Nonfiction Monday: Darwin

Darwin
Written by Alice B. McGinty
Illustrated by Mary Azarian
Ages 9-12, 48 Pages
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Reviewed by Kim Hutmacher
Bio by Laura Crawford
Book Source: This book was purchased by the reviewer for review.

Paired with notes from Darwin’s own journal, McGinty’s text takes readers into the heart and mind of Charles Darwin. This picture book biography introduces us first to a young curious Charles who is much more interested in observing and exploring the world around him than studying Greek or Latin.
Later, we find Darwin at Cambridge University studying to be a pastor. However, never losing the curiosity he fostered as a child, Darwin soon finds himself aboard the HMS Beagle bound for the South American coast on a five year journey of natural discovery.
Darwin spends this time observing, collecting, journaling and asking questions. As time passes, Darwin comes up with some questions and answers that cause him much inner turmoil and pain. His scientific theories on natural selection and evolution clashing with his longstanding religious beliefs worry him to the point of physical illness.
Darwin eventually makes a realization. McGinty writes, “Charles finally came to believe that there were no answers to his questions about God. He saw the world as too amazing not to have been created by God."
McGinty does a masterful job telling Darwin’s story. Readers will be inspired by his curiosity and love of the natural world around him. They will also gain an understanding and appreciation for Darwin’s work, even if they do not agree with his scientific theories.
This book has been chosen as an NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book. It will also be included on the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Committee/Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2010.

Laura Crawford had an opportunity to interview author, Alice B. McGinty:

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

I live in Urbana, IL and I love to write, read, and do just about anything outdoors, such as hiking, running, or going on long walks. My husband and I have two sons, now 18 and almost 20 years old, and we spend a lot of time together as a family, enjoying each other's company. My husband and I have recently taken up ballroom dancing, which we like a lot. As for my writing career, I spend my time writing fiction, nonfiction, and doing freelance educational writing. I am the co-Regional Advisor for SCBWI Illinois, and enjoy working with this terrific writing community in Illinois to plan conferences and help writers and illustrators to connect with each other.

WHERE DO YOUR IDEAS FOR NONFICTION COME FROM?

My first nonfiction book - Eating Right - was inspired by my oldest son's questioning why he had to eat his broccoli (at age 5) and wondering what different foods did for his body. I saw that there was a need for books about nutrition written at his level, and decided to do some research and write one myself. Now, my nonfiction ideas often come from conversations with my agent. My recent book, Darwin, was a product of a conversation with my agent about possible topics for nonfiction books. Honestly, I love to dive into new subjects and I can write about any number of different topics, so it works well for me to get suggestions from others about possible topics.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE HARDEST PART ABOUT WRITING?

Oh, I guess knowing that something needs to be fixed in a manuscript and not having a clue about how to fix it is the toughest part. Sometimes letting a book sit for a while when it reaches that stage is the best solution, if I have the luxury to do that. But, though writing can sure be taxing and frustrating at times, I really love the process of writing, and creating new things with words.
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST FACT YOU HAVE LEARNED?

Hmmm....I remember being blown away by some of the things I learned about spiders, and how they turn the insides of their victims into liquid and then suck the liquid out of the shell. I think that kind of thing is COOL! And I learned so many interesting things about Darwin - like all of the things he studied at length, including earthworms and coral reefs.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST WORK.

I'm working on a manuscript about Gandhi.

This book is part of the Nonfiction Monday Round-Up hosted this week by Great Kid Books blog.