Extreme Abilities: Amazing Human Feats and the Simple Science Behind Them

by Galadriel Watson, Cornelia Li (Illustrator)

These people did what?! Join author Galadriel Watson as she takes us on a journey of discovery--a tour of the human body's amazing abilities, featuring masters of muscle, speed demons, brain bosses, and more! Extreme Abilities is a fun and fascinating survey of what humans are capable of, with examples from around the world and throughout history. Short sketches of famous individuals, such as Louis Cyr and Usain Bolt, mixed with stories about the amazing physical feats of others not-so-famous, draw readers in and bring these astounding abilities to life in vivid color. Each chapter also features a section on how young readers can work at improving their own skills (and a section on how not to get hurt in the process), plus bite-sized related fast facts and sidebars. Easy-to-follow explanations of anatomy, physics, and other sciences are enhanced by Cornelia Li's energetic and engaging artwork, and photos throughout further help to illustrate the awesome displays of the human body at work.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens

88 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2019

About the author

Galadriel Watson has been writing since childhood, when she penned the spellbinding “Amy Goes to the Olympics”—typed by her grandmother on a manual typewriter, illustrated by Galadriel herself and bound in green construction paper.

She has since honed her skills through years of practice, plus through her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, where she won the 2016 Penguin Random House/Hazlitt Award in Creative Writing. She also has a Bachelor of Arts With Distinction in Writing from the University of Victoria, plus completed Humber College’s Creative Writing by Correspondence program.

Her 24th non-fiction book for children, Running Wild was published April 2020 by Annick Press and is a Kirkus starrred review. Her previous book, Extreme Abilities, published April 2019 by Annick Press, was nominated for a 2020 Yellow Cedar Award. She has also published over 50 articles for children in magazines like Brainspace, Muse and Ask.

Her writing for adults and comics have been published in places like The Globe and Mail, Discover magazine and The Washington Post.

Reviews

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I though I already review this one but it seem I didn't... Anyway, this was an interesting book about extreme abilities (physical and intellectual as well depending on the case). The book is organized in a way where it present a person, kind of a short biography, who had strange or unusual ability and then explain scientifically how that was possible or how it function. Intriguing funny facts that are always cool to learn about and a scientific explanations to go with it. Well done!

[Kate Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

@Kidlitexchange #partner - Thank you to the @Kidlitexchange network and the publisher for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Extreme Abilities: Amazing Human Feats and the Simple Science Behind Them by Galadriel Watson and illustrated by Cornelia Li focuses on the amazing physical and intellectual capabilities of the human body. Topics covered include strongmen, contortionists, human calculators, mermaids (not the mythological creature, but the ama of Japan), sprinters, and more. In each chapter, Watson introduces the topic with a fantastical and true story of an individual completing something that seems impossible. For example, chapter 1 introduces us to Louis Cyr who on May 27, 1895 lifted a platform holding 18 men and weighing 4,336 pounds off its supports and over his shoulders. The book is well researched and goes into the science behind how these feats can be done. Each chapter also includes a "Hazard Alert!" reminding the reader of the dangers of attempting feats like this and a section titled "Over to You" that gives tips on how to safely increase your skills in certain areas related to the topic of the chapter.

I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a very quick read. While it does dive into the scientific side of each amazing feat, it is done in a way in which middle grade readers will not only understand, but stay engaged with. As a middle school teacher, I would be concerned with my students attempting to do some of these things (like holding their breath underwater for extended periods of time), so I also like the addition of the "Hazard Alert!" and "Over to You" sections. My favorite chapters were actually the two about extreme intellectual abilities. I even learned a new math trick from one of the chapters. Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Elizabeth Tyree · Rating 3 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner
Extreme Abilities: Amazing Human Feats and the Simple Science Behind Them by Galadriel Watson is an interesting and well researched journey of discovery as readers follow the author along on a trip through the human body. From learning how endurance athletes endure the intense treks they make, to learning about the muscles that allow contortionist to turn themselves into pretzels, and even discovering intense forms of meditation this book not only discusses some insane things that our bodies CAN do, it explains the HOW behind it all.

One of my absolute favorite things about this book, however, is not the plethora of super cool abilities that Ms. Watson discusses with us, but the side notes that she included which discuss the possible dangers that these abilities bring along with them. In a book like this warnings written in such a personable way are very important and enlightening. That being said, the way the pages are set up can be a little confusing and distracting at times so the reader must be very diligent in their perusal of the page.

