Charles Robert Darwin
February 12, 2009 will mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, the British naturalist, geologist, "observer of nature" who became famous for his book called, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life (1859) often referred to as the Origin of Species for short. There will be many events to celebrate this dedicated and brilliant scientist's birthday. The area around Down House will become a World Heritage Site, HMS Beagle is being rebuilt, Cambridge will play host to a number of Darwin exhibits scheduled for 2009, and many other events are in the works! Go to http://www.aboutdarwin.com/darwin/WhoWas.html to learn more about Charles Darwin, the man, as well as to read a detailed biography of his life and to connect to a variety of interesting materials and other web sites. Coincidentally this is also the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln.
Reviews
Adaptation
Alvin Silverstein, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn
The lizard on the cover photo of this book wants to talk. Mouth open, crown high, his personality jumps out, and he will make this book, part of the "Science Concepts" jump off the shelf. After that, the authors' clear writing and well-designed outline will keep kids reading about how and why animals adapt to different environments. The authors start by explaining evolution, and how different types of animals came to live in different places. Then they address the individual adaptations for each area. In chapter three, "Extreme Habitats" we learn, for example that kangaroo rats are adapted to the desert. They "beat the heat by sleeping through the hot, sunny days in their burrows, deep in the sand. They plug up the entrances to keep their burrows cool and hold in moisture. They go out to gather seeds at night when it is cooler." We also learn about desert plants, plants and animals of the Polar Regions, and of the ocean vents. Most spreads have two pictures, but even those that do not are broken by shaded text. Each of the six chapters is divided into subsections that can be easily digested before moving on. Most middle readers could understand the writing, but the subject matter will be relevant through beginning biology in high school. While this book will be used for reports, it will also satisfy nonfiction readers. Backmatter includes a glossary, bibliography, further resources, and index. 2008, Twenty-First Century Books, $31.93. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-3434-1
ISBN: 0-8225-3434-7
Charles Darwin
Alan Gibbons
Illustrated by Leo Brown
It is 1832 and James Kincaid, a ten-year-old British orphan, has just been accepted as a volunteer sailor on the HMS Beagle. Also on board this historic journey is none other than Charles Darwin, the ship's naturalist. As the ship sets sail on its four-year adventure, James has been given a most amazing gift from Mr. Darwin - a journal in which to write about and sketch his adventures. And adventures they are. Through his journal, James tells the lucky reader about his adventures traveling from the United Kingdom around the South American continent on westward to Australia and Africa before finally heading home. All along the way Darwin and young James explore all of nature's amazing treasures. This voyage was to become the basis for Darwin's groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including the theory of evolution that is debated yet today. (Although teachers should not that there is but a passing reference to this controversial theory.)Based on the true story of Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle, this fictionalized account opens young readers eyes to the danger of sea voyages and the thrill of scientific discovery. Every page features excellent illustrations coupled with actual photographs of the tools Darwin used and/or the creatures he discovered, observed and catalogued. Included in the text are non-fiction accounts of: what happened to Darwin after the voyage was complete; details on the HMS Beagle, including a cross-sectional map of the ship; the route of Darwin's voyage; life at sea during the mid-1800s; Darwin's specimens; extinct creatures; and eminent 19th-century scientists. A glossary and index is likewise included to aid in the continued research a young reader might wish to pursue after reading this fascinating account of a truly groundbreaking voyage. 2008, Kingfisher/Henry Holt and Company, Ages 6 to 10, $17.95. Reviewer: Kris Sauer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7534-5251-5
ISBN: 0-7534-6251-6
Charles Darwin
Don Nardo
