Horn Book Review
Two ancient beliefs about the powers and sources of human blood introduce this quirky exploration of the circulatory system. The informal text includes anecdotes, physiology, interesting facts (about leeches, vampires, and other creatures), and some history. Seven activities encourage hands-on understanding of some concepts, for example, how an astronaut's pressure suit works. Cartoon illustrations appear in each section. Ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 4-6. The physiology is accurate, accessible, and exciting in this lively, browsable volume, illustrated with full-color diagrams, pictures, and boxes on every spread. Romanek concentrates mainly on how the human heart and circulatory system work, but she also makes fascinating connections with other creatures, including giraffes, mosquitoes, and bats. Her narrative is chatty and informal without being condescending. The puns are fun, too (change of heart. ), but it's the scientific facts that will enthrall readers. The medical terms are clearly explained; and the occasional You Try It boxes present directions for simple experiments. Few science books written for this age level are as successful at making such complicated information comprehensible. A bibliography would have been helpful, but this is still an excellent addition to the Mysterious You series. --Hazel Rochman Copyright 2006 Booklist
