Amazing Schemes Within Your Genes (Cells and Things) [Paperback]

Fran Balkwill (Author), MIC Rolph (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Cells and Things

Discusses the structure and function of genes, their adaptations and mutations, and basic genetic processes, particularly as they occur in humans.

Editorial Reviews

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. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (January 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876146353
• ISBN-13: 978-0876146354
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #567,108 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best DNA book around, June 9, 2008

By 

R. Zurer "Museum Educator" (Salt Lake City, UT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amazing Schemes Within Your Genes (Cells and Things) (Paperback)

I've pretty much surveyed the field of kid-oriented DNA books, and I think this one is the best. It's pretty wordy, but does a really good job of explaining complex ideas in truly understandable ways, not just glossing over the hard parts like many other books do. It's an excellent primer not just for kids but for adults too.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fun yet essential, July 10, 2000

By 

Paula Burch - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Amazing Schemes Within Your Genes (Cells and Things) (Paperback)

My five year old loved this book, because the comic strip quips held his attention as I read to him, but most adults could benefit tremendously, and yet painlessly, from reading this little book to learn how genes work. A wonderful children's book that everyone ought to read, at any age.