Who Gives A Poop?, STEM, fun, edutainment for 10 and up

Regardless of your stance on books, STEM, mglit, or chocolate chip cookies, we can all agree that Who Gives A Poop?, Surprising Science From One End To The Other is one of the cleverest book titles you’ll ever run across. The book is a story of things that we see every day. Sometimes it’s hiding in plain sight and other times it smacks us on the shoulder while we’re sitting at the pool. It’s worth noting that actually did happen to our son this summer from a passing seagull. Now that I’ve read this book I know that so many things could’ve been gleaned by taking a look at that white splotch that splattered from him onto our stuff.

It wouldn’t necessarily take a microscopic view either. You’d certainly learn more that way, but even to the naked eye, you might see seeds that could be traced back to certain geographic areas or insects that met their untimely demise. Viewing poop or questioning who that brown patch in the forest belongs to are just a couple of the side effects of reading Who Gives A Poop?.

This book is middle-grade greatness with a healthy side order of STEM. At times the book is more STEM-oriented, but it does it in such a way that it’s fun to read. The title alone inspires curiosity and delivers it with funny, sometimes thought provoking stories about poop and the animals that left them behind.

Author Heather L. Montgomery spins a yarn that’s as much about her discovery, the creatures that left it there, and the people who are reading the book. She’s an educator, writer, and environmentalist, yet the book is written from the perspective of someone who is curious and doesn’t know the answers. That’s important to point out because it is not just a story about animal waste. It looks into why the waste is hidden, what did the critter eat or how does it impact other areas. Montgomery interviews people who study poop for their profession. She’s there to learn, but also to help out in some situations.

Each chapter looks at a different animal she’s researching, its habitat, or the person who specializes in said waste. Who Gives a Poop? is written with its tongue firmly in cheek at times, but is also very quick to move it when the situation turns scientific. Montgomery weaves between leaving the reader laughing about poop imagery, wondering why something is the way it is, to occasionally being angry as to why they are. She deftly blends the story between entertaining and factual in a way that will dazzle some readers and leave others confused upon the fact that they’re reading a book about animal poop whilst learning and laughing.

Who Gives a Poop? is on level for ages 10 and up. Those ages might not be able to read a chapter at one sitting, but the book’s STEM-based humor will keep them intrigued and coming back for more. We also read Something’s Rotten from Montgomery and enjoyed that book. It has a similar vibe but focuses on roadkill, which has a fascinating life that will make you think twice each time you see something flat on the road.

Who Gives A Poop? is by Heather L. Montgomery with illustrations by Iris Gottlieb and on Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

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