From Booklist
Gr. 6-12. Citing examples that date back to the fifth century B.C., Murphy leads readers through the historic evolution of prosthetics. From peg legs to iron lungs to artificial hearts, these medical milestones often arose from necessity--wars or diseases, for example, which demanded quick responses to events that devastated the human body. Readers are introduced to a wide array of information, including unforgettable descriptions of crude pre-anesthesia surgical procedures and bizarre inventions to replace missing limbs. There's also a description of the physical, emotional, and psychological journey of a 15-year-old boy whose leg is shattered. Murphy doesn't waste a word, and her brisk presentation makes reading effortless and absorbing. Black-and-white photos and sketches support the text, which is followed by source notes, a glossary, and a bibliography. Roger Leslie
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
