Title: The Omnivore's Dilemma: The secrets behind what you eat (Young Reader's Edition)
Author: Michael Pollan
ISBN: 0803735006
Summary: This is Michael Pollan's best-seller, adapted for readers aged 9 and up. The font is larger and the vocabulary is not as difficult. I also have a feeling Pollan doesn't get quite as detailed as he does in the "regular" version (I've never read it). The book is separated into four sections: Industrial Farming, Industrial Organics, Local, and Do-it-Yourself. Pollan writes about corn, and how the crop has essentially taken over the American food system. He follows a calf from birth to the slaughterhouse. He works with a "beyond organic" farmer who uses completely natural methods to produce meat and eggs. And he shows you how to live off your own land, picking mushrooms and gardening.
I think young readers can get as much out of Pollan's research as adults. Clearly, he and his publishers think so, too! Personally, I found the book depressing. I'm already aware of most of these issues, and reading the book was just a reminder of the sad state of American food. But for people who don't know anything about this, Pollan's work can be an important wake up call. This edition is written in such a way that younger audiences can understand it, but the information definitely hasn't been dumbed down. 9-year-olds might be overwhelmed by all the information packed into the book. It also took me quite awhile to get through, so it could be a slow read for child and tween readers. I'd recommend it to strong readers, kids interested in farming or agriculture or cooking, and any younger readers with a penchant for non-fiction.
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