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I loved this book, but I'm not sure how many kids would read it. I seem to be saying that a lot about more challenging nonfiction titles, especially longer science books, as it seems that kids don't, won't, or can't read them. There seem to be a lot of reasons for this; shorter attention spans, reluctance on the part of teachers to promote nonfiction, especially science-based titles, lowered reading ability, emphasis on levels, and most of these I can't do anything about, but I can purchase and promote excellent nonfiction and try to get kids to give it a try at least!
With humor and heart, Turner traces the path of human evolution in seven steps. Each chapter addresses a different major change, starting with early hominids moving to walk upright and moving on to the building of tools, the increase of brain size, migration, the discovery of fire, communication through speech, and the development of storytelling. She talks about the science behind evolution, the difference between species of hominids, and how our early history shapes our history today.
Along the way, she explains evolution, what it is and is not, and how it differs from the popular conception of things like “survival of the fittest.” In the author’s notes, she expands more on this, including a section on genetic differences and racism.
This is a lengthy and challenging book, in the context of middle grade fiction and lighter nonfiction, but Turner’s clear prose and funny notes make it a joy to read as well as providing food for thought about what makes us human, how we get along, and the preconceived ideas of race, evolution, and being human that we have absorbed.
Verdict: While this won’t appeal to most readers, especially those who aren’t going to pick up a longer, more dense book, it’s worthy of inclusion on your library shelves and worth promoting to middle school and high school students to read and ponder as well as to teachers to promote to their classes.
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