Reviews of Genetics Instructional Materials

Title:

Enjoy Your Cells

Grade Level:	3 - 5, 6 - 8
Other Uses:	general public education, teacher background information
Type:	Student book (32 pp.)
Authors:	Balkwill, Fran, and Rolph, Mic
Publisher:	Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
Year of pub.:	2002
Price:	$8.95 (paperback)

Description: Enjoy Your Cells replaces Cells Are Us (1990) in the authors' popular series of children's books on cell biology and genetics. This short book addresses basic cell biology concepts such as cell division, differentiation, and function, the difference between plant and animal cells, how small cells really are, and the relation between cells, tissues, and organs. Students are introduced to the diverse cell types in the human body such as blood cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, and lymphocytes.  Basic information on reproduction and DNA is also presented. Material  is presented in a clear, easy-to-read style with colorful, appealing, and humorous graphics.  Other titles in this updated series include Have a Nice DNA, Gene Machines, and Germ Zappers.

Strengths: Colorful graphics and clever explanations appeal to students.  Difficult concepts are explained well but on the whole have not been watered down.

Weaknesses: Readability is probably not best-suited for younger primary students.  We find the material more advanced than this book's predecessor, Cells Are Us. Although the book recommends itself for children "7 and up," we find the content more suitable for grades 5-8 (e.g. DNA). The small book size is not ideal for reading aloud in a group format.

Keywords: Cells, reproduction, development, DNA

Other subjects addressed:  

ISBN#:	0879695846
Ordering Information:	http://www.cshlpress.com

reviewed 02/03/03 by MTB
last updated 02/03/03