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  • A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools by Debbie Levy book cover
  • A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools by Debbie Levy book cover
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A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools

by Debbie Levy

The Scopes trial and the question of what belongs in school

Critically Recognized
$19.36 USD
$32.27 USD $19.36 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    ASJA Book Award Honoree

    Named an ASJA Book Award honoree.

  • Editorial selection

    A Booklist Editors' Choice title

    Booklist Editors' Choice title.

  • Critical praise

    Starred review from Horn Book

    Starred review describing the book as “Insightful.”

AlbakiReads Editorial

The Scopes trial and the question of what belongs in school

Debbie Levy’s account centers on the 1925 Tennessee law that barred the teaching of evolution and teacher John Scopes’s challenge to it. The trial brought competing arguments about creationism and natural selection into a public courtroom, with William Jennings Bryan invoking the Bible and Clarence Darrow defending Darwin’s books. The episode offers a historical lens on disputes over who shapes classroom learning and which ideas students encounter. The description also connects the trial, a century later, to continuing arguments about books and ideas in schools.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in U.S. history and landmark legal disputes.
  • Readers exploring the history of science education and debates over evolution in schools.
  • Students interested in how public arguments about books and classroom subjects develop.

Themes

Scopes trialScience educationEvolution and creationismCurriculum and public debate

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

ASJA Book Award Honoree A Booklist's Editors' Choice title A School Library Journal Best Kids' Book of the Year An ALA Notable Children's Book A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

One hundred years ago, a small-town science teacher ignited a nationwide debate over what students should learn in school--and who should decide.

* "Compelling." -School Library Journal, starred review
* "Timely." -Booklist, starred review
* "Insightful." -Horn Book, starred review
* "Comprehensive and conversational." -Shelf Awareness, starred review

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.

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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Great service and fast service

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Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.