by Heather L. Montgomery
Illustrated by Iris Gottlieb
3 stars
A unique read packed with interesting information told in an engaging format. Each chapter shows how waste is used to better understand the world and solve problems. From protecting endangered species and producing energy to curing infections and revitalizing land, poop can do some amazing things.
The information is presented with humor including plenty of poop jokes. There is a lot of information in this book, which can be chaotic at times but still quite interesting.
There are plenty of footnotes throughout with additional interesting tidbits of information. At the back are further facts about feces, different terms for waste, and other ways people get involved in science through poop. There is also an annotated bibliography and an index.
As a heads up to any sensitive, animal-loving readers, the book does go beyond poop talk and discusses animal dissections, roadkill, and scientific experiments on animals in detail.
Overall, an interesting read with a nice blend of humor and science.