Book Review on Charles Darwin by Kathleen Krull

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krull, Kathleen. 2010. CHARLES DARWIN. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN 1101444320

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this book, Kathleen Krull writes about the life of Charles Darwin.  The experiences of Charles Darwin as a whole person, not just a scientist, are discussed.  This enables the reader to connect the events leading up to Charles Darwin’s choice to study this particular area, in addition to his contributions to science.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Our environment and the spirit of the times strongly impact what we feel comfortable sharing with our peers.  There are several spoken and unspoken rules one must abide by in order to function well in our society.  Sadly, it is common for one to be shunned if one goes against popular opinion.  Darwin understood this well.  This, in part, was why it took so long for Darwin to feel comfortable enough to share his work on THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES with the public. Even though his work may go against popular opinion, it is crucial to remember that popular opinion is not the only opinion. 

This book contains a few black and white sketches of specific events in Darwin’s life.  For instance, there is an illustration of Darwin riding a large tortoise.  This is a visual representation of the text: “He lifted up a tortoise’s shell to see how much it weighed—it hissed at him in response.  He rode another one like a horse, rapping on the shell to get it going.”    

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “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 Darwin’s theories but also how his discoveries built on previous scientists’ work and notes that his greatest contribution to science was his history of natural selection, not evolution, a distinction that sometimes gets muddied in the still-feverish debates about his work.”

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “Part of the ‘Giants of Science Series,’ this biography reveals a Charles Darwin whose inherent ‘niceness’ both assisted him and inhibited him as a scientist, delaying the publication of this ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES for years, as he feared the uproar it might cause.  In this presentation, Darwin is a kind, curious misfit.  Born to privilege but a non-conformist, the brilliant scientist struggles until he finds his calling.  A fast-paced biography of Darwin and the society that at once shaped and thwarted him, this book engages its audience of ten-and-up.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “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.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*If you feel comfortable leading a discussion about ideas that differ from popular opinion and how to be respectful when discussing differing ideas, this book would be a good starting point.  After reading the book, initiate a class discussion.  Ask open-ended questions such as, “Have you ever had an idea that you didn’t feel comfortable sharing because you thought your friends and family would strongly disagree with you?”  “If so, were they respectful when they disagreed with you or did they behave in a mean way?”  “How did it make you feel?”  “When you disagree with someone, are you respectful or do you say mean things about their idea?”  This gets a dialogue going on what is appropriate and inappropriate in regards to discussing ideas that may deviate from the societal norm.  We may disagree on ideas, but we need to make sure we disagree respectfully.

*Other books written by Kathleen Krull:

Krull, Kathleen. 2008. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT. ISBN 1416984879

Krull, Kathleen. 2008. ISAAC NEWTON. ISBN 1101098368

Krull, Kathleen. 2008. LEONARDO DA VINCI. ISBN 1101098694

Krull, Kathleen. 2009. MARIE CURIE. ISBN 1101024771