Charles Darwin influenced decisively the scientific thought of his time and changed forever our view of ourselves. Nardo has written a simplified but absorbing account of Darwin's life and work, starting with his background and early influences, including his learned grandfather, Doctor Erasmus Darwin. The turning point of young Charles's life was his experience as naturalist on the world-encircling voyage of the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836. After the publication of his diary of the trip Darwin became famous, although he shunned celebrity and preferred a quiet life of study and research, leading ultimately to his great work on evolution and natural selection, The Origin of Species (1859). Readers will be intrigued to discover that another researcher, Alfred Wallace, was working on the same ideas and nearly beat him into print. (Darwin, always modest and gracious, gave Wallace full credit for his work.) Nardo's account of reactions to Origins—and Darwin's painstaking answers to all objections—is well-told and will be inspiring for budding scientists, as will Darwin's persistence in his work despite increasing debilitation from a tropical disease probably contracted during the Beagle's voyage. Of necessity, the illustrations include many black-and-white photographs of stern-looking bearded old men in stiff attire, but visual appeal for younger readers might have been enhanced by printing maps, reproductions of portraits, and modern photos in color. Notes, a time line, and a good bibliography will add to the usefulness of this volume in the "Importance Of" series. 2005, Lucent, $28.70. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59018339-8
ISBN: 978-1-59018339-7
Charles Darwin: Visionary Behind the Theory of Evolution
Anna Sproule
A reader seeking extensive information about Charles Darwin, a monumental historical figure, will do well to utilize this book. Written in 50 plus short sections, every aspect of Darwin's life is covered. An introduction alerts the reader to the fact that Darwin's exposure of his work was almost too late. This idea stems from the information that one of Darwin's rivals nearly beat him in publishing a work on natural selection and survival of the fittest. The stinging realization of this occurrence hit Darwin hard since the rival, Alfred Russell Wallace, was a man whom Darwin had helped in his studies. In the long run, the situation's scheme played out favorably for both men. Darwin was allowed to present his early ideas about natural selection in conjunction with Wallace's paper. While it could be just a factual book, author Sproule manages to bring forth a well-written text which carries the flow of a good story. Sidebars quoting Darwin and others from his era add to the overall picture. Photos, drawings, diagrams, and maps are other pluses. Those wishing to understand Darwin and the beliefs of his time will not be disappointed in this book from the "Giants of Science" series. The controversy between Christianity and Darwin's theory is well addressed at the book's end. Extra sources include a timeline, glossary, and places to search for more information. 2002, Blackbirch Press/The Gale Group, $27.44. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56711655-8
ISBN: 978-1-56711655-7
Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution
Heather Adamson
Illustrated by Gordon Purcell and Al Milgrom
Even though the idea of evolution was discussed and thought about for many centuries, Charles Darwin is the man given credit for the Theory of Evolution because of his how-and-why information about the formation of species. When he was asked to travel around the world to gather scientific information, he ultimately drew pictures of a variety of birds that he later learned were all finches. That got him wondering if the finches were all created differently from the beginning. Because of his Theory of Evolution, a great debate took place in 1860 with basically the same outcome we have format, a favorite of mine. It makes it perfect for students who are reluctant readers who today: The Evolution Theory vs. the Biblical theory. This book is written in graphic never seem to finish a book on their own. Young adults who want to read anything they can get their hands on will also enjoy the graphics and the fast-paced text. The full color graphics make an enormous impact on the story. The end of the book includes suggestions for writing prompts, discussion questions, and a mini biography about the author and illustrator. The author includes a "Glossary" with a pronunciation guide and a list of other books and web sites that might be of interest to the reader. These web sites are particularly helpful as they provide step-by-step instructions for using Facthound. I do recommend this book 2008, Capstone Press, $25.16. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4296-0145-0
ISBN: 1-4296-0145-0
Darwin and Design: Does Evolution Have a Purpose?
Michael Ruse
This is the third in a series of books on evolution written by philosophy professor Ruse. This is not "Evolution for Dummies," but an erudite analysis of the love-hate relationship of science and religion. Ruse's writing style is not difficult, but some of the concepts he explores are, requiring a sophistication and education in philosophy, history and science to fully grasp his ideas. Is the fact that life forms are often beautiful beyond any utilitarian need a sign that both scientists and theologians are right in regard to the creation of life? Darwin seemed drawn to both sides of the question and his descendents have been arguing about it ever since. An excellent bibliography and index are included. Serious readers will want to read the first two books in the trilogy, though the books are meant to stand alone as well. Category: Nature, Ecology. KLIATT Codes: A—Recommended for advanced students and adults. 2003, Harvard Univ. Press, 371p. illus. bibliog. index., $16.95. Ages 17 to adult. Reviewer: Nola Theiss (KLIATT Review, January 2005 (Vol. 39, No. 1)).
