A Review of Grossology: A Science Book by Sylvia Branzei

Let's face it: we all make them. It may not be pleasant, but they're necessary to our survival. We most often refrain from exposing them to others. Although we may not realize it, we're far from the only species that produces them. What am I referring to, exactly?

Our bodily fluids, of course! In our society, no matter what age we may reach, there seems to be a continuing aversion to talking about the very substances that our body produces. This is the idea behind Sylvia Branzei's Grossology, a book for kids (perhaps, 9 or 10 and older) that explains the science behind the most disgusting processes of the human body.

What's included on the list, you may ask? Barf, boogers, snot, poop, pee, earwax, zits, and blisters are just a few of the lovely items that comprise Grossology. Not only does the book go into the proper scientific terms for these substances; it also explains the purposes, as well as many of the common myths, that are associated with them. It is divided into short chapters, namely "Slimy, Mushy, Oozy Gross Things," "Crusty, Scaly Gross Things," and "Stinky, Smelly Gross Things." I'll leave it to you to guess what falls under which category.

Featuring illustrations by Jack Keely (also credited with illustrating later installations in the series), the book is informative, helpful, and highly entertaining to read (as long as you can stomach the processes therein, no pun intended). In addition to explaining these bodily wonders in easy-to-read language, Branzei provides experiments that teachers or parents can use in trying to grab the interest of children. Like the Idiot's Guide and For Dummies books, this book is also peppered with fun facts and historical tidbits relating to the various body functions.

For example, the section entitled "Poop" begins by telling of Thomas Crapper, the Englishman who "invented the shut-off for clean water entering the toilet tank." This "chapter" goes on to explain the composition of feces; the chemicals that produce the infamous foul odor; and the process by which food passes through your intestines. Disgusting? Yes, but it is undeniably the means that not only human bodies, but practically all animals, use to eliminate waste.

Many of the sections also contain useful experiments and projects that would likely be fun for kids, parents, and science teachers alike. In the section on "Spit and Saliva," for example, Branzei details a project entitled "Spit-O-Matic," which requires only yourself, lemon juice, or some vinegar. Other projects are a bit more involved, but you get the idea.

Grossology also aims to dispel many of the popular urban legends surrounding our bodily secretions. In the section on "Zits," for example, Branzei writes, "Other people tell people they have acne because they eat chocolate or fried foods...[t]hese other people don't know what they're talking about. Neither food nor hair causes zits."

The book may appeal more to young boys than to girls; that seems to be precisely its aim. How many young boys have you heard snickering about "poop," "farts," or "boogers"? Plenty would be my first guess. Rather than teaching kids to be ashamed of the substances that their bodies create, Branzei's book helps youngsters to embrace them, and realize that they are completely natural. You may have seen the book Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi; Grossology, while written for slightly older kids, takes the former a few steps further, by covering the entire gamut.

As a terrific complement to the goofy illustrations, the book also contains magnified photos of many of the bodily phenomena. The "Dandruff" section, for example, prominently displays a photo of a dust mite, highlighted in green. A small box beside the picture explains that these critters are likely feasting on the dead skin cells dropped on your pillow while you slept.

While you may find the subject matter gross or off-putting...that's entirely the point. If you, as a parent, feel reluctant to talk about bodily fluids and bacteria with your children, Grossology may help give you a push in the right direction. If you're a teacher or a school administrator, particularly at the elementary level, this may be a wonderful tool for the classroom.

The book is available in most major bookstores, as well as Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble, both used and new. If you're interested, you just may want to add it to your educational collection.