FICTION

Random Body Parts: Gross Anatomy Riddles in Verse

by Leslie BULION
illus. by Mike Lowery. 48p. further reading. glossary. photos. reprods. websites. Peachtree. Mar. 2015. RTE $14.95. ISBN 9781561457373.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2–5—Bulion has crafted an engaging collection, equal parts gross-out humor and hard science. Each poem showcases a different body part, slowly revealing intriguing details about the organ in question through riddle. The poems are accompanied by a fact box designed to deepen readers' knowledge. Kids will be both delighted and informed: for instance, when a heart stops beating, it is referred to as "asystole," and even while sleeping our tongues swallow saliva. Lowery's playful drawings are presented alongside magnified photographs of organs, creating a collage effect and skillfully reinforcing the book's dual intentions: to entertain and enlighten. The book also contains a labeled diagram of the human body and notes about the poetic forms showcased,
VERDICT Whether educators are seeking material for health lesson units, an introduction to simile and metaphor, or simply something to tempt budding poetry lovers, they'll find this exquisite gem of a book incredibly useful.
Reviewed by Jill Heritage Maza, Montclair Kimberley Academy, Montclair, NJ
Various poetic forms take readers on a funny and quirky tour of human anatomy, starting with the stomach and ending with complaints from some often-ignored organs such as the gallbladder. Sidebars contain more straightforward scientific information; humorous cartoons and some color micrographs are included. Appended "Poetry Notes" explain connections to Shakespeare's works and many of the poetic forms. Reading list, websites. Glos.
, Mar 01, 2015

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