Chocolate: Sweet Science & Dark Secrets of the World's Favorite Food

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

The title of the first chapter says it all, the World's Most Perfect Food. This is a detailed,informative, fun, and fascinating history of chocolate. But it is also more than that. The author has woven together an account of chocolate that includes how explorers, scientists, society, industry and children have impacted chocolate. The organization of the book is well done. The author provides a good table of contents and a detailed index. There is also a timeline of the history of chocolate and a list of websites for further reading and information. There are even some recipes in the book! There are many black and white photographs peppered throughout the book that greatly enhance the understanding of the material covered. Although, there a couple of photographs that are not labelled. It may be obvious to many what they are, but younger readers may not know. There are also sidebars of information throughout the book that are both interesting and fun, for example, the science behind why we love chocolate. In the middle of the book there are a series of color photographs depicting various aspects of chocolate and its history. This title is probably best for 6th grade and above. The print is large and easy to read, so strong younger readers who enjoy nonfiction may like this as well. This would also be a good reference choice for teachers to use in the classroom for science, history and even sociology units. A wonderful purchase for larger nonfiction collections.

Overall Book Score: very good