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Description
This book discusses issues related to genetic engineering including whether DNA profiling violates a person's right to privacy, and whether plants and animals should be cloned. The coauthors are Peter Pentland, and David Demant.
Quick Summary
If you've ever wondered whether scientists should be allowed to create copies of your favorite pets or how DNA evidence actually works in crime shows, this book breaks those big questions down into stuff that actually makes sense. It takes two hot-button topics DNA profiling and cloning and presents them in a way that feels balanced, letting you form your own opinion instead of telling you what to think. The middle school reading level means it's accessible without talking down to you, and at around 6,000 words it won't overwhelm kids who usually shy away from anything that looks like a textbook. What makes it memorable is that it treats readers like they're capable of handling real ethical debates, not dumbing things down or turning everything into a lecture. If your kid loves true crime shows or keeps asking why cats and dogs look the way they do, they'll probably gravitate toward the cloning chapters, while the DNA privacy section tends to hook anyone who's ever been creeped out by how much information companies can pull from a simple test. Parents will appreciate that it encourages critical thinking without being preachy, and the short length means even reluctant readers can power through it in a sitting or two. It's a solid pick for kids who want to sound smart at dinner but prefer their learning wrapped up in actual questions rather than dry facts.