Official Review: Darwin Said I Could Be A Bird
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shannonkate8
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Official Review: Darwin Said I Could Be A Bird
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Darwin Said I Could Be A Bird" by Elrose Johnson.]
Hold on to your seats, ladies and gents. This is going to be a wild ride.
I did not expect this when I picked up Darwin Said I Could Be a Bird by Elrose Johnson. The book starts with what appears to be a salamander of sorts. This unnamed character states he would like to be a bird. However, to become a bird, he must undergo many changes. He attributes this to Charles Darwin. However, none of the changes help him. In fact, they make his situation in life worse.
Just as suddenly as we meet the salamander, we learn that the salamander is only a character in a book read by a young boy. He becomes frustrated that the salamander cannot simply change into a bird. Luckily, an adult is able to explain this to him. However, this is when some differing opinions come into the story.
I am going to try to keep my review as objective as possible to not let my own bias color the review. However, I intend to be honest with readers.
First, I wished that the author had introduced us to the characters. They were nameless and were given no identity. I know kids enjoy being able to identify with characters, which could not be done in this story.
In addition, when the salamander is attempting to become a bird, he only changes one aspect about himself at a time. For instance, he gives himself wing structures but does provide any other changes. As such, this change, without the others, results in disastrous consequences. Frankly, the author is honest and tells readers that the character is dying. I was also not a fan of this aspect, as it made the tone of the book a little morose.
That said, the biggest issue I had started on page sixteen. The adult in the story insists that Charles Darwin is wrong, life did not come about by mutations, and that Jesus created the world we know today. I did not have any issue with this assertion, even though it differs from the general consensus. My concern lays with the contradictions. The author provides examples of genetic mutations (i.e. skin color) to support her differing idea. The author then goes on to acknowledge natural selection, but not evolution.
Essentially, regardless of my personal beliefs, I found myself rather confused reading this book. In addition, I could not find anything in particular that I liked about the book. I could appreciate the author's attempt to teach children a different idea than is generally taught, though I think the book needed work.
As such, I cannot give this book more than 1 out of 4 stars. I considered the above and grammatical errors throughout the book. At this time, I would not recommend this book to parents or their children. I think it needs additional work before I would recommend it to others.
******
Darwin Said I Could Be A Bird
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Hold on to your seats, ladies and gents. This is going to be a wild ride.
I did not expect this when I picked up Darwin Said I Could Be a Bird by Elrose Johnson. The book starts with what appears to be a salamander of sorts. This unnamed character states he would like to be a bird. However, to become a bird, he must undergo many changes. He attributes this to Charles Darwin. However, none of the changes help him. In fact, they make his situation in life worse.
Just as suddenly as we meet the salamander, we learn that the salamander is only a character in a book read by a young boy. He becomes frustrated that the salamander cannot simply change into a bird. Luckily, an adult is able to explain this to him. However, this is when some differing opinions come into the story.
I am going to try to keep my review as objective as possible to not let my own bias color the review. However, I intend to be honest with readers.
First, I wished that the author had introduced us to the characters. They were nameless and were given no identity. I know kids enjoy being able to identify with characters, which could not be done in this story.
In addition, when the salamander is attempting to become a bird, he only changes one aspect about himself at a time. For instance, he gives himself wing structures but does provide any other changes. As such, this change, without the others, results in disastrous consequences. Frankly, the author is honest and tells readers that the character is dying. I was also not a fan of this aspect, as it made the tone of the book a little morose.
That said, the biggest issue I had started on page sixteen. The adult in the story insists that Charles Darwin is wrong, life did not come about by mutations, and that Jesus created the world we know today. I did not have any issue with this assertion, even though it differs from the general consensus. My concern lays with the contradictions. The author provides examples of genetic mutations (i.e. skin color) to support her differing idea. The author then goes on to acknowledge natural selection, but not evolution.
Essentially, regardless of my personal beliefs, I found myself rather confused reading this book. In addition, I could not find anything in particular that I liked about the book. I could appreciate the author's attempt to teach children a different idea than is generally taught, though I think the book needed work.
As such, I cannot give this book more than 1 out of 4 stars. I considered the above and grammatical errors throughout the book. At this time, I would not recommend this book to parents or their children. I think it needs additional work before I would recommend it to others.
******
Darwin Said I Could Be A Bird
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." -Aristotle
Latest Review: Ivan and the Silver Seeds by Ivy Lin and Walter Sattazahn
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PeterRabitt20
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The general idea seemed to have potential. I usually like children's books that explain scientific theories. I'll keep this book in mind if it ever comes up on my list. Thank you for the honest and well-written review.
Latest Review: The Power Of Our Inner Gremlins by Suzanne Daplyn
