Fleischman, John. (2004). Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Surgery. UK: Sandpiper. ISBN: 0618494782
Plot Summary
This is a fascinating story of a construction worker who survived 10 years after a 13 pound iron rod pierced his brain in 1848. Fleischman turns this unbelievable true story into something horrifying, yet amazing. Throughout the book, fantastic scientific background is given when explaining the 19th century medical practices, phrenology, and microbiology. Even though Gage survives, his behavior and personality changes drastically. This leads to critical scientific discoveries about the human brain. Gruesome and fascinating photographs accompany the story and you can't help but read on.
Critical Evaluation
This book is fascinating. From the true story to actual photographs, readers cannot turn away. This book is a great way to get teens interested in non-fiction, which is such a hard genre to push. Teens will be captivated by the horrible and unbelievable story about Phineas and the 13 pound iron rod in his head!
Readers Annotation
Phineas Gage's unbelievable story is like a car accident, you can't stop looking!
Authors Information
Using his interest and studies in biology and microbiology, Fleischman knows what he writes. He has written science articles for the American Society of Science of Cell Biology along with books for kids, teens and various science journals. He was a science writer at Harvard Medical School, an editor for various magazines, and a science broadcaster on local radio shows.
His book, Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science, was an ALA's Notable Children's Book award winner and a Best book for Young Adults winner in 2003. He has won numerous awards and honors nation wide. His 3rd book is going to be about animals who have won the Noble Peace Prize.
Genre
Non-Fiction
Curriculum Ties
This book can be used in science classes 9-12th grade.
Booktalking Ideas
n/a
Reading Level/Interest Age
5-12th grade/Kids and Young Adult
Challenge Issues
n/a
I would offer my library's Collection Development Policy which highlights how challenges and reconsideration's are handled. I would ask the challenger and the professional reviewing it to familiarize themselves with the book.
Reason for Selection
When I asked the YA Librarian at my work which non-fiction book has stuck out in her mind, this was the first book she chose.
Critical Evaluation
This book is fascinating. From the true story to actual photographs, readers cannot turn away. This book is a great way to get teens interested in non-fiction, which is such a hard genre to push. Teens will be captivated by the horrible and unbelievable story about Phineas and the 13 pound iron rod in his head!
Readers Annotation
Phineas Gage's unbelievable story is like a car accident, you can't stop looking!
Authors Information
Using his interest and studies in biology and microbiology, Fleischman knows what he writes. He has written science articles for the American Society of Science of Cell Biology along with books for kids, teens and various science journals. He was a science writer at Harvard Medical School, an editor for various magazines, and a science broadcaster on local radio shows.
His book, Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science, was an ALA's Notable Children's Book award winner and a Best book for Young Adults winner in 2003. He has won numerous awards and honors nation wide. His 3rd book is going to be about animals who have won the Noble Peace Prize.
Genre
Non-Fiction
Curriculum Ties
This book can be used in science classes 9-12th grade.
Booktalking Ideas
n/a
Reading Level/Interest Age
5-12th grade/Kids and Young Adult
Challenge Issues
n/a
I would offer my library's Collection Development Policy which highlights how challenges and reconsideration's are handled. I would ask the challenger and the professional reviewing it to familiarize themselves with the book.
Reason for Selection
When I asked the YA Librarian at my work which non-fiction book has stuck out in her mind, this was the first book she chose.
No comments:
Post a Comment