Health 2000

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9 Misrepresented as a look at health in the year 2000, this book is instead a picture book of the human body and the history of medicine. In 58 pages, Taylor covers the body, its systems and natural defenses, the development of modern medicine since the late 18th Century, current research and technology, world health problems and guidelines for personal health and fitness. Two-thirds of this space is taken up by large, beautiful color photos and illustrations in a splashy layout. This art and its detailed captions usually enhance the text, although not infrequently eye appeal is emphasized over content. It is of little reference value because of its once-over-lightly approach. Taylor barely glances at health in the future, making few forecasts of ``miracle'' cures or solutions to Third World problems. Those needing material on the topics Taylor touches upon are referred to Wilson's How the Body Works (Larousse, 1979; o.p.) and The Rand McNally Atlas of the Body and Mind (Rand McNally, 1978; o.p.) for physiology; Chase's Magic Shots (Morrow, 1982), which details the history of immunizations and Astor's The Disease Detectives (NAL, 1983) for the history of medicine; Snyder's Test Tube Life: Scientific Advance and Moral Dilemma (Messner, 1982) and Berger's Bionics (Watts, 1978; o.p.) for the future of medicine .Joyce Adams Burner, formerly at Spring Hill Middle School, Kans.