Wood, Chelsea L. Power to the Parasites. Dave Mottram, Illus. Henry Holt/Godwin, 11/2024. 80pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-250-83398-3. GRADES 4–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Discover a fascinating secret world, unknown to most, but mined by Hollywood horror writers. Hidden just below the surface, in your home, your food, your pets, and you, lurk parasites. Enthusiastic, vernacular prose, from a scientist in the field, may not convince readers to love the wildly inventive freeloaders as she does, but will convey the mind-boggling variety of parasites, and their critical importance in healthy ecosystems and human health. Inherently interesting, and appallingly intriguing, the parasite portraits are divided into two parts: parasites doing stuff out in nature and parasites doing stuff in us and in our homes. A glossary is included. Hand to older fans of Johnson’s Zombie Makers (Millbrook, 2012) or pair with Maloney’s Buzzkill (Henry Holt, 2022). Review based on an ARC.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired