The Vanishing Feast [Hardcover]

Dorothy Hinshaw Patent (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Gulliver Green Book | Publication Date: October 31, 1994

The award-winning author explores the issue of biodiversity, how it is threatened, and how we can preserve it. “This informative, well-written book provides excellent report material on a subject that is both interesting and complex.”--School Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-This informative, well-written book provides excellent report material on a subject that is both interesting and complex. Patent clearly explains the process of genetic engineering and how it threatens the small farmer, the environment, thousands of life forms, and the world's food supply. She stresses the importance of natural diversity in order for species to survive year after year under varying conditions and discusses current efforts to preserve it, including seed banks, rare livestock ranches, and gardening organizations. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the text; a glossary is provided as well as an extensive bibliography and a list of related organizations.
Helen Rosenberg, Chicago Public Library, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-10. This book, which is divided into four sections, makes diversity of both plant and animal species and the cultural and civic implications of genetics exciting. The account could well turn into eager readers those who approach science only dutifully for a report. Patent moves beyond the usually cited historical examples (such as the Irish potato famine) to contemporary problems of the l980s and 1990s, and her lively use of detail leads readers beyond whatever topic they first chose--corn will never seem dull again. Then, it's on to the trademarked Yucatan Micropig, a minature pig bred for use in medicine and as stock for small farms. Discussions of factory farming make vegetarianism seem an attractive option, but Patent is describing, not advocating. An excellent glossary, a bibliography of her sources, and lists of suggested reading further add to the book's strength. Mary Harris Veeder

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1st edition (October 31, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152928677
• ISBN-13: 978-0152928674
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,254,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Every since I was a child I've loved nature and animals. I spent my time out of doors, picking flowers and scooping tadpoles out of ponds. So it's no wonder I studied biology and became an author myself of a favorite gift when I was young, a book about nature. I've expanded into other fascinating areas of nonfiction, too, especially historical topics of the American west, such as Lewis and Clark and Native Americans.
My work has given me the gift of travel to all sorts of fascinating places such as the Galapagos Island, the Costa Rican Rain Forest, and the famous cave at Lascaux, France, full of amazing ancient art that is no longer open to visitors.

To learn more about me and my books, visit my website, www.dorothyhinshawpatent.com