Grossology [Spiral-bound]

Sylvia Branzei (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Grossology

Grossology is the outrageous alternative to a really boring health class, introducing the science behind the body's most disgusting features, from burps and vomit to scabs and ear wax. Sylvia Branzei is a teacher, writer, and grossophile who lives in Northern California in a house with very little plumbing. You may have seen her on numerous national TV shows or in People magazine surrounded by the bare feet of her students.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This book dives face first into vats of everything you're not supposed to talk about, with sections entitled Barf, Boogers, Poop, Pee, B.O. and so forth. The illustrations are disgusting and unattractive, the text is filled with disturbing but entirely true passages such as "Snot is one part of your daily diet that you never think about.... Yup, you swallow about a quart of it each day. Just think: you swallow more snot that you drink milk", and lists of how to say various forbidden words in many languages.

All in all, tasteless, disgusting, and bound to offend many people--but what would you expect of a book in a puke-green plastic covered cover entitled Grossology. And, quite honestly, everything it discusses is happening in and on your body right now. Sorry, but it's all true.

About the Author

Sylvia Branzei is a teacher, writer and grossophile who lives in Northern California in a house with very little plumbing. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Spiral-bound: 80 pages
• Publisher: Planet Dexter (February 2, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 020140964X
• ISBN-13: 978-0201409642
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #874,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful and entertaining book for everyone!!!, May 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Grossology (Spiral-bound)

You hear so much about children not wanting to read today. The illustrations and text quickly gains the readers attention. As an educator myself, I found it to be direct and some what disgusting. However, isn't that what keeps a child's attention? Grossology is an educational book that young readers find difficult to put down. Just a warning--- you may not want to ask your child questions about Grossology at the dinner table. This book would not be the topic for a dinner conversation.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just don't read it before breakfast!, January 22, 2002

By 

tamara (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grossology (Spiral-bound)

This book is billed as a children's book, but adults will find it just as riveting. A recent Washington Post article about a museum exhibit based on the book tells the story of two women in their seventies, playing with the Grossology exhibit's ... um ... fart machine, giggling and having as much fun as any fifth grader. The book is equally entertaining. Divided into three sections: "slimy, mushy, oozy gross things," "crusty, scaly gross things," and "stinky, smelly gross things," it's a treasure trove of information you always wondered about, but were confounded when it came to whom to ask and for godsakes when. Explanations about all the various biological happenings are both scientific and breezy, always understandable. The down-to-earth language and accompanying cartoony pictures keep the text rollicking. A great purchase, as long as you don't have a weak stomach (although those with weak stomachs could find some fascinating explanations of their symptoms).

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute big hit with pre-teen boys!, November 18, 2000

By 

Gwyneth Calvetti (West Salem, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Grossology (Spiral-bound)

This book is every bit as gross as it promises, right down to the fake vomit packaged with it. This alone makes it an absolute dream volume for boys. Don't tell them they might actually learn some interesting biology and health information; simply enjoy the fact that you have earned major cool points as adult gift-givers go! They'd never believe science can be so fun, and their sisters will no doubt enjoy it just as much.

Each section deals with basic science about all those aspects of being human that are not to be discussed in polite society. The author puts the information in plain language, sometimes in ways that are delightfully direct--that is, if you are a kid! Other interesting tidbits are added into the mix, making this a guide to bodily function trivia.

If you have the sensibilities that your mother tried to instill in you, you may wish to avoid this book. If she tried, but didn't have any luck--well, you'll be sneaking a look at this book after the kids have gone to bed. Truly imaginative, in a gross sort of way!