Who Gives a Poop?: Surprising Science from One End to the Other

by Heather L. Montgomery, Iris Gottlieb (Illustrator)

Follow scientist Heather L. Montgomery into science labs, forests, hospitals, and landfills, as she Who uses poo?

Poop is disgusting, but it’s also packed with potential. One scientist spent months training a dog to track dung to better understand elephant birthing patterns. Another discovered that mastodon poop years ago is the reason we enjoy pumpkin pie today. And every week, some folks deliver their own poop to medical facilities, where it is swirled, separated, and shipped off to a hospital to be transplanted into another human. There’s even a train full of human poop sludge that’s stuck without a home in Alabama!

This irreverent and engaging narrative nonfiction book shows that poop isn’t just waste―and that dealing with it responsibly is our duty.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Science, Animals, Childrens

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 8, 2020

About the author

Heather L. Montgomery writes about science and nature for kids. Her subject matter ranges from snake tongues to spider silk to snail poop. With a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Environmental Education, Heather's passion for nonfiction comes out in her writing and presentations. When she is not writing, Heather can be found climbing a tree, hiking to a waterfall or paddling a river. Learn more about her books at www.HeatherLMontgomery.com.

Reviews

[Lisa Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! A book about poop that will appeal to older grades. This book is chock full of gross information that is actually very well written. I highly suggest adding this to your home or library collection. A good read!

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me, much like an unexpected poop.
It wasn't just terrible humor and random facts.
The author really conveys this sense of enthusiasm and wit about the subject. Each chapter manages to touch on an important topic by broadening it to something larger such as endangered species or going green. You'll learn lots of cool facts and realize poop is so much more than you thought. Plus the book isn't very long so it's not daunting for younger readers.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and informative!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books through NetGalley.
Montgomery shares informative text in an easy to read format. She tells stories and shares research about poop. At the end of the book, she shares experiments readers can try along with further notes and books to read.
Her style is relaxed and she handles the information in a matter of fact manner. It's nice to have a book for middle grade readers that shares information in such a style.

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Gives a Poop? Surprising Science from One End to the Other by Heather L. Montgomery illustrated by Iris Gottlieb – An incredibly well researched book chock full of fun facts (i.e. “Why would an animal need 18 feet of small intestine?” pg. 44), current scientific research (i.e. fecal microbiota transplant ) and benefits of poo (from multiple species). She takes the reader through scientific inquiry (including questioning her motivation and findings), includes personal research by describing her own actions and showing entries into her research logs so young scientists can see how science is properly conducted. Montgomery writes in an easy to read narrative style and is not afraid to use giggle terms even including a list of Wonderful Waste Words. Who knew there were so many terms for excrement? Most pages include footnotes to further explain a certain term or concept which enhance the information in the chapter. Black and white drawings help the reader visualize some of the animals as she discusses them. Extremely engaging for those in grades 4 – adult, this book makes a wonderful resource for personal interest or a class read in biology or a related science. It can be read in its entirety or just a chapter or two can be used in class. Included are an author’s note, activities for readers, additional fun facts, annotated bibliography, black and white photos, illustrations and charts, acknowledgements, an index and table of contents. A must have for all middle and high school libraries.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A unique read packed with interesting information told in an engaging format. Each chapter shows how waste is used to better understand the world and solve problems. From protecting endangered species and producing energy to curing infections and revitalizing land, poop can do some amazing things.

The information is presented with humor including plenty of poop jokes. There is a lot of information in this book, which can be chaotic at times but still quite interesting.

There are plenty of footnotes throughout with additional interesting tidbits of information. At the back are further facts about feces, different terms for waste, and other ways people get involved in science through poop. There is also an annotated bibliography and an index.

As a heads up to any sensitive, animal-loving readers, the book does go beyond poop talk and discusses animal dissections, roadkill, and scientific experiments on animals in detail.

Overall, an interesting read with a nice blend of humor and science.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though there is a lot of information about defecation in this book, it’s also a fascinating look at real scientists and how the scientific method is used to answer questions and solve problems. Not only did I learn how important whale dung is to phytoplankton and the overall health of our oceans, I learned how scientists study this subject. Who knew there were so many cool jobs as a scientist?

With plenty of puns, the book is written in a fun, personal style that made me feel like I was riding along with Heather when she interviewed the scientists and I was looking over her shoulder when she did hands-on research herself. Her detailed description of cutting open a dead possum’s bowels is probably one of the grossest things I’ve ever read.

I highly recommend Who Gives A Poop? Young readers, ages ten and up, will be all over this book like a dung beetle on deer droppings. It would be great for the classroom too!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gross and fascinating. After reading (and sharing) Heather Montgomery's book about roadkill, I - of course - had to read and share her book about poop. One of the things I like best about both books is that when Heather has a question, she contacts the experts. And they all talk to her! There are so many good interviews. She talks with doctors, professors, scientists, elected officials, company officers, and anyone else who can answer her questions. That really stood out to me while I was reading the book. (It reminded me off my little Finnish grandma who could get an appointment to talk to anyone. I began to wonder if Heather and my grandma had something in common - definitely persistence, and probably a great accent?) I learned a lot, looked at a few things in new ways, and did a little further research of my own. Also, the 7th graders I shared the book with yesterday all recalled me sharing Heather's book about roadkill a few years back. Mission accomplished. :)

[Laura Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This isn't a topic I'd really choose to read about, ya know? But I know Heather Montgomery is an excellent writer, and she's passionate about science, so I had to give this a try.

