Evolution

Science asks questions that can be answered by experiments.
So how does science answer the question, ‘What is evolution?’

Schutten, Jan Paul. The Mystery of Life: How Nothing Became Everything. New York : Aladdin; Hillsboro, Oregon: Beyond Word, 2015.

How did the universe begin? How old is the earth? Where did the first creature come from? Why do all creatures start out alike? Can the cells in your body talk to one another? Can you see evolution for yourself? Is there life on other planets? Do scientists conceal the facts? These – and many other – questions are all answered in this 230-page book highly recommended for readers 11 years old and up. 

Read this book slowly. A few pages per day. So much fascinating information explained in such a simple, easy-to-understand way that you will want to own this book and not just borrow it from a library.

If you really want to learn a lot, draw coloured illustrations to help you remember all the facts you will discover. Put your illustrations into a little booklet that you can read again later. 

(On the last page, the author asks, ‘What should you do with this information?’ Decide for yourself, he answers. Talk to religious people. Talk to religious scientists and atheist scientists. Do some research and decide for yourself.)

Burton, Virginia Lee. Life Story. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, [2009], c1962.

George, Jean Craighead. Galapagos George. New York: Harper, 2014.
A wonderfully informative and inspiring picture book for readers 8 years old and up. 

 Heligman, Deborah. Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith. New York: Henry Holt, 2010, 2009.
Winner of multiple awards, this biography tells the story of Charles Darwin and his marriage to the woman who encouraged him to explore his ideas and develop his scientific theories.  Intelligent readers who prefer books about the real world will enjoy this elegantly written biography of the man who first published his revolutionary ideas on evolution in 1859.  [Darwin, Charles; Darwin, Emma Wedgewood; Evolution (Biology) — Biography; Naturalists] Read reviews HERE. 

Hopkinson, Deborah. The Humblebee Hunter. New York: Disney Hyperion Books, 2010.
Charles Darwin’s children help him study bumblebees in this fictional account of the life of the famous scientist who changed our understanding of science. Biographical information is provided at the end of the story. A picture book recommended for readers 8 to 14 years old.

Krull, Kathleen. Charles Darwin. New York: Penguin Group, 2010.  One in a highly recommended series of biographies for readers 10 years old and up.

One Beetle too Many

Lasky, Kathryn. One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press, 2009. A detailed and  fascinating picture book for readers 9 years old and up.

Manning, Mick and Brita Granstrom. What Mr. Darwin Saw. London: Frances Lincoln Children’s, 2009.  A picture book biography for readers 8 years old and up. 

Meyer, Carolyn. The True Adventures of Charley Darwin. Boston: Graphia, 2009. 
Charles Darwin was born to a well-to-do family in 19th century England. But he didn’t have a childhood filled with happiness. He knew what he enjoyed – spending time outdoors – but how could he turn that into a career?  Based on the diaries and correspondence of the great naturalist, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy true stories of adventure. Great for readers eleven years old to adult. [Darwin, Charles; Adventure and adventurers; Voyages and travels; Evolution (Biology); Historical fiction; Naturalists]

Pringle, George P. Billions of Years, Amazing Changes: The Story of Evolution. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 2011. A recommended browsing book for competent readers 10 years old and up.

Schanzer, Rosalyn. What Darwin Saw: The Journey That Changed the World. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2009.  A picture book biography for readers 10 years old and up.

Schertle, Alice. We. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc., 2007.
The text –  describing how civilization developed over time and how we all are still interdependent on this earth – is vividly illustrated with collages by Kenneth Addison. A picture book highly recommended for readers 10 years old and up. 

Winston, Robert M.L. Evolution Revolution: From Darwin to DNA. London; New York: DK, 2009. An informative and interesting browsing book highly recommended for competent readers 10 years old and up.

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