"..My Name Is Gene is a good text for introducing cell biology, genetics, and biotechnology subjects. After completion of the program, motivated students will be ready to study more detailed texts, while the student that is not going to pursue further science will have a practical understanding of the genetic code we all share. The authors have also bridged the "secular" versus "creation" issues very easily. All through the text they credit God and His creation with the very existence of DNA and then explain the great and varied advancements that modern scientists have given us through their understanding of our "Genes." Reviewed by Alan Robinson, D.V.M of homeschoolchristian.com "Discoveries and advancements in the areas Genetics and Biotechnology are always in the news these days. But how many of us really understand these complex topics? Thankfully the authors of My Name Is Gene do understand, and they have done an excellent job of explaining the wonders of DNA while giving credit to our Creator. Written in a first person text, "Gene" takes students on an introductory tour of genetics and biotechnology. Though this text is geared toward upper elementary and middle school students, the information is sufficiently challenging for 9th and 10th grade high school students as well. In fact, there are few texts that do such a thorough job of explaining this complex science in layman's terms. My Name Is Gene begins by explaining the basics of cell biology including cell structure and their functions. Included in this section is some background into the discovery of DNA and an explanation of its incredible design and purpose. After laying the foundation, the authors moves on to an interesting section on Heredity. This section includes an explanation of Mendel's Laws, homozygous and heterozygous traits, dominate and recessive genes, inherited versus acquired traits and more. Another fascinating and important topic in the field of biotechnology covered in this text is Cloning. Beginning with a discussion as to the purposes of cloning "Gene", the text goes on to explain the many uses of cloning genes, including how it is used in the medical field for genetic testing and screening, gene therapy, vaccines, use in agriculture, and forensic medicine. Chapter 5 begins with an explanation of how cloning is done in the laboratory and discusses the research that resulted in "Dolly" the lamb. The final section of My Name Is Gene teaches students about mutations." Reviewed from Homeschoolfromtheheart.com "My Name Is Gene has fresh information that is easy for students to understand. This is important in a field that is 'literally' changing overnight'.. It's a sounding board of new ideas.." Debbie Culley, 7th grade science teacher and current Science Director at Santa Fe Christian School in Solana Beach, CA. "My Name is Gene is an extremely easy to read, down to earth science book that middle school students can really get in to. In simple, everyday layman's terms, Doctors N.C. Bailey and N.L. Eskeland explain the perplexing world of biotechnology and genetics. They explain the miraculous works of God in everything from the structure and job of DNA, to Mendel's heredity experiments, to the cloning of animals. Students are given the exercises throughout the text, which brings a better understanding of the laws involved in such a complicated subject. By the end of this course, students will have a good understanding of basic genetics, including cell structure, cell reproduction, Mendel's heredity experiments, and dominant and recessive genes, as well as an introduction to biotechnology in relationship to cloning and mutations. They don't beat around the bush about their belief that cloning is wrong, but do feel the medical advances involving cloning are extremely important. There is no mistake as to who the authors give credit to for the creation of DNA. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse, and the entire text is written from a Christian perspective giving credit to the Lord, as well as commentaries on Biblical principles and ethics in the scientific community. The authors have also published a secular version of the material, without any Christian references. The name of this text is Call me Gene. It is the same material used in the My Name is Gene text. The companion workbook for both texts is Fun with Gene. The student should have finished the text, and have a good understanding of the material before beginning the workbook. The first section of the workbook involves solving "cases." Real cases involving diseases, as well as historical mysteries, are used. The workbook also points out the chapter in the text that the exercise relates to, making it easier for the student. Section 2 has hands-on activities and games, such as word searches, crossword puzzles, and even an experiment to extract DNA from an onion, which seems a little extravagant for the homeschool, but interesting. Section 3 reviews the structure of DNA and RNA, as well as mutation and the structure of the cell. There is a teacher's edition available as well. All in all, the "Gene" series is a great introduction to genetics. It's interesting, colorful, and easily understood. It is a solid choice for your middle schooler's science curriculum."-- Product Review by: Rory Slaughter, The Old Schoolhouse™ Magazine "..I'll admit that I was skeptical when I first browsed through this series. I was firmly convinced that the best way to understand cells, DNA, and genes was through video. I wasn't sure that I liked the metaphor of a cell being a house, which seemed to break down when a messenger informs Gene that it's time for his "house" to divide--but, you know what? As goofy as the comparison seemed, it really did explain things, and the book provides you with a place to go back to so that you can review what you've learned. It's worth noting that the authors are well qualified to write this series of books. Both have doctoral degrees in biomedical science and have actively worked in the fields of immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, endocrinology, forensic DNA, and serology. This series provides a thorough introduction to genetics and biotechnology. It is written simply enough so that children in upper elementary grades should be able to understand most of it and it's entertaining enough for older, non-scientifically-impassioned students. It won't satisfy everyone--especially those who don't like anthropomorphized genes--but for most it will provide a good grounding in genetics and biotechnology. I will wager that the creative activities presented in Call Me Gene, My Name Is Gene and Fun With Gene will inspire many to pursue careers in the biomedical fields." Reviewed by Teresa Schultz-Jones from Practical Homeschooling. | 
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