The Digestive System

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-In the overcrowded field of books on the human body, these series entries stand above the rest, as they offer solid information for reports and projects. Each topic is covered in a double-page spread, most of which is text. In the first title, the Silversteins begin with a brief overview of food and with a look at the history of our understanding of the digestive system. Several sections cover the system itself, ending with chapters on balanced diet, overeating, food poisoning, problems and diseases, and food for the future. Excretory follows a similar pattern, beginning with excretion in animals, how wastes are formed, and a brief history. The urinary system and excretion through the skin, lungs, and digestive tract are all described, followed by sections on kidney dialysis, transplants, etc. The texts are lucid, to the point, and highly readable. Photographs and simple diagrams are all in full color. Terminology appears in bold print, and is defined in context and in a glossary. Boxed items of interest are scattered throughout. Intended for a slightly older audience than Steven Parker's ``Human Body'' series (Watts) and ``How Our Bodies Work'' (Silver Burdett), these titles would be useful additions to most libraries.-Denise L. Moll, Lone Pine Elementary School, West Bloomfield, MI