Have you ever wondered why you look the way you do? The answer lies in your human genome, the code of life. The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life investigates the fascinating world of genetics and the human genome. Kids ages 12 to 15 learn the basics of how genes work, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance happens. Hands-on activities, trivia, and links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites offer text-to-self and text-to-world connections to make learning applicable and fundamental.

Carla Mooney has written more than 70 books for children and young adults, with more than 20 titles for Nomad Press, including Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA and Human Movement: How the Body Walks, Runs, Jumps, and Kicks. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Tom Casteel is an illustrator and cartoonist that graduated from the Center for Cartoon Studies in 2011. He has illustrated more than two dozen books for Nomad Press. Tom lives in South Bend, Indiana, with his wife, son, two smelly dogs and one old cat.