Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
“Charles and Emma” is a well-researched biography of Darwin and his wife Emma. Their relationship was notable because, while he questioned the involvement of God in the workings of the natural world and developed his theory of evolution, she was a devout Christian. The book works through Charles and Emma’s courtship and even provides glances back to their respective childhoods.
This book is written for grades 8-12, but I think it might be more appropriate for grades 7-9. I was actually a bit confused about the intended age group because there are some difficult themes such as death – including the death of children. Some parents may consider Charles’ questioning of God’s role in the world an unsuitable theme for younger children as well. These aspects of the book would certainly point to a grades 8-12 audience, but at many times I felt that the writing was more at the level of a middle-grades book, 4th or 5th grade through 7th or 8th. There was simply a certain lack of sophistication in the writing that made the book seem more childish to me than something written for high schoolers. I do not believe this is due to a lack of skill on the part of the author but because she seems to have primarily written nonfiction for grade school children. This style carried over into “Charles and Emma” perhaps a bit too much, making it somewhat juvenile for most high schoolers to read for pleasure.
That being said, “Charles and Emma” is very clear and well-researched and would make a fantastic source for a report on Darwin for students up through high school. They may not be enamoured of the writing, but they will find good, solid information. Middle school or even mature upper-elementary students with an interest in Darwin could definitely read this for pleasure. Heiligman did a fantastic job being very even-handed with both science and religion and was not dogmatic in either direction, which should give easy to many parents.
Adults, don’t run out and buy this for yourselves, but it may be interesting for some children in your life.
There is going to be a movie about Charles and Emma. Maybe that will appeal to the older crowd. They sound like a fascinating couple!
Good review. I’ve been curious about the book, and will likely read it one of these days.
I have to admit that I enjoyed this book more than you did. However, I think you have some really valid points about the age range of this book!
Julie P.’s last blog post..Review: Follow Me
I have mixed feelings about the book. I am old enough to handle such theoretical debates. My children, on the other hand (who are 9 and 11), are still in the development stages of their religion. They attend a Catholic school, and while I want them to be broad-minded, posing Darwinian questions I think could mess with their heads. The jury is out on this one for me!
Sandy’s last blog post..Monday Movie Meme – Some Like it HOT
That was one of the things that gave me pause about this book. With most other figures the shifting of the best age based on writing wouldn’t be a big deal, but the questioning of God’s role in the Universe is something that many parents may not want to expose their upper-elementary and middle-school children to, even though high schoolers could likely handle it.
I thought this book looked interesting, but I won’t “run out and buy it” now. Great review.
Thanks for the review! I am glad that you pointed out the death angle; probably not good for my niece right now.
I’m glad you included info on the reading level because I thought I might like to read this! Oh well. Thanks for the review!
S. Krishna’s last blog post..Pushing Up Daisies – Rosemary Harris
I’ve thought about reading this and now I feel like it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to go ahead and preview it for my middle school students!!
Staci’s last blog post..Tuesday Teasers and It’s Tuesday Where Are You?
I too want to read it, but will be sure to get a library copy
Janssen’s last blog post..April Insanity