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(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Matthew Rivera.
A cheerful zombie narrator, who's trying to kick her brain-eating habit, introduces the features and functions of the human brain. Both the text and animated illustrations successfully walk the line between science--"Your brain is the boss, the coach..."--and silliness: "...the main computer--but tastier than a computer." Our ghoulish guide demonstrates how the five senses act as messengers (here they act as a zombie early-warning system). She compares the human brain's appearance and weight to various animal brains and gets a little more science-y in discussion of neurons, glial cells, and parts of the brain (e.g., brain stem, cerebellum, temporal lobe). An author's note, more brain facts, and list of sources are appended.
80 pp.
| Twenty-First Century
| January, 2018
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-5124-2752-3$35.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5124-9884-4
(3)
YA
After presenting basic facts about the brain and nervous system, Zimmer then discusses the growing knowledge of neuroscience throughout the twentieth century. Subsequent chapters explain the importance of fluorescence and genetic modification in furthering understanding of the brain and developing new treatments for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other disorders. The fascinating survey includes clear color photos, micrographs, and diagrams. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
(4)
4-6
Stickmen's Guides to Your Awesome Body series.
Illustrated by
Venitia Dean.
These books introduce basic anatomy and the functions and dysfunctions of human body systems through text (in tiny font), illustrations, and schematics. Each volume concludes with a chronology illustrating historical beliefs and scientific discoveries as well as a spread of random facts. Scattered stick figures interacting with the medical illustrations provide the series' gimmick but little else. Ind. Review covers these Stickmen's Guides to Your Awesome Body titles: Stickmen's Guide to Your Beating Heart, Stickmen's Guide to Your Brilliant Brain, Stickmen's Guide to Your Gurgling Guts, and Stickmen's Guide to Your Mighty Muscles and Bones.
(3)
YA
Cutting-Edge Science and Technology series.
These volumes survey the rapidly expanding fields of human biology and medicine, encompassing neuroscience and brain mapping, brain disorders, organ generation, cancer treatment, vaccines, and genetics. The science and technologies used to explore the brain and body are described in detail, along with profiles of contemporary scientists and their projects. Photographs and medical images are included. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Cutting-Edge Science and Technology titles: Brain Science and Medical Research and Technology.
(4)
K-3
First Facts: Your Body Systems series.
These introductions to the human body are very basic, with some complexity added in fact boxes and captioned photos or diagrams. One spread in each volume addresses some common disorders (for example, sprains and spasms in Muscular), though Nervous also preaches about damage from drug and alcohol use. Three appended questions link material to the Common Core. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review includes the following First Facts: Your Body Systems titles: Your Digestive System Works!, Your Muscular System Works!, and Your Nervous System Works!.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-3949-0$23.93
(4)
4-6
Body System Disease Investigations series.
After a quick overview of a body system, these books present sets of symptoms and circumstances (with photos) that agent Annie Biotica must analyze to diagnose and sometimes cure. Investigator/superhero Annie explains the relevant symptoms, diagnostic tests, and medical treatments. Readers are then challenged to solve three additional cases. There are some unfortunate errors and typos in the informative text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Body System Disease Investigations titles: The Case of the Flesh-Eating Bacteria, The Case of the Infected Tick, The Case of the Rusty Nail, The Case of the Sneezy Popcorn, and The Case of the Undercooked Burger.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-4160-8$23.93 New ed. (2004)
(4)
4-6
Learning About the Human Body Systems series.
In each updated book, five short chapters capably describe the function and structure of the featured human systems and give too-brief information on treatment and prevention of ailments. Each book's final chapter lists "amazing" facts. A few anatomical drawings and photos are scattered throughout but are too small to add much visual interest. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Learning About the Human Body Systems titles: Digestive and Excretory Systems, Musculoskeletal System and the Skin, Nervous System, Respiratory System, and Endocrine and Reproductive Systems.
40 pp.
| Lerner
| August, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7613-7450-3$27.93
(4)
4-6
Searchlight Books: How Does Your Body Work? series.
Simple chapters introduce the basics of these five human body systems: their structure, function, and how the various components interact. A few sentences on each page accompany largely generic, full-color photographs, photo-micrographs, and labeled diagrams. Text boxes are included on each spread but are mostly redundant. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these How Does Your Body Work? titles: Your Circulatory System, Your Muscular System, Your Nervous System, Your Skeletal System, and Your Respiratory System.
64 pp.
| Capstone/Compass Point
| August, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7565-4486-7$33.32
|
PaperISBN 978-0-7565-4500-0$8.95
(3)
YA
Everyday Science series.
Seven chapters cover facts about the human nervous system plus some aspects unique to the teen brain (moodiness, multitasking, sleep patterns, etc.). Chapters include "Try It Out" activities and scattered "Fact" and "True Tales" boxes. Plentiful color photos show teens playing sports and video games, interacting with friends, and doing school work. Reading list. Glos., ind.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61613-500-3$27.07
(3)
K-3
Buddy Books: Body Systems series.
Double-page spreads describe the workings of the title body systems, usually with simple text on left-hand pages and large, colorful photographs or diagrams on the right. The texts touch on common disorders (e.g., high blood pressure in Circulatory) and healthy practices. "Brain Food" spreads pose three questions and provide answers. Ample white space, engaging images, and "Word of Mouth" sidebars are reader-friendly. Glos., ind. Review covers these Buddy Books: Body Systems titles: Circulatory System, Digestive System, Muscular System, and Nervous System.
