The Omnivore's Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, Young Readers Edition [Paperback]

Michael Pollan (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 15, 2009 | Age Range: 10 and up

The New York Times bestseller that’s changing America’s diet is now perfect for younger readers

“What’s for dinner?” seemed like a simple question—until journalist and supermarket detective Michael Pollan delved behind the scenes. From fast food and big organic to small farms and old-fashioned hunting and gathering, this young readers’ adaptation of Pollan’s famous food-chain exploration encourages kids to consider the personal and global health implications of their food choices.

In a smart, compelling format with updated facts, plenty of photos, graphs, and visuals, as well as a new afterword and backmatter, The Omnivore’s Dilemma serves up a bold message to the generation that needs it most: It’s time to take charge of our national eating habits—and it starts with you.

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 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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

• Age Range: 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Dial; Reprint edition (October 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803735006
• ISBN-13: 978-0803735002
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.9 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Diet & Nutrition
  • #2 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Environment & Ecology
  • #5 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Cooking

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.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#21 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting

#100 in Kindle eBooks > Health, Fitness & Dieting

#21 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting

#100 in Kindle eBooks > Health, Fitness & Dieting

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 98 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pollan rocks October 17, 2009

By Mom

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful

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

By Annabelle Lee

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

37 of 39 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

Format: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.