A DANGEROUS IDEA: THE SCOPES TRIAL, THE ORIGINAL FIGHT OVER SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS, by Debbie Levy, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Jan. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $20.99 (ages 10 and up)
Learn about the fight to teach evolution in public schools in A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, The Original Fight Over Science in Schools, by Debbie Levy.
One hundred years ago, a small-town science teacher ignited a nationwide debate over what students should learn in school — and who should decide.
In 1925, when Tennessee lawmakers banned the teaching of evolution in public schools, teacher John Scopes challenged the law — and set off a gripping circus of a legal battle. Two masterminds faced off in a blistering courtroom debate over creationism and natural selection, each armed with the books they believed belonged in classrooms. Celebrity politician William Jennings Bryan relied on the Bible to make his case, while legal luminary Clarence Darrow defended Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking books On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man. Their clash would go down in history as the Scopes Monkey Trial.
A century later, here is the riveting truth of what happened and why it matters. For a nation still arguing about the books and ideas that young people should encounter, award-winning author Debbie Levy delivers an important, insightful and expertly-researched account of our history that illuminates the challenges we face today. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Books
It’s funny how history repeats itself. In a time when calls for censorship are ramping up, books like A Dangerous Idea are more important than ever.
What could be a heavy or dry topic is brought to life through author Debbie Levy’s adept hands. Her writing is clear and inviting. And the added images increase interest. Readers will find the steps leading up to the case fascinating, especially learning how school curriculum is decided.
A Dangerous Idea is exactly the sort of nonfiction book that all middle-readers and young adults should be reading. It would make for excellent classroom or home discussion.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