ISBN: 0-674-016319
ISBN: 978-0-674-01631-6
Darwin and Evolution for Kids: His Life and Ideas, With 21 Activities
Kristan Lawson
This book describes the life of Charles Darwin and his theories on evolution. This book presents the information in a clear and understandable way, and is also very detailed—with 140 plus pages (mostly text). The book also has a plethora of simple activities, which readers can do, and further information that correlates with the text. However, one thing to note is that these activities and information often interrupt the text, so readers will have to either skip the activity "boxes" and continue reading on further pages or read the activity and then go back to the text. Lawson explains the evidence of evolution very well; in fact the text supports Darwin's view that "[the Bible] was an important book of wise and wonderful moral truths . . . but something that should be put aside when dealing with science." As a result, someone reading the book who strongly believes in the Bible's version of creation could become upset. The text is well-organized and has an excellent index and a glossary. The book also has a list of resources (web sites, further reading, and a bibliography). Yet, as a result of the length of the book as well as the bibliography, it would have been nice if the information was cited within the text. This book is an excellent resource for those learning or doing reports about Darwin and evolution; however, The Tree of Life by Peter Sis would be a better choice for younger readers. 2003, Chicago Review Press, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-55652502-8
ISBN: 978-1-55652502-5
Darwin and Evolution for Kids: His Life and Ideas
Kristan Lawson
The well-researched and developed consideration of the life of Charles Darwin and his voyage on the HMS Beagle and its subsequent impact of the nature of how humankind views itself and the world is an excellent introduction to the great thinker and how he developed his ideas on the theory of evolution. Besides the detail the author provides on each aspect of Darwin's life, photographs and illustrations from the time period and from Darwin's books add another layer of useful information for young people reading the text. An additional valuable piece of this text comes in the form of 21 activities that readers can experiment with themselves that correspond to the events in the chapters in which they are found. The activity related to Darwin's classical education allows readers to play with Greek and Latin words in order to learn other phrases; a voyage journal encourages students to go out and explore their backyard with the attention to detail that Darwin gave the world during his voyage on the Beagle, and the recipe for Shrewsbury cakes gives those interested a sense of the food of Darwin's day. As would be expected in a text like this, we find a solid glossary of terms as well as a very thorough list of web and text resources for further study. This is a must-have in any school or public library. 2003, Chicago Review Press, Ages 9 to 15, $16.95. Reviewer: Jean Boreen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-55652-502-5
ISBN: 1-55652-502-8
Evolution
Paul Fleisher
The theory of evolution has been controversial since it was first suggested by Charles Darwin in the mid-nineteenth century. The theory itself is rather simple and easy to believe in; however, the theological and sociological implications have created a firestorm around the teaching of this theory in schools in the United States. Fleisher presents the theory in the simplest possible terms, providing brief backgrounds into Darwin's and Wallace's lives and their development of the theory during their travels, before proceeding to an explanation of the theory itself. Fleisher provides numerous examples of what Darwin and Wallace observed in their travels, and also provides a broader look at how the theory has been developed and supported over the years by scientists from many disciplines. Included throughout the text are full color photos and illustrations which provide keen examples of evolution in action, as well as images of Darwin's and the other scientists' lives. This text is part of the "Great Ideas of Science" series. 2006, Twenty-First Century Books, $25.26. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-2134-1
ISBN: 0-8225-2134-2
Evolution: A Historical Perspective
Bryson Brown
This work provides an in-depth study of evolution from both an historical and scientific perspective. The author notes that the evidence in support of Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection has emerged over time. The introductory chapter addresses the arguments lodged against Darwin's theory. Subsequent chapters detail the development of the ideas and scientific advances that influenced Darwin's work and also examine topics such as heredity and natural selection, biochemistry, DNA and the future of biology. The author explains complex concepts in accessible language, making this a good source for high school science students. The book's design occasionally detracts from the overall quality of the work; long blocks of text give the appearance of an academic textbook. Diagrams and charts further explain the concepts in the text. The remaining b&w photographs and paintings are somewhat dreary. There is a wealth of information on the scientific and political history of Darwin's work, as well as other topics here. While the book would have been helped by a better layout and more interesting illustrations, it does contain a great deal of useful information for science students and teachers. Bibliography. Glossary. Timeline. Index.[Editor's Note: Also available in eBook format.] Recommended. 2007, Greenwood Publishing Group, 232pp., $65 hc. Ages 14 to 18. Reviewer: Amy Short (Library Media Connection, April/May 2008).
