The Mystery of Life: How Nothing Became Everything

Gr 5 Up—How old is the Earth, and how was it formed? How did nonliving atoms evolve into single cell organisms and then into the plethora of species that inhabit the Earth today? How did scientists discover the answers to these questions, and how can they provide proof for their theories? Schutten responds to these queries and countless others as he explains the scientific discoveries that led, over time, to the development of theories such as the big bang and evolution. Taking a big picture approach, he puts all the pieces of the puzzle that comprise our complex world into one accessible, entertaining title, using just the right mixture of fun facts, scientific information, and age-appropriate language. Schutten divides his chapters up into subsections that ask specific questions ("What Are Seashells Doing on Top of a Mountain?") and incorporates complex ideas in his responses. He also peppers his text with interesting tidbits of information. For example, we get goose bumps because our ancestors had fur—which, when it stood on end, provided warmth. Schutten is an award-winning author who argues vehemently for evolution but doesn't exclude those who believe in God and creationism; he encourages his readers to think for themselves. Interspersed liberally throughout the text are clear, rather playful illustrations, which add to the lighthearted and humorous tone.