Human Body from A to Z

Single-volume encyclopedias of the body are usually organized by body system. An A–Z approach is accessible and makes the content easy to peruse. Alphabetically arranged from Abdomen to Wrist, each article begins with a “Questions and Answers” section. For example, “As a child, I was told to chew my food 32 times. Is this necessary?” Most articles are one to two pages, with some running five pages or more. Subjects include major body systems, body parts that make up those systems, and other related features of the human body, such as Body odor or Wrinkles. Great color photographs and clear diagrams illustrate most entries. For example, the entry for Knee is accompanied by a photograph of a runner, a close-up of fluid in the knee, and two diagrams of its structure. Cross-references are given, and the index is sufficient. The writing is informal and readable, and even articles such as Hymen and Penis (which mention intercourse but don’t describe it) are appropriate for upper-elementary through high-school readers. Although some of the articles appear taken directly from Marshall Cavendish’s 18-volume Encyclopedia of Health, this title would be appropriate for most school and public libraries as well as for home use. Grades 6-9. --Susan Gooden