All the Dirt

Cleanliness is next to godliness. At least that was the point of view espoused by John Wesley in 18th century England. But accounts of people bathing go back to the Bronze Age in the Indus Valley. All the Dirt on Getting Clean is a lively, informative exploration of the evolution of keeping clean. Starting with a number of myths about cleanliness, the author quickly establishes how our ideas have changed drastically over time, and how the definition of cleanliness in one part of the world may differ radically from another. There is just enough of a gross factor that the target audience of 9 to 12-year-olds will find the book as entertaining as it is enlightening. Colorful spreads, lots of sidebars, humorous illustrations, and photos make it ideal for browsing as well as reading in depth.

- A fascinating social history that will appeal to kids

- Looks at history of personal hygiene through the ages and around the world

- Based on a book for adults The Dirt on Clean (Knopf, 2007) by same author

- Review of The Dirt on Clean by PW: "brimming with lively anecdotes ... smartly paced and endearing"

- A global perspective was introduced for kids’ version

- Includes full color photographs and illustrations, introduction, index, bibliography