Children's Science Book Database

Charles Darwin’s Around the World Adventure

Yes I do believe it does foster development of processes as it calls upon students to think about the past and the things someone did back then. The illustrations are also very stimulating and the maps call upon students to think about maps and how to read them.
  • Author: Jennifer Thermes
  • Illustrator: Jennifer Thermes
  • Year Published: 2016
  • ISBN: 978-1-4197-2120-5

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

This book tells the story of Charles Darwin's adventure in 1831, where he embarked on his first voyage on his ship called the Beagle. Though he was a scientist by profession, he was an explorer at heart. He journeyed around South America where he collected insets, dug up bones, galloped with gauchos, encountered volcanoes and earthquakes, and even ate armadillo for breakfast! This book tells the story of Darwin's 5 year journey, complete with maps and fun facts.

Evaluation

  • Appropriateness: High
  • Authority: High
  • Accuracy: High
  • Liteary Artistry: High
  • Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes I do believe it does foster development of processes as it calls upon students to think about the past and the things someone did back then. The illustrations are also very stimulating and the maps call upon students to think about maps and how to read them.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes I believe so. Students may wonder about how someone could sail across the world to a new place, it may call upon students to think about animals they have never heard about before. Students may start asking questions about the maps.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does tell a story and does not ask questions that ask students to think about things relating to it. But I believe the reader could incorporate questions.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes I believe so because if the lesson was about natural selection, having some background about the person who formulated it would be interesting.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Well, it is more about the life story of a person so it is not technically scientifically sound but it is true facts about Darwin's life.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes. The entire book is fact, and it is made clear since it is about a person.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Definitely! The illustrations make the book in my opinion.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

There are some words like voyage and specimen that may need to be defined before reading the book, but I believe the illustrations help make more sense.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

Because it is about one person and the discoveries he made, I don't think this question applies. There is no stereotyping about what type of scientist he was or anything like that.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is about a white, male scientist so I do think it could be seen as perpetuating this idea that scientists can only be men but I think if this book was read with another book about a female scientist that would be good.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

I do think travel, discovery, animal classification and cartography are interwoven into the book.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

I believe so. The book is engaging and the illustrations are fun to look at. I think the story told is not dry or boring but interesting, so I do think it is shown in a positive, engaging way.