Synergy: Scopes Monkey Trial

The SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL challenged the Butler Act prohibiting the teaching of human evolution in schools. Science teacher John Scopes (1900-1970) agreed to become the defendant in the test case pitting science against religion. He was found guilty and the act remained in place until 1967.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for middle grades, then learn more at the websites:

THE MONKEY TRIAL: JOHN SCOPES AND THE BATTLE OVER TEACHING EVOLUTION by Anita Sanchez is a well-researched, nonfiction book for middle grades examining what became known as the Scopes Monkey Trial. Weaving primary sources with engaging narrative, Sanchez focuses on the teacher who stood up for the rights of students to learn. The book stresses that the conflict between science and religion continues today. ARC courtesy of Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.

JOHN SCOPES is a short article from PBS about the teacher and trial.

To read the article, go to https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/monkeytrial-john-scopes/.

THE SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL from In Search of History weaves photos and historical footage into a video about the trial.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/bdD9vi4koUw.

The SCOPE “MONKEY” TRIAL from the State bar of Georgia shares an animated video about the famous trial.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/YdqnwRwbb4Q.

Book Review: The Cresswell Plot

THE CRESSWELL PLOT by Eliza Wass tells the haunting story of a teen and her siblings suppressed by their strict, religious father.

To outsiders, the Cresswell family members are viewed as religious freaks. Castley Cresswell is tired of the plain clothing and strict home life, so she begins to explore the outside world. She soon learns truths that shatter her understanding of the world and set into motion events that will change her life forever.

Librarians will find this coming-of-age YA novel to be a hit with teens who enjoy delving into dark, chilling stories. The well-developed family relationships combined with the engrossing storyline will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.elizawass.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Lie Tree

THE LIE TREE by Frances Hardinge is a heart-pounding historical mystery.

Set in the nineteenth century, Faith discovers a connection between a strange tree and the mystery of her father’s death. She soon discovers that this magical tree feeds on lies, but dispenses the truth through its hallucinogenic fruit. This complex, edge-of-your-seat fantasy will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Librarians will find that fans of Frances Hardinge will be thrilled with her latest historical fantasy. While the book’s main focus is on the mystery elements, mature readers will be impressed by the author’s connections to religion, feminism, and scientific debate.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.franceshardinge.com/.

Published by Amulet, an imprint of ABRAMS. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Dreamstrider

DREAMSTRIDER by Lindsay Smith is a fascinating young adult fantasy featuring spies, romance, and the intersection of dreams and nightmares.

Livia lives in the tunnels under Barstadt. When she shows potential as a dreamstrider, she’s offered the chance to leave her old life behind. Livia is taught to inhabit a sleeper’s body and access their consciousness for the purposes of espionage. Soon she becomes involved in a struggle that involves politics and religion in both the waking and dream worlds.

Smith uses vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Librarians will find Dreamstrider to have crossover appeal between readers seeking thought-provoking fantasy world building and those who enjoy espionage and thrillers.

Published by Roaring Brook on October 6, 2015. ARC from publisher.

Book Review: The Hired Girl

THE HIRED GIRL by Laura Amy Schlitz is an engaging work of historical fiction aimed at tweens.

Set in 1911, fourteen-year old Joan runs away from her oppressive home in rural Pennsylvania hoping to reinvent herself as a hired girl in the city of Baltimore. Pretending to be an eighteen-year-old named Janet Lovelace, she lands a job as a housekeeper in a Jewish home. As she strives to learn more about her Catholic heritage, she also becomes familiar with Jewish tradition.

Most young readers will enjoy the conversational style of the diary format. With a hint of flirty romance and a focus on period clothing, librarians will find that the book is of more interest to girls than boys. However, it will have a wide readership among youth who enjoy reading the classics and are attracted to a protagonist who has a passion for reading.

Many works of fiction for youth avoid conversations about religion, however this novel is filled with thought-provoking discussions of culture, philosophy, and religion including concerns about anti-semitism and the role of religion in society.

Published by Candlewick on September 8, 2015.