Amazing Schemes Within Your Genes

Balkwill, Frances R.

ISBN 10: 0876148046 ISBN 13: 9780876148044

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, 1993

Synopsis

A fact-filled, clear introduction to genetics for young readers explains what genes are, how they make protein, their roles in determining physical characteristics, and how genetic engineering works.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews:

In the Cells and Things series, a brief, zippy look at human genetics--it's quite a feat to get from DNA and chromosomes to how cells make individuals unique in just 20 words, or to summarize human evolution in three paragraphs. The cheerful, cartoonlike illustrations here are amusing: ribosomes quip ``Here I go'' or ``Yipeee''; a smiling sperm bams into an egg, cheering ``Now we've got 23 pairs of chromosomes!'' Unfortunately, the abbreviated text and picture book format are sometimes at odds with the rather difficult concepts presented: ``If each gene is a recipe, then DNA is the chemical language that the recipes are written in.'' Elsewhere, the upbeat tone leads to overstatement: ``Nowadays nurses and doctors use treatments to keep children with cystic fibrosis healthy and help them lead better lives, though the disease cannot be cured.'' For motivated young science readers. No glossary or index. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review:

"Ideas are presented clearly and concisely in an appropriately conversational tone, often with splashes of humor. Difficult concepts are easily understood, while vibrant colors and cartoonlike characters of both sexes and various ethnicities add to the appeal."

About this edition

• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0876148046
• ISBN 13: 9780876148044
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Rolph Mic