Gr 7 Up-Greenberg's medically based and detailed text takes readers on a thorough tour of the disease from its history and causes to current and potential treatments. By utilizing concrete metaphors for abstract cellular occurrences in the immune system (barricades, moats, guard dogs, army, etc.) and bold type for words located in the glossary, the author attempts to make the enormously complex system accessible to young people. Despite her effort, however, the chapters dealing with causes and physical manifestations will be a tough read for younger (and scientifically uninclined) students, though excellent for reports. Sections on management and treatments are far more useful, and the list of organizations and Web sites will be helpful. Black-and-white photos and graphics provide welcome text breaks and occasional insight. Carolyn Simpson's Coping with Asthma (Rosen, 1995) and Alvin Silverstein's Asthma (Enslow, 1997) are more accessible and easier to comprehend.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 6-12. According to Greenberg, the origins of asthma are still vague, and cures and successful treatments remain elusive. Yet the history of the illness, which dates back to 3000 B.C., is extensive enough to offer young readers much to explore for both personal information and research. Greenberg's medical background serves readers well; her explanations of how the pulmonary and immune systems work together are intricate yet succinct, and her descriptions of respiratory functions, accompanied by several black-and-white diagrams, are illuminating. In addition to background on the condition, there's information on preventing asthma attacks as well as on treating and managing the illness. Greenberg briefly introduces a few asthma sufferers who became Olympic champions (including track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee and swimmer Tom Dolan), but her focus is clearly on the condition itself. Source notes, a glossary, and further readings are included. Roger Leslie
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