32 pp.
| Heinemann
| March, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4329-0903-1$28.21
(4)
4-6
Human Machine series.
Introductory information on human body systems and structure is presented in a textbooklike, question-driven format that is heavy on facts, light on depth, and tied together through analogies with machines. The colorful illustrations and busy layouts include helpful diagrams, stock photos, and additional factual asides. Reproduction, in particular, keeps its discussion too vague to be very informative. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Human Machine titles: Digestion and Excretion, Respiration and Circulation, The Skeleton and Muscles, The Brain and Nervous System, Cells, Tissues, and Organs, and Reproduction and Genetics.
(4)
4-6
Body Talk series.
These accessible volumes present the human body and how it works. Rather than isolating the different parts of the body, these titles successfully demonstrate how the body systems work together to perform everyday functions. The cluttered design features many photographs, diagrams, and sidebars. "Find out later" questions preview the information. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Body Talk titles: Break It Down, Control Freak, Defend Yourself, In Your Genes, Move Your Body, and Pump It Up.
(4)
4-6
Body Talk series.
These leveled-text editions discuss the human body and how it works. Rather than isolating the different parts of the body, the books demonstrate how the body systems work together to perform everyday functions (though some of the descriptions are vague). The design features many photographs, diagrams, and sidebars. "Find out later" questions preview the information. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Body Talk titles: Break It Down, Control Freak, Defend Yourself, In Your Genes, Move Your Body, and Pump It Up.
(4)
4-6
Fusion series.
Scant text introduces the subjects of these books, the titles of which reflect their "high-interest twist" (Cow is about how scientific inquiry led Edward Jenner to the smallpox innoculation). Though some bolded words are defined on their pages while others only in the glossary, the large (often close-up) photos, varying type, and colorful backgrounds will attract readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fusion titles: Skin Deep, Who's in Control?, Body Warriors, and Has A Cow Saved Your Life?
(2)
K-3
Simon explains each major component of the body's electrical system. Carefully plotted explanations cover each region of the brain and the spinal cord, and electronic scans magnify minute cells of the brain and nervous system. The variety of photographic views and the lucid presentation provide an absorbing introduction to this amazing system that "can do more jobs than the most powerful computer ever made."
48 pp.
| Enslow
| January, 2004
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-2018-5$$18.95
(4)
4-6
Human Body Library series.
In each book, five short chapters capably describe the function and structure of the featured human systems and give too-brief information on treatment and prevention of ailments. Each book's final chapter lists "amazing" facts. A few anatomical drawings and photos are scattered throughout but are too small to add much visual interest. Directory, reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Human Body Library titles: The Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems and The Nervous System.
48 pp.
| Raintree
| February, 2004
|
LibraryISBN 0-7398-6619-2$$28.56
(3)
YA
Our Bodies series.
These books introduce body components in double-page spreads that define, describe, and explain smaller units such as the brainstem. Some segments discuss disorders such as hemophilia; sidebars offer micrographic, animal versus human, and experimental slants, as well as tips on such subjects as hiccups. Colorful drawings, photographs, and illustrations extend the clear, well-organized texts. Directory, reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Our Bodies titles: The Brain and Nervous System; Digestion; The Heart, Lungs, and Blood; Reproduction; The Senses; and The Skeleton and Muscles.
32 pp.
| Benchmark
| October, 2004
|
LibraryISBN 0-7614-1781-8$21.36
(4)
K-3
Bookworms: What's inside Me? series.
Extra-large type and a small, square trim size invite beginning readers to explore the human body. Short paragraphs positioned either under or beside clear photos and illustrations present very basic information ("Your skin is your largest organ," etc.). The use of the second person should engage newly independent readers, but some kids will stumble over the longer, less familiar words. Glos., ind. Review covers these Bookworms: What's Inside Me? titles: My Bones and Muscles, My Brain, My Heart and Blood, My Lungs, My Skin, and My Stomach.
48 pp.
| Lerner
| December, 2004
|
LibraryISBN 0-8225-1249-1$25.26
(4)
K-3
Early Bird Body Systems series.
Using straightforward text, these accessible resources introduce the major body systems. Photos and illustrated diagrams complement the text, but some micrographs lack sufficient labels. Each book begins with a key-word preview that invites readers to be "word detectives" and concludes with tips for adults on reading with a child. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Early Bird Body Systems titles: The Skeletal System, The Respiratory System, The Digestive System, The Muscular System, The Nervous System, and The Circulatory System.
31 pp.
| Gareth
| January, 2003
|
LibraryISBN 0-8368-3632-4$$22.60
(4)
K-3
How Your Body Works series.
A simplified but informative text, along with text boxes (in various shapes) set in plenty of white space, introduce the basics of each topic. Smiling children are posed among the labeled diagrams and captioned medical photographs, which are large and brightly colored. The playful approach features mini-experiments ("picking up a coin without using your thumb") and a coordinated activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these How Your Body Works titles: Your Blood, Your Brain, Your Digestive System, Your Lungs, Your Muscles and Bones, and Your Senses.]