The young readers version of The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals was available as a free download from AudioFile Sync summer program. It was a good review because it has been a few years since I read the adult version. I think this book is a good one for young people to read so they can make informed decisions and the author encourages them to be informed so they can vote with their pocketbooks and food choices. I am also reading Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health at the same time and just finished Lab Girl so I am getting quite the course in plants. I started eating a plant based diet April 1 and have never felt better in a long time, not since I was eating a minimal meat diet in the 90s. ( )

Great book. I didn't realize when I picked it up that it was the Young Readers Edition of the book, but I decided to go ahead and finish it even once I found out. Being the YR edition, it was a quick read, but hit all the major points Pollan wants to make about the current state of our food systems. It changed the way I look at my food and the food I feed my family. ( )

4Q, 4P

I’ve been a Pollan fan for a while and have read his other books such as the original version of this title, Botany of Desire, and In Defense of Food. When looking for a teen non-fiction title, I found this in the teen section of my library branch. I was pleasantly surprised to find that he had written a version for teens. The information in this book really is a relevant issue for teens, and it’s important that they understand where they food comes from. While reading this book I found myself comparing the content with the original version and I was pleased with the easy-to-read teen friendly language and format. The chapters were made up of short paragraphs or parts that were each titled no doubt in hopes of keeping the attention of the teen. I also loved the addition of including a meal with the run-down of where the food was acquired at the end of each section of the book. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any teen interested in finding out more about the food industry. ( )

4Q 4P. Michael Pollans tremendously popular book "The Omnivores Dilemma" has now been reissued in a young readers edition, and with the childhood obesity rates still growing it couldnt have come at a better moment. "The Omnivores Dilemma" receives a 4 in quality as Pollans chapters flow and make sense in a way that is as easy to continue reading as it is to understand. Also a 4 in popularity, only because diet is such a big issue now this book should appeal to nearly everyone. The connections he makes between the food we eat and how it impacts both our personal lives and the environment as a whole will make anyone take a second look at their own diet. In each of the four sections Pollen takes us from the super processed junk foods all the way to hunting and gathering his own meal. A really wonderful account that should be mandatory reading for every teenager.

Science Book

Pollan, M. & adapted by Chevat, R. (2009). The omnivore’s dilemma: the secrets behind what you eat. (Young Readers ed.). New York: Dial.

Michael Pollan takes you on a journey through the food chain in The Omnivore’s Dilemma. As omnivore’s we are inclined to eat anything, hence the dilemma. He explains that not everything is good to eat. As an investigator of food, he reveals some important information on the various types of food chains and explains how they are affecting our health, as well as the effects that it has on the environment. He becomes a “food detective” and investigates where food really comes from for four different types of meals: The Industrial Meal, The Industrial Organic Meal, The Local Sustainable Meal, and The Do-It-Yourself Meal.
The Young Readers Edition adapted by Richie Chevat is easy to understand without sacrificing the integrity of the arguments brought forth by Michael Pollan. His concern with highly processed foods and their effects on our bodies and the environment are clearly presented and well-discussed. The pictures and sidebars add to the content. The text is chunked appropriately and the subheadings enhance the clarity of the topic being discussed. This book will appeal to readers concerned with health and the environment. Grades 7-12. ( )