Review Detail

HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN is an in-depth look at the human body, including hormones, reproduction, organs, and skeletons. The book is divided into topics that go into a bit more detail on each of the elements that make up a human body. There are plenty of illustrations and interesting call-outs throughout that answer some questions young readers may have.

What I loved: This is a really approachable book that uses language kids can understand and get into. It covers topics that young readers may find particularly compelling, including all the bodily functions and potty talk they may enjoy (but with a scientific flair and informative humor).

The book uses a lot of different types of information design and activities (such as four facts and a fib games) to really engage readers and keep them reading more. The topics are well thought-out and cover pretty much anything you could think of. Other interesting topics were how painkillers work and why some people need glasses.

The book is also full of illustrations and colored sections that help to keep visual interest while reading. Due to some of the topics covered (such as reproduction spoken about in terms of cells and organs, but not details of intercourse), I would recommend this for older middle grade readers.

Final verdict: HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN is an engaging and entertaining look at the human body and all of the cool facts and details about how it works. Recommend for curious, older middle grade readers.