Discovering Life’s Story: Biology’s Beginnings

Praise

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. . . . Many photos, contemporaneous drawings, and portraits enhance the sparkling narrative. Thoroughly engrossing and highly recommended.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

This fascinating first volume in the Discovering Life’s Story series is an enjoyable overview of the history of life sciences in the Western world. . . . The lively text is enhanced by historical maps, photos, portraits, drawings, artwork, sidebars and charts, and quotes by scientists or other notable people at the beginning of each chapter. Readers with an interest in the history of life sciences will find this engaging book to be richly rewarding.
—Booklist (starred review)

Nonfiction books for children about the natural sciences tend (naturally, we might say) to deal with particulars: the life cycle of the honeybee, say. In ‘Biology’s Beginnings,’ Joy Hakim takes a fresh approach. . . . Ms. Hakim, author of the series ‘A History of Us,’ ranges with brio and assurance across time and across the globe as she describes the push-and-pull of armies and microbes, of popes and stargazers, of philosophers and doctors and explorers in the long and erratic acquisition of knowledge. . . . Great quantities of illustration—maps and portraits and engravings—establish a swift visual pace for this engrossing chronicle for readers ages 12 and older.
—The Wall Street Journal