Power to the Parasites!

Starred review from August 15, 2024
A parasitologist explains why no creature--including you--ever truly dines alone. In their "flesh-gnawing, bloodsucking, poop-inhabiting lifestyles, parasites pretty much rule the world," Wood claims, pointing to their near ubiquity in every corner of the biosphere. Along with marveling at the nearly miraculous way many of them have to pass through several species of hosts in order to complete their life cycles, she offers a highlight reel of unfailingly memorable examples--among them a nematode that coexists peaceably in the heads of white-tail deer but riddles the brains of any other species unlucky enough to ingest it, a cat parasite that can alter the behavior of both mice and humans, and the bacterium responsible for the Black Death. It's all in good, as well as incredibly entertaining, fun, and anyway, as the author firmly notes, it wouldn't be wrong to regard parasites as "good guys," considering the vital roles they play in controlling insect pests and even regulating ecosystems...not to mention the implications of alarming recent increases in autoimmune diseases in developed countries, where general exposure to parasites has been reduced. "We can't live with them," she sums up perceptively, "but maybe we also can't live without them." Mottram adds schematic views of select parasitical life cycles, livened by humorously expressive beasts and bugs. An eye-opening, as well as stomach-churning, angle on who's really the boss in the natural world. (glossary)(Nonfiction. 10-13)

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Starred review from September 9, 2024
Debut author Woods delves into the life and times of much-maligned parasites in this frolicking scientific foray. Enthusiastic, tongue-in-cheek text reminds readers that “parasites are all around you, quietly running the world,” then unfurls into approachable explanations about the myriad parasites found in birds, cows, fish, and human bodies. Humorous and cleverly titled chapters—such as “A Plague on Both Your Houses,” in which the author describes the Yersinia pestis that caused the bubonic plague—paired with animated illustrations by Mottram make sometimes gruesome tales about the history of parasites feel like a leisurely jaunt à la Ms. Frizzle. But Woods doesn’t let this joyful playfulness overshadow important messaging about these organisms and their impact on society. The author explains that while parasites can be bad for their hosts, “they are often good for the ecosystems in which they occur,” and cautions against outright detestation of their existence. For as humans work to eradicate parasites that have plagued humankind for centuries, “we might have made ourselves vulnerable to something much worse,” such as autoimmune diseases later in life. This enjoyable read will have readers exclaiming “cool!” instead of “ew!” Ages 8–12.

Starred review from November 1, 2024

Gr 5 Up-Wood, a parasitologist, walks readers through the good, bad, and ugly in this nonfiction book about parasites. The book opens with an introduction in which the author details how she first became interested in and ultimately chose to spend her career studying parasites. Part I largely shares information about specific parasites in nature and their host animals. Part II brings parasites up close and personal as Wood details the intersection of parasites and humans (specifically through a look at the Black Death), and parasites in food and pets. The book's humor makes it very readable, even though the content is at times technical and somewhat disturbing. Monochrome illustrations help readers with visualization. Balance is an essential element of this text, as the author does not shy away from explaining how parasites can be bad, but are also good in certain situations. Although sexual or asexual reproduction is not described in detail, the reproduction of parasites is mentioned. These may be topics that will elicit questions, making the book more appropriate for middle grade students. Throughout each chapter, important vocabulary is noted in bold print, and complex scientific words are given phonetic pronunciations. A glossary is included. VERDICT The technical information on parasites presented in this book is accessible through the use of humor and illustrations, making it a solid choice for libraries serving middle grade students.-Misty Schattle

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 1, 2024
Grades 4-8 *Starred Review* Slimy, squirmy, and even poop-flecked: the qualities about parasites that repulse us become food for thought (and luckily, nothing more) in this entertaining examination of the important roles they play in the environment. Fans of Brenna Maloney's Buzzkill (2022) and the jaunty manner in which it elevates insects will appreciate parasitologist Wood's personal and cheery approach to these often microscopic organisms. Following a brief introduction to parasites and their basic biology and reproductive methods, individual chapters conversationally focus on distinct parasites from around the world as well as their special survival skills. Each chapter is a generous mix of eews and aahs, whether inspecting a tiny cousin of the jellyfish that damages the spines of trout, the parasitoid wasp revered by farmers because its babies turn plant-eating aphids into "mummies," or the Nipah virus, which humans can acquire by accidentally drinking bat pee (don't worry, this is rare!). Woven throughout the creepiness, however, is science related to parasitic behavior and ecosystems, including their complex life cycles; how they reduce the number of unwanted (by human standards, anyway) hosts, like insects and rats; and ways parasites might help humans fight autoimmune diseases. Black-and-white cartoon spot art highlights some of these unusual parasite-host relationships. Utilizing pop-culture references and personal anecdotes, Wood delightfully demystifies these often-dreaded creatures.

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