What Makes Me, Me? (Big Questions About the Body) - Softcover

Robert Winston is a world-renowned scientist who has combined groundbreaking academic work with a flair for communicating science to the general public. The icon of many British TV series, Winston's charisma and zest for adventure have seen him riding roller coasters and freezing in an igloo to help demonstrate science in action.His pioneering work in the field of human fertility has helped dozens of childless couples have "miracle babies" and earned him an international reputation. He is a professor of science and society at Imperial College London and an active researcher in reproductive physiology.

Gr. 4-6. A British scientist makes human biology fun in this combination activity and fact book. Crystal-clear graphics, including slick collages, colorful diagrams, and photos--from thumbprint size to full page--bring the science close up. Winston fast-forwards through the respiratory, skeletal, and muscular systems and presents a few tidbits about genes and the senses before settling in to discuss the brain, personality, and emotions. To involve readers, he peppers his text with questions and activities designed to help kids better understand physical differences and the many ways people process information, including some entertaining tests to measure intelligence. Certainly readers need to be old enough to understand the fallibility of such exercises (Winston says as much), but the entertainment value here helps balance somewhat haphazard informational content and organization, and the "tests" will encourage readers to investigate further and help them remember that science need not be dull. Glossary. Stephanie Zvirin
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