The Amazing Human Body Reviews

The Human Circulatory System: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0968-1/ eBook: 978-1-6782-0969-8
The Human Digestive System: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0958-2/ eBook: 978-1-6782-0969-9
The Human Muscular System: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0960-5/ eBook: 978-1-6782-0961-2
The Human Nervous System: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0966-7/ eBook: 978-1-6782-0967-4
The Human Respiratory System: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0964-3/ eBook: 978-1-6782-0965-0
The Human Skeletal System: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0962-9/ eBook: 978-1-6782-0963-6
Booklist, August 1, 2025

The Amazing Human Body series considers how physiological systems work within the human body, reviewing compatible components, their individual functions, things that can go wrong, and strategies to help keep organs healthy. User-friendly features include slightly enlarged font, lists of key take-aways, accessible explanations, and numerous sidebars that provide additional tidbits ranging from why the body does certain things (yawn, belch, cramp) to how technology (ventilators, prosthetics, inhalers) can assist with certain functions. Each book begins with a scenario highlighting its specific system. While the titles on the digestive, respiratory, and skeletal systems feature teen subjects, the selection on the muscular system refers to Usain Bolt and the 2009 World Athletics Championship. All the titles include numerous stock photos, but only the respiratory selection primarily focuses on images of kids and young adults. Chapter notes are included, with most volumes citing medical journals and mainstream magazines (Popular Science, Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times); however, four out of the seven sources in The Human Digestive System are YouTube videos. Each book ends with a glossary and bibliography. Despite their somewhat uneven quality, these high/low offerings reinforce basic concepts, include engaging visuals, and should be accessible for most middle-grade researchers as well as older students reading below level.—Kathleen McBroom

Gr 7-10–This series presents scientific medical information for teens reading below grade level, covering all of the major body systems in simple and understandable terms. Students could find these titles useful for research in their health and biology classes without the density and difficulty of a traditional textbook. Beginning with a real-life anecdote, each title starts with a story of how body systems can go wrong. The major portion of the text discusses the function of each body system including highlighted vocabulary, facts and statistics, and explanatory images. Common diseases and disorders related to each body system are included. Advanced vocabulary, like duodenum, is covered, but explained in simple terms. Although these are hi-lo books, they are not for new readers, with a reading level estimated at sixth or seventh grade, but with content appropriate for upper middle through high school. VERDICT A must purchase for high schools.