Charles Darwin

March 1, 2011

Gr 5-8-Krull does a fabulous job of making Darwin real, from boyhood to adulthood. The information is obviously well researched and it is presented in a reader-friendly manner. In addition, Kulikov's black-and-white illustrations give depth and character to the story. Darwin's ideas are presented as well as those of his opponents and fellow scientists. This is a fine addition to the series and a viable selection for anyone who didn't stock up on books on the scientist during his bicentennial year.-Carol Hirsche, Provo City Library, UT

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2010
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* In the latest entry in the acclaimed Giants of Science series, which began with Leonardo da Vinci (2005), Krull once again offers an illuminating, humanizing portrait of a famous scientist. Young readers will connect with descriptions of Darwin as a poor student who felt stifled at school but maintained a voracious curiosity for the natural world outside the classroom. At age nine, his goal was to know something about every single stone on the path to the front door. Krull is a seasoned pro, and as in the series previous entries, she writes in easily paced, lively, conversational prose, knitting together interesting facts, anecdotes, and historical overviews into a fascinating whole. She offers clear definitions of not only Darwins theories but also how his discoveries built on previous scientists work and notes that his greatest contribution to science was his theory of natural selection, not evolution, a distinction that sometimes gets muddied in the still-feverish debates about his work. Those ongoing arguments, Krull says in a final chapter about Darwins legacy, motivated her to add this title to the already crowded shelves of youth biographies of the scientist. Despite a few typos, this succinct offering will be an excellent resource for contemporary classroom discussions. Kulikovs whimsical ink drawings and a well-culled list of resources round out this strong entry in the series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2011
The task Krull sets for herself in the Giants of Science series is, first, to create an informative and entertaining biography and then to demonstrate how that subject contributed to contemporary science. In her latest release, she makes no bones about Darwin's influence: 'Publication day [for On the Origin of Species], November 24, 1859, is considered the birthday of modern biology.' She began the series with Leonardo da Vinci (rev. 9/05), clearly showing that as a scientist da Vinci observed and experimented to draw conclusions, and now lauds Darwin for 'connecting the dots.' Darwin's exhaustive data (primarily collected on the Beagle voyage) resulted in no eureka moment but rather years of wrestling with the facts (and perhaps a little procrastination), honing his ideas into solid theory. A useful introduction previews Darwin's life and accomplishments, acquainting readers with both the man and the scientist. The lively biography fleshes out these points, particularly emphasizing his uncertainty about publishing his ideas. Kulikov's occasional art brings both humor (note the illustration of Darwin mistakenly popping a poisonous beetle into his mouth) and drama (the picture of the seasick scientist screams misery) to this brisk account. Appended with a list of sources, including websites, and an index. BETTY CARTER

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2011
Krull makes no bones about Darwin's influence: "Publication day [for On the Origin of Species]is considered the birthday of modern biology." A useful introduction previews his life and accomplishments, acquainting readers with both the man and the scientist. Krulls lively writing fleshes out these points, particularly emphasizing Darwins uncertainty about publication. Kulikov's occasional art brings humor and drama to this brisk account. Websites. Ind.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)