An accessible and thoroughly engaging biography of the much-profiled scientist, this easy-to-follow narrative is enriched by striking illustrations and excerpts from Darwin’s own writings. McGinty lays out the major events in Darwin’s life clearly and both enhances readers’ understanding and piques their interest by choosing the accompanying quotations carefully. Her writing is smooth and conversational, and while she compresses a large amount of information into only a few pages, readers never feel rushed or confused. In addition to describing his famous voyage on the Beagle, the author focuses on Darwin’s long struggle to reconcile his discoveries with religious teachings, giving readers a better understanding not only of what Darwin posited but also the impact it had on his world—and ours. Azarian’s woodcuts, hand-tinted with watercolors, showcase the wonders Darwin saw on his voyage beautifully and also illuminate the everyday environment of home and family. Presenting the quotations in script on facsimile paper fragments to evoke the style of the time adds to the overall appeal. Exquisite and enlightening. (author’s, source notes) (Biography. 7-10)