What I loved most about this book is how it takes such a wide-ranging look at one topic. We meet so many scientists and engineers and environmentalists and more who are all diving into poop (eeewww) for different reasons, with different methods, for different reasons. And we get Heather's own thought processes and asides, too. Seeing the connections between so many disciplines and poop was...enlightening. And fascinating.

For anyone interested in poop--or how science connects every single thing in our world!--this book is a must read. (I'm not super fond of poop, which is why it's 4* instead of 5*.)

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully enthusiastic investigation into how and why to examine poop by a writer willing to dissect the stuff on her dining table, make a valiant attempt to heat tea over cow patties on her driveway, and beedle about by plane or Skype to interview scientists doing all sorts of work on things down there. For me it stayed just on the right side of crass, with lots of doo-doo puns but always embedded in solid discussions of science and health and research. It also works in discussions of the roll of bias in scientific work and presentation and common pitfalls investigators fall into. I had a lot of fun with this.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A++++++++ science reading equally appealing for preteens, teens, and adults. Fastidiously well-vetted and up-to-date, especially via in-person interviews with a diverse (and divergent) range of dedicated researchers themselves: an embarrassment of riches! Never was the scientific method more attractively (or humorously) presented! From roadkill in Ms. Montgomery's earlier much-lauded book "Something Rotten," to this ode to the joys of poop, and too many stellar titles in her oeuvre to count here, what wonders will the author uncover for us in her next foray into science that matters? I can't wait to find out!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating! Was spouting animal facts to my family nightly as I read this book. And yes they started to roll their eyes when I would start to say,”Did you know that...”. :) Could make for fun family read aloud but some parts may gross out some kids. Snapped pictures of the parts I want to re read and remember. Best for hardcore science and animal lovers at elementary level. Must purchase for MS/HS collections. Can’t wait to share some of the symbiotic animal relationships as examples with my fourth graders as they begin their animal research.

[Deb Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had kind of low expectations of this book, and I didn't really latch onto its companion, a book about road kill. But this book was awesome!! It took me on such a journey, not just about what you can learn about poop, but the variety of animal digestive systems, the impact of poop on our environment and more. Really lively stories that I am still thinking of many days later.
Also, a lot of what the author writes about are investigations she has undertaken which makes it an engaging read.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book appeals to my love of biology so much! While the title is humorous, this book is not for the very young and would appeal more to middle grades as well as adults. It is told in a narrative fashion rather than information chunks but provides plenty of science and factual information. It follows the author as she works on anything from the tongue of a wolf, to the feces of birds. I only wish I was still teaching middle school science!

[Sbwisni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something Rotten is still my fav by this author. Surprisingly I have other higher rated books about poop 😜 but I had to read this one when I saw the author.

Still a good book with big ideas/themes to ponder. Might be more technical and gross than Something Rotten? I can still see myself using Something Rotten in more ways with MS students than this one. Really appreciate the annotated bibliography. This is where I would go as an educator to build a lesson or two in combo with a book chapter.

[Lisa McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who Gives a Poop? by Heather L. Montgomery is a fascinating non-fiction read about what else, POOP! I enjoyed reading all the gross but intriguing information presented in this book. Like poop injections into your bum to cure c-diff. Who knew? I definitely think it will appeal to grades 5-8. It will change your outlook on defecation!

[Irene M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. In know it was written for kids, but a lot of it reads like it was written by a teen. For someone who cuts up roadkill on her kitchen table, the author seemed really grossed out by her topic. Perhaps she is attempting to be relatable to her audience, but it got tiring reading her exclamations.

[Michelle Glatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book says it's about poop, and it is. But it is also about the connectedness of life on Earth (even extinct life) and scientists in the field and inquiry and the scientific method. And its conversational tone is fun and funny. Plus the back matter leads the reader to learn even more. Montgomery deserves a big dump of praise for this book ;)

[Becky Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent, interesting and well written book from Heather L. Montgomery. She takes subjects one doesn't think could be interesting and makes them something anyone would want to know more about.

[talesofkids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book for all age kids. It's good very gross facts and information for the kids to ewww and ohh over. It's a children's non-fiction that is done well. I would suggest adding it to your libraries at home or school.

[DebbieG · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy laughing while learning new things. I thought I was old enough to be over the potty humor age, but I'm not! I had to laugh, and groan, out loud while reading this entertaining work of non-fiction.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes straight to the important stuff—poop! It’s lively, with each chapter written as an adventure. The author’s voice is frank, fresh, and engaging. Highly recommended for all humans who...you know. Poop. Check it out!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly informative and highly entertaining read!

[Aliza Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather’s books are incredible! So engaging, enlightening, and focused fascination on the natural world.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Listed as a book for children but curious adults will enjoy it as well. Don’t skip the annotated bibliography... it contains great leads for more investigations.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and disgusting all at the same time.

[Makenna Karren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this for my children’s literature class, it was interesting but I definitely didn’t need/want to read that much info about poop

[Clare Lund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very... informative. Some extremely gross sections. Some kids will really dig this nonfiction book purely for that reason though! Ages 10 and up.

[Julie Wadle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrative non-fiction: This would be great for boys, those interested in science. Very funny!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the author who brought us Road Kill, everything you've always wanted to know about poop - mostly from an environmental standpoint.