Saturday, February 3, 2018

Poison by Sarah Albee - ESSENTIAL

Albee, Sarah Poison : Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines, NON FICTION 182 pgs. Crown Books for Young Readers (Random House), 2017. $17.99. Content: G.

From ancient times to current day people have been poisoned, both accidentally and intentionally.  Some of these poisons occur naturally, other are mixtures, and now there are even manufactured and synthetic poisons.  Albee chronicles the use and discovery of poisons through the ages, the famous poisoners, the infamous products containing hazardous materials, and the people who invented new uses as well as discovered ways to detect poisons.  From Socrates to Cleopatra, the Medici family to Jonestown, the mad scientists, painters, factory workers, children and political enemies so many poisons, so many stories!

An easy read, this book goes into just enough detail and the format makes it a perfect informational text for the upper elementary or middle school reader, but the content and depth also made for a gripping read for the older reader and even adults.  I was engrossed by every subject.  Albee includes a “Tox Box” when certain poisons are introduced which include the name, source, how it’s delivered and the effects.  No need to use the index in the back as you read - if she mentions something she’s already talked about, she cites the page and section title. A thorough book, includes source material, a resource guide, timeline, glossary, bibliography and index. I can’t wait to recommend this book.

EL - ADVISABLE   MS - ESSENTIAL  Lisa Librarian

No comments: