DISCOVERING LIFE'S STORY

In this well-researched, well-designed, and informatively written book, the fascinating story of life science as it was discovered throughout the ages is explored.

Written for teens, this book delivers an engaging and accessible history of life science focusing on the Western world but touching on discoveries from other regions as well. Each of the 12 chapters features two or more scientists from a particular era and weaves together the stories of what they discovered, how they made those discoveries, and their impacts on human society, then and now. Perhaps most notably, the narrative for each chapter makes a point of linking seemingly disparate events­—for example, connecting the invention of the printing press to the rise of literacy, which then leads to a flourishing of curiosity about the world’s life forms—encouraging readers to develop their own critical thinking skills. Written in the present tense, the text draws readers into the story rather than keeping them at a distance. While most of the scientists featured are white men who had the privilege and wealth to pursue higher education, Hakim does highlight some women and Onesimus, an African man enslaved by Cotton Mather, for their contributions and further highlights their achievements by setting them in design-rich sidebars. Many photos, contemporaneous drawings, and portraits enhance the sparkling narrative.

Thoroughly engrossing and highly recommended.