Deborah Heiligman's nonfiction books for children have been named AJL Notable books several times in the past (Celebrate Hanukkah, Celebrate Passover, and Celebrate Rosh Hashanah). Now this excellent author has been named a finalist for the National Book Award in the Young People's Literature category! The book in question is a children's biography of Charles Darwin called Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith.
Here's what the National Book Foundation has to say about it, along with their suggested links:
ABOUT THE BOOK
Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species, his revolutionary treatise on evolution, in 1859. Even today, the theory of evolution creates tension between the scientific and religious communities. This same debate raged within Darwin himself and played an important part in his marriage: Emma’s faith gave Charles a lot to think about as he worked on his controversial theory.
This biography of Charles Darwin takes a personal look at the man behind evolutionary theory. His children doubled as scientific specimens, and his wife’s religious convictions made him rethink how the world would receive his ideas. What emerges is a portrait of a brilliant man, a radical science, and a great love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deborah Heiligman majored in religious studies in college. Then she married a science writer and fell in love with science, too. She has written twenty-five books for young people, many of them about science or religion. Ms. Heiligman was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where she and her husband, Jonathan Weiner, also raised their sons. They now live in New York City.
SUGGESTED LINKS
Deborah Heiligman's Official Site
http://www.deborahheiligman.com/Deborah Heiligman's Blog
http://deborah18.livejournal.com/VIDEO - Features Nonfiction Children's Book Authors (including Deborah Heiligman) discussing INK (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn6uB2JkVAM&feature=player_embeddedINK Blog
http://www.inkrethink.blogspot.com/
