Insects (Invaders)

Gr 6-9-Each of these series entries recounts the discovery of the organism, presents a basic discussion of how it functions and why, and then describes recent scientific research. Some good-quality, full-color photographs help to clarify the texts, but these titles are for serious information seekers, not for browsers. The Facklams provide a good overview of historical studies and the use of genetically designed Bacteria for drug production and medical treatment. They look at the Insects and arachnids that are hazardous to humans, both as carriers of disease or harmful venom, and as destroyers of food crops. Parasites includes recent cases of E. coli poisoning as an example of a beneficial bacterium that becomes a deadly parasite outside of its usual intestinal habitat. The authors explore the major virus-related health problems-from smallpox to AIDS-and efforts to combat them. Edward Ricciuti's Microorganisms (Blackbirch, 1994) offers a basic study of all types of microscopic animals in an eye-catching format and may be a useful complement by tying some of this material together.-Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee, OR

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