Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature

The issue of evolution versus intelligent design is featured in this poignant coming-of-age story. Narrator Kaili Vernoff characterizes the ostracized Mena Reece, portraying her as a strong-willed and confident young woman who stands up for the underdog. Vernoff's depictions of the other characters are convincing as well: the righteous Pastor Wells; the clear-thinking science teacher, Ms. Shepherd; and other assorted "freaks of nature." Vernoff keeps the tone light and the pacing tight throughout, although the lesson of tolerance is clear. As an interesting bonus at the end of the audiobook, author Robin Brande interviews Dr. Kenneth Miller, a professor of biology, about the controversy of science versus religion and offers uncommon insight for listeners. D.L.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

August 6, 2007
Brande tackles fundamentalist thinking and the hot-button issue of evolution vs. intelligent design in her ambitious YA debut. Mena, an immediately likable narrator, spends the first week of high school dodging social and academic landmines. She's been banished from her fundamentalist church, where some members now face a lawsuit because of her, and her intimidating classmates/former church friends aren't about to let her forget it. The author's slow revelation of the back story will hook readers from the start: what could this nice girl possibly have done? “I did the right thing,” Mena tells herself on the opening day of school after her ex–best friend shoots her the “Look of Death.” “And someday the truth shall set me free. Just not, apparently, today.” When the narrative moves forward to introduce a dynamic new science teacher, Mena faces controversy once more. Luckily, a brainy (and cute) lab partner and his outspoken older sister help Mena find her footing. Brande stacks the decks against the creationists—their followers bully a kid they think might be gay; they turn on their children; they behave badly in general—but the fluid storytelling offers thought-provoking situations and ideas. Ages 12-up.

January 1, 2008
Gr 7 Up-Mena, a high-school freshman, is harassed by her former church friends when she reports their mistreatment of a supposedly gay classmate. Her parents are punished for speaking out, too. In this novel, (Knopf, 2007), Robin Brande examines the religious right's influence, especially a debate over Darwin's theory of evolution versus intelligent design erupting in Mena's biology class. Luckily, the young woman's new friend, lab partner Casey, helps her get good grades as he captures her heart. Tension mounts for the pair when students from Mena's old church confront her biology teacher and Casey's politically savvy sister reports it all on her blog. Mena fears her parents will discover she's embracing more liberal views on God, and skirting the truth to keep visiting Casey's house. In the end, Mena shares her bible-based perspective to support her teacher's evolution curriculum and risks further punishment when she tells her parents the whole truth. Kalli Vernoff narrates with proper emotional intensity and, occasionally, tongue-in-cheek humor. Sure to spark discussion, this story is God-affirming, but questions conservative tactics to inject specific religious ideas into schools. The end of the audiobook offers a brief dialogue between the author and an expert on the connections that link faith and science. Fundamental Christians may object to their occasional one-dimensional portrayal, but middle-school, high-school, and public libraries will find few other titles that bring this current affairs question to teen listeners.Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

edmodo-fka5cegxty - I loved reading this book. It was very entertaining. The book has a lot of drama, some science, a lot of excitement, and it is was really funny to read. It is a book about her experience of her first year in high school, a fight between evolution vs. god, Casey, rude church kids,the bad side of the church, and going the right thing no matter what. You have to read to find out who and what this book is really about.