Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2010 Gr 5–9— While the title suggests a focus solely on Darwin's theory of evolution, this book covers both his personal and scientific life admirably. Readers learn of his childhood predilections, not just for collecting curiosities of nature, but also for hunting. The authors describe each stage of the Beagle 's voyage and the changes in Darwin's thinking brought about by his various observations and discoveries. They address his life after the return from the Galapagos—his marriage and children; his recurring illness; and his continuing research and writing that would eventually become On the Origin of Species . After a brief description of Darwin's old age, the text turns to the continuing controversy over evolution and the confusion of the scientific use of the word "theory" with the vernacular usage of the word. Photos, sketches, and maps appear throughout. Sidebars and photo captions add detail and background information. Numerous quotations from Darwin's works and correspondence bring his voice to readers. Though the past year saw several works celebrating the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, librarians will want to make room on the shelves for this one. Eldredge and Pearson have done a fine job of summarizing both Darwin's life and work.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2010 Eldredge, a paleontologist at the American Museum of Natural History and curator of their notable Darwin exhibition, teams with children’s book writer/editor Pearson to offer an account of Darwin’s life and work that is both authoritative and very readable. Full of anecdotes and quotes that humanize the scientist while infusing the narrative with a sense of his interests and personality, the book features clearly written discussions of Darwin’s contributions to science set within a portrayal of his experiences, his family, his scientific community, and English society of the period. The many black-and-white illustrations include period paintings, drawings, prints, and photos as well as modern maps and photos of sites and artifacts. The layout is attractive, but the poorly reproduced images make the pages look a bit dull, a quality at odds with the engaging, insightful text. Back matter includes a recommended reading list, source notes on quotes and illustrations, and a time line of Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle. - Copyright 2010 Booklist.