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Super Human Encyclopedia

 Cover image for Super Human encyclopedia : discover the amazing things your body can do
Super Human Encyclopedia
by Steve Parker
DK Publishers, 2014. Nonfiction. 207 p.

Although the title says "Super Human" this is an encyclopedia filled with interesting facts about normal humans. It is organized by body systems, and ends with a section on the future of human biology.  Did you know that if you lined up the nerve sells in the human body they would stretch about 621 miles?  Did you know that a marathon runner uses about the same amount of calories as in 12 slices of pizza?  As with all DK nonfiction, the text is illustrated by colorful, excellent quality photographs and graphics. The editors have included an extensive glossary and index at the end of the book.  This book is great for casual browsing or for a curious science lover to read straight through.

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