FICTION

The Human Body

by Ken JENNINGS
illus. by Mike Lowery. 160p. (Ken Jennings' Junior Genius Guides). S. & S./Little Simon. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781481401746; ebk. $7.99. ISBN 9781481401753. LC 2014005180.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–5—Jeopardy champion of champions, Ken Jennings, is back with another "Junior Genius Guide" and this one is a doozy. In it, he takes readers through an intimate look at the human body in all its glory and grossness. The style is extremely lively with fun facts ("Did you know that your brain is 60% fat, making it the fattiest organ in your body?") along with precise research and spot-on humor. Throughout, Jennings encourages a healthy diet and exercise and includes experiments and activities, including making peanut butter fingers. Lowery's illustrations are cartoonish and goofy and will certainly engage even the most reluctant of readers. Sprinkled through the various chapters are several short quiz questions with answers in the back of the book. There is also a "final exam" at the end.
VERDICT This entire series is excellent; this engaging volume about the human body is a first purchase.
Reviewed by Keith Klang, Port Washington Public Library, NY
Beginning with DNA and cellular structure, lighthearted text explains quirky aspects of the human body including the brain, skeleton, amputation, digestion, and more. Cartoon illustrations echo the narrative's goofy tone. Coded messages, "extra credit" boxes, charts, activities, and an "official junior genius certification exam" are included. Accessibility is limited by the generic chapter titles ("First Period"; "Art Class") and no index.
, Mar 01, 2015

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