It Takes Guts: How Your Body Turns Food Into Fuel (and Poop)
What’s inside...
Winner of the 2023 AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books, 'It Takes Guts' is an illustrated book about the digestive system and microbiome targeted at young readers aged 9 to 13. Authored by the renowned and humorous scientist Dr. Jennifer Gardy, this engaging resource explores the vital role of digestion in mood and immune system health, the mechanics that help our bodies process food like stomach acids, and the benefits of beneficial gut bacteria. The book makes learning fun with explorations into the quirks of the digestive process, including why we burp, vomit, and pass gas. 'It Takes Guts' offers a compelling blend of education and entertainment, perfect for classroom learning and home-schooling.
Age
8-12
Length
152 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happens to your food after you swallow it?
Why do you think it's important for our bodies to turn food into fuel?
Can you guess what kinds of food might give us more energy and why?
How do you think our body decides what becomes energy and what turns into poop?
What is the most surprising thing you learned about how your body works?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the processes inside their own body as they discuss the book. Relate the digestion process to the foods they eat regularly to make it more relatable. Ask your child to explain concepts back to you in their own words to reinforce learning. Compliment their understanding and curiosity to boost their confidence in learning more about science and their own bodies.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Human Digestion
Explanation: The book provides a detailed yet engaging explanation of how food is processed by the body, starting from ingestion to excretion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of healthy eating habits and the role that different foods play in their bodily functions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for the Complexity of the Human Body
Explanation: Through fun illustrations and simple explanations, the book highlights the intricate work of various organs during the digestion process.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can foster a respect and curiosity for science and biology, encouraging kids to explore more about their own bodies and how they function.
Example Lesson: Importance of Hygiene and Health
Explanation: By describing the journey of food and the creation of waste, the book touches on the significance of maintaining hygiene to stay healthy.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the need to wash hands, especially before eating and after using the restroom, to keep germs at bay and avoid sickness.
Example Lesson: Scientific Inquiry and Exploration
Explanation: The book poses questions and provides answers about common curiosities related to digestion which can stimulate a child's analytical thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask more questions about how their body works and seek out answers, promoting an investigative mindset.