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Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith

(2008, Non-Fiction - Biography, Written by Deborah Heiligman)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Award-nominated bio of Darwin as a family man is a bit dry.

Themes in this book include:   family relationships

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    A brief and very introductory discussion of Darwins' theory of natural selection; and a good overall description of life -- cultural, religious, and scientific -- in Victorian England.

  • Messages:

    This biography probably won't inspire any young readers to become scientists, although it does glorify the life of the mind;  nor is it particularly inspirational to those of religious faith. It may inspire some readers to be kind and attentive parents.

  • Role models:

    The relationship between Charles and Emma, both with competing belief systems, reveals a partnership based on love rather than a union based on similar beliefs and conformity to expectations. They are both devoted parents.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Due to lack of better health care, the Darwins lose three of their 10 children to illnesses. Charles also was often sick, and underwent some curious types of cures.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    One of the Darwins' sons, at the age of 6, calls his father an "old ass."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith

Parents need to know that this National Book Award Finalist is an educational read more than a recreational one. Charles’ voyage on the Beagle takes place before the book begins, and the story starts when he decides to get married. A very good overview of Victorian life for the educated, upper class family is given. Due to lack of better health care, the Darwins lose three of their 10 children to illnesses. Charles also was often sick, and underwent some curious types of cures.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the process of scientific discovery; are there fields left today that are wide open to new theories? Has evolutionary biology had any effect on other fields of study, such as medicine or psychology? Is the theory of evolution accepted today, or is it debated?
  • What types of things are you most interested in, and do you think you could make a living exploring those subjects?
  • What was Charles Darwin afraid might happen if he proposed that evolution changed creatures over time, not that God had created every creature as it was? Did those fears come true?
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