The Molecules That Make You You

by Robert E. Wells, Patrick Corrigan (Illustrator)

Overview

A tiny difference in your DNA makes you one of a kind.

Inside every cell in the human body are tiny molecules that define all of a person's biological traits. Award-winning science author Robert E. Wells explores DNA with curiosity and awe, pairing thrilling facts with clear explanations. Our human DNA might be 99% the same, but that last 1% difference makes each person unique.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807577745
Publisher:	Whitman, Albert & Company
Publication date:	10/27/2022
Series:	Tell Me Why
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	AD890L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Robert E. Wells is the author and illustrator of many award-winning science books for children, including Can You Count to a Googol? and Why Do Elephants Need the Sun?. He lives with his wife in Washington.

Patrick Corrigan was born in the north of England and grew up drawing and designing. After university, he was an art director in a design studio for nearly ten years. He now lives in London with his wife and cat, illustrating children's books.

Editorial Reviews

"This straightforward, easy-to-understand, and brightly illustrated book would make a good addition to any nonfiction collection looking to fill biology gaps."—School Library Journal

"…an accessible introduction to a complex topic."—Booklist

From the Publisher

09/01/2022

Gr 1–3—Wells presents information about DNA and how it makes each person unique. Although the title refers specifically to molecules, the focus of the book is the genetic system, moving from cells to molecules, chromosomes, and genes. A conversational tone addresses readers directly, asking questions such as what makes humans different from cats and from other human beings. Wells describes DNA as being an instruction manual, likening the structure to a much more complex version of instructions for building a robot. A small girl with tan skin and black hair, along with her ginger cat, act as hosts to the text, hanging off a double helix or sitting among towers of books. It's a friendly presentation, even as the narrative never veers away from nonfiction. The digital images support the ideas in the text, such as demonstrating the lengths of DNA strands by wrapping them around the Earth. Diagrams are useful and contribute to understanding of the text that, although simple, presents complex ideas. VERDICT This straightforward, easy-to-understand, and brightly illustrated book would make a good addition to any nonfiction collection looking to fill biology gaps.—Clara Hendricks

School Library Journal