ISBN: 978-0-313-33461-0
ISBN: 0-313-33461-7
How Species Change
James V. Bradley
Because of the title, one might think this is a book solely about Darwin and his theory of evolution. In reality, it is much more. Starting with the theory of immutability of species, through the first theory of evolution proposed by Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck, to Charles Darwin's Origin of the Species, to present day gene theory, this book presents a comprehensive study of scientific thought regarding how living organisms have changed and will continue to change over time. Written by a now retired, award winning biology teacher, this comprehensive title shows how Darwin's theory completely turned science upside down, and how scientists have expanded on it to piece together the past, as well as shape modern day studies of gene mutation and DNA. Complete with a table of contents, sidebars, full color photographs, a glossary, a comprehensive index and bibliography, it is a great research tool for upper elementary and early middle school science students. 2006, Chelsea Clubhouse/Infobase Publishing, $28.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Pat Trattles (Children's Literature).
How Species Change, from the series "Nature Walk," is an interesting journey for discovering the changes animals have made over time. Before the nineteenth century most people thought that animals looked and acted the same as they did when they first made an appearance on earth. Charles Darwin changed that thinking. He believed that animals had to change over time to fit into their ever changing environment. How Species Change takes a look at Darwin's work and his theories. Darwin's ideas about evolution aided scientists in understanding and directing later discoveries. His theory has changed with time but these changes have simply shown how much of the natural world is affected by his ideas. The idea of natural selection is still the core of his theory. With the understanding of evolution, scientists were able to use fossil evidence and dating mechanisms to piece together the past. They have found the first animals are nothing like those of today. This book is an informative resource for middle school science classes to learn how and why animals have changed over long periods of time. There are charts and pictures to add to the understanding of the text. At the back of the book there is a helpful glossary. If further reading is needed, more book titles and web sites are listed. 2006, Chelsea Clubhouse, $28.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Triss Robinson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7910-9118-X
ISBN: 978-0-7910-9118-0
Inheritance and Evolution
Denise Walker
This book offers a concise and lively look at the genetic and environmental factors that affect inherited traits in plants and animals. Though far from an exhaustive study, it is sure to capture student interest and would be particularly useful for students who struggle with thick, dry, middle-school and high-school textbooks. The book is attractively designed and produced, with large, colorful photographs and illustrations on each page. The text is written in a conversational tone, making for easy reading, and with plenty of subheads and sidebars, there are few intimidating blocks of unbroken type. Each chapter also includes self-testing questions as well as suggestions for experiments or further investigation. Walker's explanations of natural selection, Mendel's work with peas, and Darwin's discoveries are particularly well done. Back matter includes an index, glossary, and answers to the self-test questions. This book is part of the "Basic Biology" series. 2007 (orig. 2006), Smart Apple Media/Black Rabbit Books, $34.25. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Barbara Carroll Roberts (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-58340-989-3
ISBN: 1-58340-989-0
More Than Darwin: An Encyclopedia of the People and Places of the Evolution-Creationism Controversy
Randy Moore and Mark D. Decker
As accessible as they are authoritative, each entry in this single-volume encyclopedia offers clear explications of the many people, places, and events that have played a role in the continuing debate over the origins of life on Earth. The authors cover an impressive amount of ground here, from the famous (Thomas Huxley, known as "Darwin's bulldog") to the infamous (The Scopes Trial) and from the obscure (Fuegians) to the whimsical (The Flintsones). Every subject receives earnest, scholarly treatment, even when the entries are brief. Longer entries are very informative but not exhaustive and frequently include suggested further reading. The reader may detect a dry humor around the edges of the entries concerning creationism's more staunch advocates. It usually takes the form of offering, without comment, potentially embarrassing facts, such as televangelist Jimmy Swaggart's 1988 self-comparison to King David following the publication of photographs of him with a prostitute. This presentation is balanced by a similar appreciation of the unintentionally humorous aspects of the lives of evolutionary heroes such as Carl Linnaeus, who in a fit of pique (or was it pettiness?) named a common weed after Johann Siegesbeck, who called the Linnean classification system "loathsome harlotry." In short, the authors have done their homework, are appropriately critical, and do not pull their punches. Although it is a highly specialized reference work, students looking for concise background information on a wide variety of participants in the ongoing, lively debate will not be disappointed. 2008, Greenwood, 415p.; Index. Photos. Maps. Further Reading. Appendix., PLB $85. Ages 11 to Adult. Reviewer: Sophie Brookover (VOYA, August 2008 (Vol. 31, No. 3)).
