A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds by Rebecca E. Hirsch, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds" by Rebecca Hirsch is an interesting exploration of toxic plants and their role in history, science, and crime. The book delves into how these plants evolved their dangerous properties to deter predators, only to become predators themselves. With chapters on 25 different plants, including Belladonna, Hemlock, and Opium, the book is filled with scientific details, historical anecdotes, and true crime stories. Beautiful illustrations accompany the text, making complex topics accessible to readers. Hirsch's writing is both humorous and informative, ensuring readers are entertained while learning about the natural world's most sinister flora. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I did not picture myself enjoying a non-fiction botany book as much as I did.  I read it in 2 evenings and it was really engaging. It's a great blend of science, history, and intrigue.  The author's writing style, combined with vivid illustrations, makes learning about complex scientific concepts fun. The true crime elements add an exciting twist, making the book feel like a real-life mystery. This book not only educates but also inspires a sense of wonder about the natural world, making it a perfect fit for inquisitive young minds. This book is a valuable addition to any school library, offering rich interdisciplinary content. I think it would also work for an art teacher because the plant illustrations are beautiful. There is an authors note reminding readers that this information is not there to learn how to poison people, but to understand and be aware of some of the harmful plants.  It did remind me of a Poison Garden I visited on some castle grounds in Ireland.  This would have been a perfect guidebook. The author listed a few gardens that are available in the US to visit to see some of the plants in person.  A great purchase for a middle or high school library.