Evolution Revolution (Big Questions)

Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species and the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, Evolution Revolution reveals the story behind "the greatest idea in history." Following in the footsteps of What Makes Me Me?, Go Figure!, and Can You Feel the Force?, this book answers questions such as "why do tigers have stripes?" with entertaining text, full-color photographs, and the boldness and innovation that define this groundbreaking series.

Grade 4–8—Sidebars and photos dominate this highly visual survey. The first two thirds of the book are devoted to the history of thought and research on evolution, from stories of Creation, through Darwin, to genetics. The last third looks at "Evolution in Action." Information on the fetuses of related species rubs shoulders with variations within species and a time line of the Earth. Visually, the book snaps with colored backgrounds, cool graphics, topflight photos, and clever word balloons coming from vintage black-and-white reproductions. Suggested activities are worth trying, and a guessing game on related species does a fine job of enhancing understanding of the concept of evolutionary lines. Browsers will enjoy dipping in and out, but the book reads surprisingly well straight through, and readers who devour it whole will learn a great deal.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA
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*Starred Review* Dense with exciting scientific detail, this large picture-book-size volume focuses in its first half on Darwin’s discoveries and theories, and the excitement and the controversy that they generated in his time. Then biologist Winston goes on to discuss the modern science of genetics and evolutionary biology, including what Darwin did not consider and what he knew little about; the many new discoveries that prove Darwin right and that continue to fuel debate; and the role of DNA in helping to fill in the gaps. The clear, interactive, double-page spreads in the publisher’s signature style pack in a wealth of very technical information with lots of gorgeous color photos, screens, and boxed inserts. Also included is a detailed six-page time line of the planet over four million years. Readers can browse through and delve into the geology and biology facts that grab them, and then follow some of the “Now try this!” suggestions, such as “How to find out what was living in your neighborhood 250,000 years ago.” As accessible as it is informative, this is a great title for classroom browsing and sharing. Grades 5-8. --Hazel Rochman