All in all, I am very pleased with this one and looking forward to sharing it with my students. 3.5 out of 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟⛅ This book is set to release May 9, 2019.

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

[Akoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

@Kidlitexchange #partner - I received a copy of this book from the Kidlitexchange network in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Releasing 4/09/19

Oh the wonders of the human body.

This book explores various parts of the human body associated with extreme abilities. I like how it presents you with a piece of story/history then analyses the various aspects of what ever ability the story is about. Then it presents you with scientific facts to either confirm or caution about what the human body is truly capable of doing.

There is bountiful of information as well about the people who were considered to have extreme abilities and how they came to be that way. The range of cases varies from circus performers, scientists, to sport athletes so there is a little bit for everyone. And the illustrations are kid friendly and very much engaging.

This is a must have for classroom Libraries. In fact any Library will greatly benefit from this being shelved in their children section.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extreme Abilities: Amazing Human Feats and the Simple Science Behind Them by Galadriel Watson, illustrated by Cornelia Li. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Annick Press, 2019. $13. 9781773212494

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This book is divided into eight sections, each covering an impressive physical feat. Each of those sections contains a history of people who have used that physical power, stories of people who currently use that power, warnings and tips, the science behind it explained, and then finally a section on how the reader can use what they just read about.

This book is so interesting. I learned something new on every single page. I also found this book to be very approachable. There is a fair amount of reading, but it is divided up into easy to tackle sections.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It would be a 4.25, but it says Ducks are mammals. I have re read the sentence a few times and it still confuses me. Ducks are NOT mammals so besides all the really, really cool things about this book, (I am going to get my library to buy it) is that Duck Mammal thing. I wish the book was in front of me so I can read it again to understand what she is trying to say.

I love that it shows the amazing ability, gives cautions and says "Hey with some caution, and smarts, you too could try some of these amazing things". Like tight rope walking. Start with a piece of tape on the floor and work up it. Although I don't want to learn how to twist and contort things, I like that is opens the possibilities!

As soon as I can figure out the duck thing, I might be able to rave over this one! (it is possible that after reading it 5 times I have read it wrong) Page 49 orange circle top left corner. "Diving mammals, like ducks and seals, use the diving response. They also have more blood (and oxygen) in their bodies than humans," when did ducks become mammals!?

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like the lesser version of the Guinness Book of World Records and other such titles. I was surprised on how much it went into the science behind the ability. Not that it is lengthy, but I expected more of a short blurb and then it would go on to the next ability.

Two of my favorite parts was all of the math hacks. I need to learn those.

The other was how fast Usain Bolt runs. 23 MPH, or up to almost 28 MPH at his fastest. I recently saw a group of guys seeing how fast they could run on a street with a radar speed sign. It reminded me of an episode of The Office with Dwight trying to top everyone. I don't think any of them were even close to Bolt.

[Samantha Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extreme Abilities is an easy and interesting book about people with (you guessed it) extreme abilities. The book presents a short biography of a person with a unique ability and proceeds to explain the scientific how. This book was interesting with a touch of humor. A good way to diversify your children’s literature with scientific non-fiction. The book also includes a “hazard alert” to warn children against trying some of the superhuman stunts in the book.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book of amazing humans! Kids and YAs, even some adults will enjoy reading about these people. Who knew anyone could hold their breathes up to 24 minutes??? Thats' just crazy! Human computers are pretty cool, too! Too many amazing people in this book to list, but I think it's a perk for school libraries. And may even entice a reluctant reader to read! Great book!

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely fascinating! I loved learning about anatomy and brain functioning in the context of people who possess extreme abilities. How interesting to learn how you can train your body to push itself to the extreme. I liked the inclusion of small ways you could try some of these things safely yourself. Great back matter, illustrations and photos included as well!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner I received a copy of this book from KidLitExchange Network in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book releases on April 9, 2019. ——————— Another great book from @annick_press !!! Extreme Abilities is exciting and interesting stories of unusual and abnormal human feats and the sciences behind them. But it’s more than just a more scienc-y Guinness Book of World Records. This book doves deeper into how our bodies work to conquer superhuman feats. I loved how the author explained how readers could practice or train their bodies to also accomplish the incredible things they are learning. This book had a great balance of captivating stories and educational facts and would be great for teaching kids about the human bodies.

[Alycia Canfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The human body is just amazing when it is treated right and trained right. From holding your breath for 24 mins to folding into a pretzel this book shows you amazing thing the human body can really do if you put your mind to it, which also brings me to the meditation section. And just because you can do these things you can do the many things in this books they also tell you the dangers they can cause.