Synopsis
Explores the history of organ transplantation, as well as its medical, ethical, financial, and personal aspects, providing insights into the latter through stories of organ donors and recipients.
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-McClellan begins with the personal reactions of family and friends to a teen who has been injured in a car accident and his parents' decision to sustain or withdraw life-support systems. Both elements are dealt with sensitively and informatively. Then, the history of the effort to make transplants a reality is outlined with the important doctors, scientists, and attempts mentioned. The ethics of transplants is discussed but seems less of a focus than the need for donors as the number falls far short of those waiting for organs. With its useful black-and-white photos, anatomical diagram, pie chart, and statistics, this book is equally approachable for curious readers and report writers.-Marilyn Fairbanks, Azure IRC, Brockton High School, MA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.