  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 08/01/2015 Gr 2–4—The human body is remarkably complex, and many theories—now proven to be false—have been formulated over the years to explain its workings. Tackling everything from mummies to acupuncture to the optic nerve, this book gives a brief history of a few of these theories, why they were wrong, and what we've learned about how the body really works. Kudlinski provides a solid overview of some of the main parts of the body, including the brain, the eye, and bones. Germ theory and some of the modern tools used to assess the human body are covered briefly. An appended time line lays out dates for major medical discoveries and innovations. The cartoon illustrations are enlightening and appealing. VERDICT There aren't many existing books on this topic, making this title a good option for general purchase.—Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 10/01/2015 Focusing on the mysterious inner workings of the human body, the latest volume in the Boy, Were We Wrong About . . . series begins with misconceptions from ancient times and ends with today’s understanding of the “secret code of chemicals spaced along spiral molecules called DNA.” Among the discredited ideas are the Greek notion of the four humors and the long-enduring practice of bloodletting. After introducing an old, now-discarded notion, Kudlinski describes the discoveries, information, and applications that have superseded it. Though the text is sometimes a bit hazy on historical periods, the appended time line is helpful in sorting out dates of discoveries and related advances in medical treatment. Tilley’s line-and-watercolor artwork sets a light, sometimes comical tone in dramatizing the scenes, while illustrating certain subjects, such as the structure of the eye depicted in cross section, in a straightforward manner. This entertaining picture book on medical history will complement more traditional volumes on how the body works. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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