ISBN: 978-0-313-34155-7
ISBN: 0-313-34155-9
Origin: The Story of Charles Darwin
Bruno Leone
This volume from the Profiles in Science series tell the story of the life and career of Charles Darwin, the natural scientist who travelled around the world on a British naval ship, the Beagle, in the 1830's. Based on his observations of the variations in various species of flora and fauna that he collected during that 5-year voyage, Darwin later formulated his comprehensive yet controversial theory of the origin of species by natural selection. Origin: The story of Charles Darwin begins with Darwin as a young man-a mediocre student whose father was extremely concerned that he would be a disgrace to himself and his family. As time passed, however, Darwin's interest in the natural world and his tireless efforts to collect specimens thereof eventually resulted in an illustrious career in the natural sciences. This biography also focuses particular attention on the scientific colleagues who influenced Darwin's work, including: Charles Lydell, the author of Principles of Geology, which argued that the earth has been in a continual and gradual state of flux contrary to the prevailing belief at that time; Joseph Dalton Hooker, one of the 19th Century's leading scientists and the director of the Royal Botanical Gardens; Richard Owen, one of Britain's foremost zoologists and anatomists, who received and analyzed many of the specimens collected by Darwin during his years on the Beagle; Thomas Robert Malthus, author of a treatise entitled An Essay on the Principle of Population, which provided Darwin with an essential insight into the concept of natural selection; and Thomas H. Huxley, one of Darwin's earliest and most vocal supporters. The final two chapters of the book describe the controversy that erupted after The Origin of Species was finally published in 1859 as well as the later years of Darwin's life and eventual burial with other eminent British scientists in Westminster Cathedral. This is a well-written biography for young adults interested in learning more about Charles Darwin and his theory regarding the origin of species. 2009, Morgan Reynolds Publishing, Ages 13 to adult, $28.95. Reviewer: Charles Wyman
ISBN: 978-1-59935-110-0
Our Family Tree: An Evolution Story
Lisa Westberg Peters
Illustrated by Lauren Stringer
This book is an absolute must-own for those who believe in evolution or want to offer a different idea of creation to all young children who ask, "Where do we come from?" The story is beautifully written and is able to take a difficult topic and put it into words that children will enjoy and understand. Page after page offer insight into the subject of evolution and provide explanations for many questions people have on the topic. The illustrations are breathtaking and add much to the power of this book. Just as interesting as the actual story is the Family Tree and the Family Tree Timeline included at the end of the book. Each piece of information is illustrated adding to the clarity of the facts. This is a wonderful book selection for parents to read aloud to their child. The author's choice of words impressed me with her concern that the children who read or hear this story will understand that she wrote it just for them. 2003, Harcourt Inc, $17.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-201772-0
ISBN: 978-0-15-201772-9
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin; An Intimate Portrait of Charles Darwin and the Making of His Theory of Evolution
David Quammen
Read by Grover Gardner
Darwin went on a five-year voyage around the world and returned with preliminary evidence for a theory that would set the world on end. This biography concentrates on the crucial two decades in Darwin's life between his famous voyage and the 1859 publication of the first edition of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. As such, it concentrates on the research he did during this time, a subject too often neglected. Darwin spent eight years of his life studying barnacles in minute detail, and the variations he observed in individual barnacles helped him clarify his theory of natural selection. Quammen describes with great clarity some of the controversy engendered by Darwin's book. We also get a glimpse into Darwin's personal life—his close and enduring marriage to Emma, and the loss of his beloved daughter Annie. Gardner offers a clear and professional reading. Category: Nonfiction Audiobooks. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2006, Audio Partners, 6 cds. 7.75 hrs.; Cardboard; content, author, reader notes., $29.95. Ages 15 to adult. Reviewer: Susan Offner (KLIATT Review, January 2007 (Vol. 41, No. 1)).
