Synopses & Reviews
Take a ringside seat at one of the most controversial trials in American history.The year is 1925, and the students of Dayton, Tennessee, are ready for a summer of fishing, swimming, and drinking root beer floats at Robinsons Drugstore. But when their science teacher, J. T. Scopes, is arrested for having taught Darwins theory of evolution, it seems it wont be an ordinary summer in Dayton.
As Scopess trial proceeds, the small town pulses with energy and is faced with astonishing nationwide publicity. Suddenly surrounded by fascinating people and new ideas, Jimmy Lee, Pete, Marybeth, and Willy are thrilled. But amidst the excitement and circus-like atmosphere is a threatening sense of tension—not only in the courtroom, but among even the strongest of friends.
★ “The colorful facts [Bryant] retrieves, the personal story lines, and the deft rhythm of the narrative are more than enough invitation to readers to ponder the issues she raises.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred
Synopsis
The year is 1925, and the students of Dayton, Tennessee, are ready for a summer of fishing, swimming, some working, and drinking root beer floats at Robinson's Drugstore. But when their science teacher, J. T. Scopes, is arrested for having taught Darwin's theory of evolution in class, it seems it won't be just any ordinary summer in Dayton.
As Scopes' trial proceeds, the small town is faced with astonishing, nationwide publicity: reporters, lawyers, scientists, religious leaders, and tourists. But amidst the circus-like atmosphere is a threatening sense of tension-not only in the courtroom, but among even the strongest of friends. This compelling novel in poems chronicles a controversy with a profound impact on science and culture in America-and one that continues to this day.
From the Hardcover edition.
About the Author
Jen Bryant teaches childrens literature at West Chester University and lives in Pennsylvania. To learn more about Jen, please visit www.jenbryant.com.