Can anyone recommend a book about genetics for an interested 9 year-old?

[annaj]

Hello family room.

This might be a odd thing to be looking for, but I'm trying to find a book about basic genetics suitable for a nine year-old.

My niece, who has always been bright and full of questions, is currently really interested in genetics; questions like "why do we look like each other in some ways and not others?" "what does run in the family mean?".

This weekend I found myself explaining, among other things and with the help of a diagram, who in the family was more likely to have twins. She loved it and it prompted a whole other round of questions, including where did the first DNA come from, and I'd love to pick up on her interest and help her learn.

I've had a look on Amazon, but nothing is really jumping out.

Any suggestions?

[annaj]

Ok, so maybe it's an even odder request than I realise, not a single response!

Doesn't anyone have any suggestions or children the same sort of age with the same sort of questions?

If not, how about recommendations for educational, but fun, science books generally? Or particular shops or websites for childrens books?

I'd really appreciate the advice, and the benefit of your collective experience, so I can get her something she'll enjoy that will help build on her interest.

Thanks

[womanofdulwich]

My sons are 14 and 18 and never asked these questions- how lovely to have such an inquisitive niece. I seem to rememeber part of the science museum specifically covers this - a nice day out to take her to. Book wise the human body books do not cover what you are interested in specifically- but usborne books are always good and dorling kindersley too ( may have misspelt). might be worth going to the science museum and looking in bookshop afterwards.

[annaj]

Thanks, the science museum is a really nice suggestion, because, as you say, it would give us a day out together too.

She really is inquisitive and ask some challenging questions. When I was trying to explain about us getting features from both parents she asked if I had been born a boy, would I have had my face, but a bit more boy like, or my brother's face. I find it amazing to see how her mind works and where each new answer takes her.

[nikki73]

It sounds to me as if you are doing a fantastic job at explaining things to her. I'd be lost! Maybe worth asking your local library for some suggestions? Or looking in the science museum bookshop?

[alice]

Try website Planet Science - brilliant but no genetics i could find

[EDmummy]

We have an equally inquisitive 9 year old! He has previously been interested in genetics but with a biological/health science background and a bit of rooting around my brain for stuff I learnt in high school was able to answer questions. We also sat at the computer together and I interpreted some of the information we found into more basic explanations.

Now, if any one has a basic book on string theory and on the evolution of the universe I would be much appreciated (spent a very frustrating day on holiday trying to explain both of these).

[IrishDancer]

Not sure if this will be any good to you it seems to have info on GENES,INHERITANCE,DNA.I have put the address below.

ghr.nlm.nih.gov

[millie42]

What about Wikipedia - the explanation on that seems pretty comprehensive and straightforward.

[annaj]

Thanks for all the advice.

To clarify, it's not that I can't answer her question, I'm a doctor, which is why my sister sends her to me with them in the first place, and I'm gald to say nothing she can think of has (yet!) exceeded my knowledge. It's that I'd like to give her something she can go back to and enjoy to help build on her interest.

Also, as a mere aunt, I don't see her as much as I'd like and I'm not always there (although she can always e-mail me from her i-pod touch, naturally!) and I thought it would be nice if she had a book I'd given her to look at when she thinks of things.

But I like the suggestion of the science museum, although their online book selection is disappointing with far too much by Richard Hammond, and I think I'll look into Osbourne books and the others mentioned.

Thanks again.

[EDmummy]

Apologies, Annaj. Hope you didn't feel I was patronising.

You may find some biology text books from secondary school may be of interest to your niece. I remember reading some before I started secondary school and was able to keep up with most of it.

How about this book on Amazon,Genetics for Beginnersor Genes and DNAalso found this home schooling site.

[ellaj]

You could try a range of science books written for young children by Fran Balkwill (someone I previously worked for). I think they are very good but then I would.

She has written many on all kinds of topics, including one on DNA. The illustrations are very good too.

Amazon link to Fran Balkwill books

[annaj]

No apology needed, EDmummy, I wasn't remotely offended or patronised, I just thought I'd clarify what I was looking for.

Thank you, everyone, for all the suggestions and research on my behalf.

ellaj (no relation, I assume?) I had already spotted the Fran Balkwill books and quite liked them. Perhaps I'll go for "Have a Nice DNA" for starters.

[ellaj]

No no relation and unfortunately no royalties for me! She's also behind Centre of the Cell a science exhibition for children in Whitechapel. I must admit I've never been but it's meant to be very good.

Centre of the Cell

[annaj]

No, no. I wasn't implying it was a dodgy recommendation. You were very clear about you relationship to her. I meant no relation to me, you know, with us both being something-j. It was a rather weak joke, sorry. If I knew how to do an embarrassed smiley when posting from my phone, I would! Thanks for the link, I'll check it out when I'm back on the big screen.

[SeanMacGabhann]

How about Genetics for Dummies for the ubiquitous yellw'n'black book series

Not child specific but she sounds more than able to assimilate the contents

[ellaj]

Annaj I get it now. Sorry a bit slow this morning.

Ellaj