Your Amazing Skin from Outside In

October 1, 2018

Gr 3-6-Settel offers detailed information about skin. Most of the facts are about human dermis layers and their functions, but some unique animal skin features are also explained. Melanin, blood clots, sweat, freckles, sunburn, fingerprints, and more are all described in clever rhyming verse that reads nicely. "Where a mosquito lands depends/on who among your nearby friends/gives off the sweat that carries more/of what these pests are looking for." The poems are sometimes accompanied by informational text. Different fonts distinguish the speakers when the poems include a question-and-answer structure. All spreads include comical and enlightening cartoon illustrations, including some excellent cross sections, which add to the light humorous approach to the biological information. Readers are likely to hope for more of these anatomy lessons and poems from Settel. Educators will appreciate the opportunity to talk about nonfiction text features and formats while teaching health and science. VERDICT This equally informative and entertaining combination of poetry and anatomical science is a fine addition for libraries serving middle grade readers.-Elaine Fultz, Madison Jr. Sr. High School, Middletown, OH

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