Discovering Life’s Story: Biology’s Beginnings

“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

Eye-catching photographs and illustrations supplement Hakim’s simple but engagingly fact-rich prose, making this an ideal introductory text for any budding naturalist, scientist or doctor. ~Washington Post

A work of nonfiction for adolescent readers that has the brio of an adventure story. . . In prose that is textured, humane and spirited, Ms. Hakim describes the movements of armies and microbes, the discoveries of anatomists and astronomers, the insights of philosophers and doctors and explorers. Abundant illustrations—maps, portraits, engravings—help keep the pace excitingly brisk. ~The Wall Street Journal, Best Books for Children 2023