50 Poisonous Questions: A Book With Bite by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated by Ross Kinnaird explores the world of toxins, poisons, and venoms in a well-balanced and humorous way. It was nominated for a 2011 Cybils award in the MG/YA nonfiction category.
Starting with, “Stop! Do not, under any circumstances, eat this book,” 50 Poisonous Questions is sure to capture the attention of young readers. Written in a question and answer format, and filled with lively creepy crawlies and dangerous chemicals, it is also sure to hold their attention. Add the humorous illustrations to make readers laugh (and sometimes groan), and you have a real winner.
Kyi has done her homework and provides a even-handed look at some of the problems that result from toxic chemicals. Sometimes there aren’t easy answers. For example, she points out that although DDT causes environmental issues, such as interfering with eagle reproduction, it also can save the lives of many people when used to control the mosquitoes that cause malaria. Other times what seems like an awful toxin or venom may have potential to be a powerful medicine in the future.
50 Poisonous Questions is one of those rare books that is interesting, fun and educational all in the same package. Budding scientists and forensics experts will find it a compelling read.
(I recently reviewed another fascinating book from Annick Press.)
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Hardcover: 110 pages
Publisher: Annick Press (January 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554512816
ISBN-13: 978-1554512812
This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
This week’s STEM Friday round up is at Twillwoven Blog, part of Red Phoenix Books.
If you would like to participate in STEM Friday in the future, go to Booktalking blog and click on STEM Friday for more information.
