Invisible Allies: Microbes That Shape Our Lives (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))
Starred Review.Grade 6 Up–While Farrell'sInvisible Enemies(Farrar, 1998) presented the struggle against disease-causing microbes, this lively and engaging companion offers intriguing insight into those that play a more helpful role in shaping our lives. The variety necessary for human survival is simply astonishing, and the author presents many of them in captivating detail. The book begins with a brief introduction to and history of these organisms. Chapters are devoted to the historical importance of food preservation and the use of microbes in producingcheese, bread, and chocolate. Information on the microbes necessary to digest such a meal and then to decompose it is included. The final chapter provides an exhaustive description of a waste-treatment plant. Complementary black-and-white photographs and illustrations are included throughout the text. This is a fascinating read, as well as a source of useful information for reports.–Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.