Smith-Llera, Danielle. Double Helix: How an Image Sparked the Discovery of the Secret of Life.

Smith-Llera, Danielle. Double Helix: How an Image Sparked the Discovery of the Secret of Life. Capstone Publishers 2018 64p  $34.65  ISBN 978-0-7565-5642-6  ms  VG-BNS  series: Captured Science History     

Middle-school students who enjoy learning about science will appreciate this new title in the Captured Science History series.  Written in a story-like manner, the book will give students a better understanding about the discovery of what DNA looks like through a photograph taken by Rosalind Franklin. This famous photograph was known to the world as Photo 51 and left scientists with questions to figure out about DNA. Students learn about DNA and see how scientists used Franklin’s photograph, notes and data to help solve the DNA puzzle and gain knowledge about DNA.

The author includes color photographs, interesting sidebars, a timeline of events, a glossary of terms, recommended books, a special code to use on FactHound to get more information, critical thinking questions, source notes, a selected bibliography, and an index.    The title would make a great addition to a middle-school collection for science research. 

Summary: “A look at DNA and the history of research into it, covering significant scientists and findings.”

DNA Research History, Genetics, DNA                   --Charleen Forba-MacCain

Ballen, Karen Gunnison. Decoding Our DNA.

-->

Ballen, Karen Gunnison.  Decoding Our DNA.        Twenty First Century see Millbrook 64p                 $33.27   978-0-7613-5489-5      2013  hs  E-BNS      series: Scientific Rivalries and Scandals     Nonfiction

The double-helix structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 and, since then, scientists have worked feverishly to unearth the secrets of the human genome.  In 1998, the race to be the first to do so took on more urgency.  Craig Ventnor, once part of the Human Genome Project, challenged the HGP to a competition with his new commercial enterprise, and the contest was on.  The author begins with an historical view of early attempts to discover the functions of heredity and how DNA worked, and he then continues with a description of the principles behind DNA’s structure, its chemical properties, and the process of decoding its sequences.  She discusses the personalities of the major scientists involved in both the U.S. and Europe.  The winners in the race would be the ones who would benefit from the glory and the patents.  The information is greatly enhanced by a wealth of primary-source accounts from the principal scientists, specific sidebar data, fact boxes and charts, and excellent full-color photographs and illustrations. 
          

This is a succinct and lucid treatment of the subject, diversified and well-balanced between text and illustrations.   The complex text is crisply written and informative and offers a current, up-to-date look at the science behind genome sequencing and its effects.  It is library-bound and ends with a timeline, a glossary, source notes, an extensive bibliography of books and Internet sites, and an index. 
DNA Sequencing                                                                                                                                          --Susan Ogintz