About This Book
Reach for this book when your child has a big idea or a unique observation but feels anxious about how others might react. While Charles Darwin is a household name for his scientific theories, this biography focuses on the man behind the science: a quiet, sensitive individual who spent twenty years wrestling with the fear of public controversy. It is an ideal choice for children who feel like outsiders or who struggle with the pressure to fit in with traditional expectations. Kathleen Krull masterfully balances the excitement of Darwin's five year voyage on the HMS Beagle with the internal tension of his later life. The story highlights his immense curiosity about animals and nature while normalizing his very human feelings of self doubt and worry. At 144 pages, it is an accessible chapter book for ages 8 to 12 that humanizes a legend and encourages children to value their own persistence and unique perspectives even when the world feels intimidating.
