A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight over Science in Schools

As the White House deems truth telling in schools illegal, it is useful to read the story of a similar time in U.S. history, when teacher John Scopes was tried for teaching about evolution. Debbie Levy has written a gripping narrative with background on many of the key players and issues including evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin, lawyer Charles Darrow, politician William Jennings Bryan, the Black and white press, public schools, religion, science, and white supremacy.

Court testimony and newspaper coverage are quoted, such as this well-regarded speech by lawyer Dudley Malone,

There is never a duel with truth; the truth always wins, and we are not afraid of it! . . .Are we to have our children know nothing about science except what the church says they shall know? . . . We have just had a war with 20-million dead. . . Civilization need not be proud of what grown ups have done. . . . Let the children have their minds kept open — close no doors to their knowledge; shut no door from them.

While written for grades 6+, the book is engaging and enlightening for all ages.  

ISBN: 9781547612215 | Bloomsbury Children’s Books