One of a series of sophisticated and detailed books about disabilities and diseases. In a pull-no-punches approach in this book we learn a great deal about cystic fibrosis: a short history; causes and diagnostic techniques; inheritance of the cf gene; the effects of cf on the body (lungs, pancreas, bowels, liver, bones, and the posibility of developing diabetes); managing the disease and the importance of a team approach (doctors, nurses, physios, dieticians and clinical psychologists); about infections and the effects of smoking; the need for a special, high fat diet and the taking of enzymes and vitamins; the importance of physio exercises and exercise in general; how families adapt to a child with cf; and new treatments that may help in the future. Lots of case studies, photos and diagrams make the information accessible to children, but such is the level of information that parents will find the book a valuable resource as well. An index, a glossary and list of further reading and websites make the book very useful for school projects.