Pollan, M. (2009). Omnivore's Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat: Young Readers Edition. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780803734159
· Plot Summary
Michael Pollen's exploration of where our food comes from, and the ethical ramifications of how it is grown, processed, and consumed. Part I covers what he terms "The Industrial Meal", complete details on the products we derive from corn, how it is grown, its global distribution, genetically modified versions, nitrogen pollution caused by fertilization of plants, pollution caused by feeding corn to cows, how corn is processed, and the considerable health issues related to fat in foods made from corn. Part II is considerably shorter, two short chapters on the Industrial Organic Meal. This section describes the growing of organic produce, the keeping of farm-raised chickens, how organic food is shipped globally, and whether it is really as ideal as marketing companies would have us believe. Part III details the importance of grass in local, sustainable farming, cost issues associated with this meal choice, and health topics relevant to eating from sustainable sources. Finally, Part IV explains the lifestyle of the hunter-gatherer, the treatment of animals on farms, and how individuals can find their own food in the wild.
· Critical Evaluation
Almost as long as the original version for adult readers, the youth edition of the book will give tweens a thorough understanding of where there food comes from, and enable them to make informed decisions about their eating choices. The last chapter may be beneficial to tweens in rural areas, but less so for those living in cities and other urban locations.
· Reader’s Annotation
Best suited for tweens that want to live consciously, and are interested in topics like living green, and animal rights. Chapters are filled with photos, charts, and lists to make the subject of deciding on food options more approachable to this age group. Also includes tips for eating the way you want, and references for further research.
· Information about the Author
Micheal Pollan is a professor of journalism at UC Berkeley, and lives in the San Francisco area with his wife and son. He contributes articles to the New York Times Magazine, and won award for four of his books.
· Genre
Non-Fiction
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-9/Ages 11-14
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I was searching for non-fiction books for my daughter now that Christmas is on its way. I found this, and knew the original version for adults was interesting as a co-worker used it for his English class. I felt tweens could benefit from the information it contains, and take the lessons with them into adulthood.
