriptions of how the eyes and ears work to sense the surrounding world, contribute to the sense of balance, and send messages to the brain. The book also includes a brief discussion of optical illusions and deficiencies in seeing and hearing.
Genes and DNA (Kingfisher Knowledge). Richard Walker. Illustrated with prints and photographs. Kingfisher. 64pp. Trade ISBN 0-7534-5621-4, $11.95. (I) This resource book covers three major topics: genes and inheritance; DNA, the molecule of life; and genetic technology. Written encyclopedia style, the text is enhanced with beautiful, full-color illustrations and photographs. The figures and graphics will help intermediate readers fully understand the complex concepts of DNA and genetics. Glossary, Index, Websites, Further Reading, Career Paths, Places to Visit.
THE HEART: OUR CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. Seymour Simon. Illustrated with various photographs and drawings. Morrow. 32pp. ISBN trade: 0-688-11407-5, $16; library: 0-688-11408-3, $15.93. (I) Numerous computer-colored micrographs taken by a scanning electron microscope illustrate the large-print text describing the heart and its functions. Small, labeled cross-section drawings provide further explanation. Author's Note.
Human Body Revealed. Sue Davidson and Ben Morgan. Illustrated with prints and photographs. DK Publishing. 38pp. Trade ISBN 0-7894-8882-5. $12.99. (I) Visual representations of the body are nothing new. This volume is unique in the spectacular quality and quantity of images displayed. The use of transparent templates allows the reader to "peel away" layers, revealing the interactions among bodily systems. Micrographs supplement the macroscopic descriptions to yield added dimension. Index.
MUSCLES: OUR MUSCULAR SYSTEM (The Human Body series). Seymour Simon. Illustrated with drawings and photographs. Morrow Junior. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-688-14642-2, $16; Library ISBN 0-688-14643-0, $15.93. (I) Through the use of X-ray images and detailed drawings, this book takes the reader on a tour through the human muscular system. A clearly written text provides information about the different types of muscles, their function and purpose, and the effects that exercise has on muscles. Photography Note.
Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story about Brain Science. John Fleischman. Illustrated with photographs. Houghton Mifflin. 96pp. Trade ISBN 0-618-05252-6, $16. (I, A) Once in a while an amazing accident occurs that leads to breakthroughs in scientific understanding. The bizarre tale documented in this book demonstrates how neuroscientists advanced our knowledge of the brain. With gripping narrative and effective visuals, the reader is taken on a journey into the workings of the mind. Glossary, Index, Web Resources.
Organ and Tissue Transplants: Medical Miracles and Challenges (Issues in Focus). Marilyn McClellan. Illustrated with photographs. Enslow. 128pp. Library ISBN 0-7660-1943-8, $20.95. (A) Ironically, the miracle of life-saving organ and tissue transplants is usually only possible through the tragedy of death. Human emotions and decisions are integrated throughout this thoughtful discussion of the medical advancements that have improved and extended the quality of lives through organ and tissue transplants. Chapter Notes, Glossary, Organizations, Further Reading, Internet Addresses, Index.
THE VISUAL DICTIONARY OF THE SKELETON. Richard Walker. Illustrated with photographs and prints. DK Publishing. 64pp. ISBN 0-7894-0135-5. $16.95. (I,A) This comprehensive and exquisitely illustrated treasure trove of anatomical terms provides clear and instant access to the skeletons of humans, trees, amphibians, sea mammals, and others. Index.
The Wildlife Detectives: How Forensic Scientists Fight Crimes Against Nature. Donna M. Jackson. Illustrated with photographs by Wendy Shattil and Bob Rozinski. Houghton Mifflin. 48pp. Trade ISBN 0-395-86976-5, $16. (A) Readers can follow a crime scene investigation of the illegal shooting of an elk in Yellowstone National Park. A team of forensic scientists uses various techniques including DNA profiling to solve the crime in an effort to protect animals in the future. Information Sources, Wildlife Forensic Terms, Index.