ISBN: 1-57270569-8
ISBN: 978-1-57270569-2
The Scopes Trial: The Battle Over Teaching Evolution
Stephanie Fitzgerald
For three weeks in July 1925 the nation's attention was riveted on the small town of Dayton, Tennessee, where twenty-four-year-old John Scopes faced trial for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in defiance of state law. Drawing from court records, newspaper articles, memoirs, and other primary sources, Stephanie Fitzgerald re-creates all the excitement of those days. Her liberal use of quotes allows us to hear the voices of legal giants Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan as they debate one another in what would become one of the most important, and certainly entertaining, trials of the twentieth century. Bracketing the courtroom drama is an overview of Darwin's work and an examination of the trial's complicated and ongoing legacy. By now most middle-grade students are aware of the controversy surrounding evolution. They might be surprised, however, to learn how old that controversy really is. For more than one hundred years, evolution has been taught in public schools while efforts to ban it have persisted equally as long. Fitzgerald makes it clear that she herself supports the teaching evolution, which she sees as inextricably bound up with the right of free speech and the separation of church and state. Proponents of teaching intelligent design in the classroom will find little to buttress their arguments here. But those who adhere to Darwin will appreciate this bracing defense of his ideas. A time line, glossary, bibliography, and sources are included. Part of the "Snapshots in History" series. 2007, Compass Point Books/Coughlan Publishing, $31.93. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Pat Sherman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-2018-2
ISBN: 0-7565-2018-5
The Tree of Life: A Book Depicting the Life of Charles Darwin, Naturalist, Geologist & Thinker
Peter Sís
Although Darwin did not originate the theory of evolution, his scholarly research and the subsequent publication of his book in 1859 secured his place in history as the first and foremost authority on the subject. This biography presents a comprehensive view of Darwin's life with historical entries, facts about his public life, and personal information taken from his diaries. Darwin regretted that he could not draw, but he made up for this perceived deficiency by writing very detailed descriptions of all that he observed. Sis has used these documents to illustrate a plethora of details within the picture book format. Not only has he drawn pictures for the specimens Darwin described, he has also profusely illustrated events from throughout Darwin's life, including his birth, childhood, education, family, and professional accomplishments. Darwin was attracted to the study of natural phenomena from an early age and was invited to travel on the H.M.S. Beagle to study the south of America as a naturalist when he was 22. This five-year voyage was the most significant event of his life and charted his future career choices. Both children and adults will find this many layered account of Darwin's life fascinating. 2003, Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, $18.00. Ages 8 up. Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-45628-3
ISBN: 978-0-374-45628-3
The Voyage of the Beetle: A Journey Around the World with Charles Darwin and the Search for the Solution to the Mystery of Mysteries, as Narrated by Rosie, an Articulate Beetle
Anne H. Weaver
Illustrated by George Lawrence
Narrated by a rose chafer beetle named Rosie, this account of Darwin's early explorations and his voyage on the HMS Beagle take young readers through a series of adventures. Darwin asks Rosie the question that he identified as the mystery of mysteries: "Why are there so many different kinds of species, of living things on the Earth, each uniquely fitted for its environment?" Rosie decides to join Darwin on his journey to make his discoveries. As Darwin travels the world in search of an answer, Rosie identifies "clues" from various insects, animals, and environments. The book blends the facts of Darwin's discoveries with an engaging fictional narrator who encourages readers to try to solve the mystery along the way. Maps, diagrams, and illustrations support the lively text. The book also includes a helpful (and very readable) description of Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection, as well as a time line of the Beagle voyage, a time line of Darwin's life, and books and web sites for further study. 2004, University of New Mexico Press, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8263-4304-8
ISBN: 0-8263-4304-X
Who Was Charles Darwin?
Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Nancy Harrison
Charles Darwin was not good at school; he hated memorizing facts. But he loved collecting beetles and instead of a club house, he and his brother, Erasmus, made a chemistry lab in their parents' garden shed. A true scientist is always curious and must not be afraid to ask hard questions. This book does a good job of covering Darwin's life From his early years and family life through his decision to become a scientist and his ideas about evolution. Through out the book, the author has added supplemental information about different topics: surgery in Darwin's time, fossils, the Galapagos Islands, categorizing species, the Regents Park Zoo that Darwin used to visit, a list of friends and supporters of Evolution, and information about Alfred Russel Wallace. (Wallace was the man who came up with similar theories about evolution around the same time as Darwin.) The book is heavily-illustrated but many of the illustrations look rushed and a little awkward in the faces and figures. The back matter contains a time line of Darwin's life, a time line of the world, a bibliography, and a list of Internet addresses. This title is part of Grosset and Dunlap's "Who Was...?" series, which includes books about Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Annie Oakley, Ben Franklin, Eleanor Roosevelt, and many others. 2005, Grosset and Dunlap, $4.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-448-43764-3
ISBN: 0-448-43849-6
ISBN: 978-0-448-43764-4
ISBN: 978-0-448-43849-8
Updated 1/26/09
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