Project Description

Random Body Parts
Gross Anatomy Riddles in Verse
by Leslie Bulion
illustrated by Mike Lowery
Humorous, Shakespearean-inspired verse about body parts blends with whimsical art in this award-winning science poetry collection from Leslie Bulion and Mike Lowery.
“[An] exquisite gem of a book.” ―School Library Journal
Leslie Bulion’s award-winning volume of anatomical verse begins with an invitation to solve a series of poetic riddles: “Of course you have a body, / But do you have a clue / Where all the body parts you’ve got are found / And what they do?”
Each poem that follows poses a puzzle in verse (with a sly wink and a nod to Shakespeare) and provides hints for uncovering the body part in question—from blood, bones, eyes, and the heart to the brain, pancreas, stomach, tongue, and more.
Sidebars throughout offer additional facts, while appended notes offer a crash course on poetic form and a few facts about the Shakespearean works that inspired the verses. Mike Lowery’s playful, original art adds context along with photographs and a diagram of the human body. A truly unique nonfiction title that’s ideal for cross-curricular learning!
Awards:
Parents’ Choice Approved Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation
Notable Poetry List ―National Council of Teachers of English
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association
Alabama Camellia Award (Grades 6-8 Nonfiction) ―Alabama Department of Education
Also by Leslie Bulion:
Amphibian Acrobats
At the Sea Floor Café
Leaf Litter Critters
Spi-Ku
Superlative Birds
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-737-3
Publication Date: 3/1/2015
Page Count: 48
Size: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/4″
Age Range: 8 – 12
Language: English
Price: $7.95
ISBN: 978-1-68263-103-4
Publication Date: 3/1/2019
Page Count: 48
Size: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/4″
Age Range: 8 – 12
Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-68263-144-7
Age Range: 8 – 12
Language: English
Purchase this eBook through the following vendors:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
BookShout
eBooks.com
Google
IndieBound
Kobo
Scribd
F&P: GRL T, Gr 5, Genre I
Lexile: 1060L
Themes: Biology, Human Anatomy, Poetic Forms, Shakespeare
BISAC 1: JNF042010 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Poetry / Humorous
BISAC 2: JNF051030 JUVENILE NONFICTION /Science & Nature / Anatomy & Physiology
BISAC 3: JNF042010 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Poetry / Humorous
Reviews
“It’s hard not to admire the ick factor…” ―Kirkus Reviews
“A smart pick for left- and right-brained readers alike.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Whether educators are seeking material for health lesson unites, an introduction to simile and metaphor, or simply something to tempt budding poetry lovers, they’ll find this exquisite gem of a book incredible useful.” ―School Library Journal
“This collection ambitiously blends an introduction to some human physiology with puzzle poems inspired by Shakespearean writings and poetic forms, sonnet to cinquain.” ―Booklist
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“Whether their interest is anatomical science, poetry, Shakespeare, or just plain-old disgusting fun, Random Body Parts is well-worth picking up, and certain to entertain kids as it educates them about what’s in and on their bodies.” ―The Poetry Foundation
“Students will enjoy learning, laughing, solving riddles, and exploring human anatomy and poetic variety.” ―The Dragon Lode
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Awards
Parents’ Choice Approved Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2015
Notable Poetry List ―National Council of Teachers of English, 2016
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2016
Alabama Camellia Award (grades 6-8 nonfiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2016-2017
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Meet the Author

Leslie Bulion is the author of several children’s books, including Uncharted Waters, The Trouble With Rules, and Fatuma’s New Cloth, winner of the African Studies Association’s 2002 Children’s Africana Books. She lives in Connecticut. You can visit her website here.
Meet the Illustrator
Mike Lowery is a professor of illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta and has illustrated several books for young readers. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.