The Omnivore's Dilemma for Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat [Kindle Edition]

Michael Pollan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up—Based on Pollan's best-selling adult book of the same title, this (slightly) shortened version will appeal to thoughtful, socially responsible teens. The book is divided into four sections: "The Industrial Meal" (exemplified by the fact that only two companies, Cargill and ADM, buy nearly a third of all the corn grown in the U.S.); "The Industrial Organic Meal" (covering most of what's found in stores like Whole Foods); "Local Sustainable" (small farms typically based on grass, not corn); and what he calls the "Do-It-Yourself Meal" (where he hunts a wild pig and gathers wild mushrooms). Pollan has done an amazing amount of research, both of the typical kind (there are 16 pages of footnotes) and the more personal kind. His own research includes slaughtering a chicken himself and eating a fast-food meal in a moving car with his family. He explains complicated issues clearly, offers compelling evidence of the environmental damage done by what he calls the industrial meal, and urges readers not to look away from animal-welfare issues: "We can only decide if we know the truth." An afterword, "Vote with Your Fork," recommends simple actions that will improve the health of our bodies, our society, and our planet.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL END

Review

"Not every volume will change a reader's life, but this one just might...lively writing rooted in fascinating examples make this accessible and interesting." --Kirkus

"[W]ill appeal to thoughtful, socially responsible teens." --School Library Journal

"[T]his book uses a recipe of science, history, and humor to create an edifying yet entertaining story." --Horn Book

"Young readers--and older ones, too--will find their thinking about food forever changed." --VOYA

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 7642 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: DIAL (October 15, 2009)
• Sold by: Penguin Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B002Q6XUBC
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,718 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #5 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Children's Nonfiction > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health
  • #14 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Children's Nonfiction > People & Places > Explore the World > United States
  • #15 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health

More About the Author

Michael Pollan is the author of five books: Second Nature, A Place of My Own, The Botany of Desire, which received the Borders Original Voices Award for the best nonfiction work of 2001 and was recognized as a best book of the year by the American Booksellers Association and Amazon, and the national bestsellers, The Omnivore's Dilemma, and In Defense of Food. A longtime contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine, Pollan is also the Knight Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley. His writing on food and agriculture has won numerous awards, including the Reuters/World Conservation Union Global Award in Environmental Journalism, the James Beard Award, and the Genesis Award from the American Humane Association.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pollan rocks, October 17, 2009

By 

Mom (NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Omnivore's Dilemma for Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat (Paperback)

I originally bought this book for my son as I had read the "adult" version. I think this one may be an easier read for adults who don't really get into foodie/nutrition/enviromental style books. So I would say it is not just for kids!!! Also, this version has a few photos that area great addition.

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Older Children/Teens, November 30, 2009

By 

Annabelle Lee "Annabelle Lee" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Omnivore's Dilemma for Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat (Paperback)

Everyone should know where their food comes from so that they can make informed choices. This book is full of good information about the food we eat and it's sources. It is not a book for young children as they will have difficulty digesting all this information but it is definately recommended reading for children 11-12 and older, it is even a good read for adults who may not have the time or inclination to read the full version.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for both kids and adults, November 30, 2009

By 

J. Stinson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Omnivore's Dilemma for Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat (Paperback)

I previously read the adult version of this book and really enjoyed it. When I saw this I thougth I would give it a try. I have to say that this book is not only easy to underdstand, it also gives me more insight into the book. Love this book, and would suggest everybody read it.