Book Review: Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers by Kelly Milner Halls

Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers by Kelly Milner Halls is a middle grade nonfiction book that gives an in depth look at decomposition. Many animals eat the dead. In fact, these creatures make up Earth’s most important cleanup crew. As a vital part of nature’s circle of life, scavengers feed on the bodies of the dead to keep our planet free from death’s debris. These death eaters come in all sizes—from tiny flies to massive bears and sharks! Meet more creatures who live by eating the dead in this up-close look at nature’s death eaters.

Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers might not be the most cheerful read, but the subject matter is fascinating, important, and hopeful in its own way. I thought I had a good grasp of that happens in decomposition, and what animals were hunters or scavengers. I was mostly right, but learned a few things that really surprised me about what certain insects and animals will eat. I found the book to be well written and organized, it is interesting and gives a matter of fact look at the way nature finds a purpose for everything. While death might be an end, it is also a source of life for other creatures, which carries some hope and light in its own way. The read was fascinating, and I look forward to following up on some of the sources cited and suggestions for further reading.