BONES: OUR SKELETAL SYSTEM

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Simon, Seymour. 1998. BONES: OUR SKELETAL SYSTEM. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780329218843

PLOT SUMMARY:
The human skeletal system is described in detail including the living cell material that makes up bone, the connective tendons, ligaments and muscles, the purpose and function of the skeleton, and descriptions of the size and range of bones in different parts of the body. Fractures and skeletal diseases are also discussed.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The reason most students are drawn to Seymour Simon books in the first place is usually the outstanding photos he includes in his many nonfiction books. This book is no exception. The detailed photos of the inner workings of the human skeletal system are bound to again attract the attention of elementary age students as is the detailed photo of the human skull or the x-ray of metal pins holding a broken bone in place. The photos, however, are accompanied by only very minimal captions.
The design of the informational text renders a complex subject most interesting and readable for upper elementary students, but has few markers such as topic/subtopic designations to guide younger readers in their reading of fairly complex, though interesting, text. However, the significant detail, such as the fact that the human hand is made up of twenty-seven bones, and high-interest photos and illustrations will capture students’ interests in the typical Seymour Simon manner. He compares the human skeleton to “the framework of a building”, but doesn’t stop with the typical "the-wristbone’s-connected-to-the-armbone" way. He includes instead fascinating, accurate information beyond the usual coverage of this topic including X rays and MRI scans of fractures, the intricate workings of joints, and the manifestations of arthritis, all the while making these complexities understandable for students by comparisons such as comparing the spine to “a flexible chain of bones that can twist like a string of beads”.

This book is likely to be read in its entirety by older students with already a modicum of interest in the topic of bones, but will entertain almost all readers with its fascinating photos and illustrations.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Horn Book (Spring 1999)
Adding to his body of quality nonfiction, Simon describes one aspect of human anatomy. Straightforward explanations…and fabulous full-page, computer-enhanced color photographs work well together to engage and instruct readers.

Booklist
September 1, 1998
Simon once again proves his remarkable facility for making complicated science clear and understandable.

CONNECTIONS:
Seymour Simon’s MUSCLES follows in a similar vein the intricacies of the human body.
Other award-winning nonfiction books by Simon include:


GUTS: OUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
THE HEART: OUR CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
AMAZING BATS
DANGER! EARTHQUAKES
EARTH: OUR PLANET IN SPACE