5 stars (wonderful book) - I used this book to homeschool my 13 year old daughter, who went on to obtain a 750 on the SAT II Biology. I also taught a class to homeschoolers using THE WAY LIFE WORKS (much cheaper) as the main text, but using many of the CD-ROM activites from ESSENTIAL BIOLOGY as class material. I especially liked the MendAliens for genetics problems! There are many useful activites, quizzes, and chapter tests, wonderful graphics. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand "essential" biology. ... Benjamin Cummings :: Science & Biology :: Science&Mathematics :: Science :: Plant physiology :: Physiology :: Life Sciences - Biology - General :: Biology (General) :: Biology :: Eric J :: Essential Biology with Physiology