Review by Booklist Review
Ligers (the product of a lion and tiger mating), aurochs resurrected from extinction, self-destructing mosquitoes, spider goats, and, yes, glowing bunnies are no longer fodder for science fiction but are genetically engineered animals already in the works. Rather than simply explaining the science of genetically engineered animals, Campbell uses a variety of projects and scenarios to get readers to consider whether scientists should genetically engineer animals. Divided into five parts, this fascinating, detailed text focuses on how genetic engineering could help animal conservation and the extinction crisis, restore damaged ecosystems, make agriculture more efficient and less polluting, create unusual and useful pets, and fight or eliminate disease in both animals and humans. As Campbell takes readers through different cases, such as bringing back the woolly mammoth to restore the steppe in the Arctic and modifying pig hearts to use as transplants in humans, he presents safety and ethical pros and cons, raises legal considerations, and asks guided questions but ultimately allows readers to decide for themselves. Periodic photos of already modified animals further enhance this high-interest, debatable topic.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A chickenosaurus hatches, a liger stalks prey, and a cyborg rat zips through mazes in Campbell's (Last of the Giants) unique look at animal bioengineering. An opening essay explains how genetic modification works, and explores questions concerning contemporary society's interpretations of the science. In short, colorfully designed chapters accompanied by photos, the narrative delves into myriad accounts detailing genetic experiments, such as bringing back the extinct woolly mammoth to aid in the Siberian grasslands' environmental rehabilitation and cultivation, and engineering lab-grown meats to feed a booming world population. Each section is followed by a brief spread on various fledgling experiments within the bioengineering space, including improving human bodies using genetic modification and "biohacking" single-celled organisms to create fuel. Campbell's intriguing, easily digestible foray into animal gene editing, its effects on present and future scientific climates, and its contemplation on whether these practices are ethically responsible, practical, or inherently harmful proves thought-provoking. This enlightening work encourages readers to ask questions and conduct their own research, while maintaining that science continues evolving and changing faster than one can blink. Back matter includes an author's note, glossary, and more. Ages 11--up. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up--This book provides an excellent introduction to genetic engineering for younger readers. Five sections address the complicated issue from a variety of perspectives: crossbreeding to save endangered animals; using genetics to "resurrect" extinct animals; cloning; breeding animals selectively to create designer pets; and using gene therapy for medicinal purposes. The author provides a balanced view of these scientific advances, paying careful attention to highlight their benefits and potential drawbacks. For example, while it's wonderful that we can save endangered species, discover solutions to human illnesses and diseases, and create nonallergenic pets, what are the downsides? Should society support these efforts just because the opportunity exists? Probing questions such as these are peppered throughout, reminding readers of the ethical conundrums. The book is written in a friendly, age-appropriate style with genetic engineering terms and procedures well defined. Young readers will enjoy popular culture references to Jurassic Park and Frankenstein that make the complicated subject matter more relatable. Colorful captioned photographs and larger font headings balance the text in each chapter. The work also aids future reading and reference with an extensive bibliography, source notes, and glossary. VERDICT Libraries looking to update their science collections for middle grade students will want to consider this nicely packaged publication, keeping in mind that with rapid changes in technology, it may soon be supplanted by newer works.--Anne Jung-Mathews
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
New tools have opened new avenues to genetic engineering of animals, living and dead. Is this a good idea? This engaging introduction invites readers to form their own conclusions about the new world of genetic modifications. An opening essay provides an overview of the book's structure, relatively simple explanations of how the process of genetic change works and new gene-editing technology, and some questions to consider about projects of this sort: Are they practical and effective? Are they socially and morally acceptable? Will genetic changes harm the animal (or other animals) in any way? In subsequent sections, further divided into short chapters, Campbell describes projects connected to animal conservation, the restoration of extinct animals and damaged ecosystems, our food, our pets, and our own health and medicine. Each major section is followed by a spread on a specific topic: genetic engineering, cryobanking, synthetic biology, and efforts to improve humans. The conversational text is comfortably accessible, broken up with frequent topic headings and photographs and enhanced by the colorful design. The examples--from ligers and tigons in zoos to the titular glowing bunnies created in a French lab and pigs for human organ transplants--are intriguing. The writer's emphasis on animal welfare will resonate with his audience, and there is extensive backmatter for readers interested in going further. A controversial subject presented with verve that allows readers to make up their own minds. (author's note, glossary, sources, bibliography, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
