Science Book for Kids: Sneeze!

Sneeze!
by Alexandra Siy and Dennis Kunkel
Charlesbridge, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-57091-654-0
46 pages

Colorized electron micrographs devoted to a routine bodily function are the big draws in this picture book for seven to ten year olds. For the layman, I'll translate: you will marvel over the tinted, blown-up photos of delightfully disgusting environmental irritants like pollen, mildew, and household dust. The almost glowing orange dust mite (765 times its actual size) practically defines the word "gross."

Grainy (and markedly less compelling) black-and-white photographs show children in different sneeze-inducing situations, like spicing up food, dusting furniture, and snuggling with a cat. These pictures and their captions (" 'Pass the pepper, please,' Isaiah says.") indicate that the book is for younger readers. But the science explanations start with the relatively simple ("A sneeze is a reflex, an automatic reaction that can't be stopped once it starts."), and advance fairly quickly. ("The electrical impulse zips along the axon until it arrives at the synapse, the point of communication between two neurons.") The neuroscience particulars may elude all but the savviest in the target age group. My advice for younger scientists: enjoy the micrographs now, and hang onto the book for tenth grade biology.

Sneeze! was on the longlist in the Cybils awards' middle-grade/young-adult nonfiction category.

Comments

[Mary Norris]

Gesundheit!

[Stacey from Two Writing Teachers]

Do you think I can use this book with my fourth graders when we study the human body this spring?

[Susan T.]

Thank you, MJN.

wwwwwaaaaaaacccccccchhhhhhoooooo!

Yes, Stacey, you could use the book with your 4th graders. The photos are really something--I think the kids would find them awesome.

I'd be happy to mail you my copy now that I'm finished, and you can take a look at it. If you can't use it, just give it to the school library or something. Send me an email (c_spaghettiATyahooDOTcom) if you are interested.