Reading Level: Grades 1-2 Interest Level: Grades K – 3
The human body has 206 bones, and each has a special job to do! From giving the body shape to making blood cells, the skeletal system truly is the body’s foundation! Through labeled diagrams and carefully defined terms, readers can easily follow the skeletal system’s many roles.
With a tight focus on the heart, blood, and blood vessels, this level-3 reader helps “early fluent” readers understand these essential elements of the human body. Pettiford concisely identifies the circulatory system, explains how it works, and discusses why it is important. The book is heavy on specialized vocabulary, which is bolded in the text and defined in a glossary. A mix of photos and simple, bright diagrams appear on nearly every page and directly support the text. An activity about counting your pulse before and after exercise ties in nicely with the book’s concepts. Overall, the clarity and focus of this book (part of the Your Body Systems series, 6 titles) make it an appealing and helpful source of basic information about the human circulatory system.', Miriam Aronin, Booklist,'Simply written text provides very basic information about the body’s insides. Each title clearly explains what the system is, what each part of it does in and for the body, and why the system is important. New vocabulary is bold faced when first introduced and then defined in the glossary. Students’ comprehension is considerably boosted by numerous vividly colored, well-labeled, easy-to-understand diagrams that describe the system’s parts and functions. Other noteworthy graphics include good color photos of people of varied skin tones, ethnicities, and abilities, and in the feature “A Closer Look,” a glimpse at a system’s parts as if seen under a microscope. Each volume includes an enjoyable, easy hands-on activity that requires only readily accessible materials and reinforces understanding of the system’s functions. VERDICT An information-packed series that’s very comprehensible to young children. Recommended for public and school libraries.
