Title: Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature
Author: Robin Brande
First published August 28, 2007
272 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780615960142 (ISBN10: 0615960146)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
Mena knew high school was going to be tough, but she didn’t expect it to be this bad. She’s lost all her friends and her parents barely speak to her.
All because she did the right thing. But when she meets a cute, nerdy lab partner, his bossy sister, and an unconventional science teacher, Mena starts to see a glimmer of hope.
Maybe these so-called “freaks of nature” can help her turn her life around. Or maybe they’ll just make things worse.
Join Mena on her journey of self-discovery in this smart and engaging young adult novel. And don’t forget to check out Robin Brande’s other science-oriented books featuring smart teens.
About the Author
Meet Robin Brande, a talented author who has won various awards for her writing across different genres. From fantasy to science fiction, young adult to romance, and even nonfiction, she has proven her versatility as an author.
Her young adult novels have even been recognized as Best Fiction for Young Adults by the American Library Association.
Aside from writing, Robin also has other impressive skills. As a lawyer, martial artist, and wilderness medic, she has a diverse set of interests that make her a well-rounded individual.
If you want to connect with Robin, you can find her at:
Editoral Review
Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande is a young adult contemporary novel first published on August 28, 2007. The book is a heartwarming and inspiring story that sets out to explore themes of acceptance, forgiveness, faith, and evolution.
The story follows Mena, a high school freshman who has been shunned by her classmates after testifying against her former best friend, David, and a group of students who pushed a freshman girl into the school pool. The incident led to David and his friends being suspended from school, and Mena being labeled a snitch and an outcast.
When Mena learns that her biology class will be studying evolution, she is excited to learn more about it, but her enthusiasm is short-lived. Her pastor preaches against evolution and tells his congregation that they should boycott the school’s biology curriculum.
Mena is caught between her love for science and her faith, and she must confront her beliefs and her past actions. Brande’s writing style is simple, yet effective.
She does an excellent job in creating well-rounded characters that the readers can relate to; Mena is a character that’s easy to sympathize with while David demonstrates how peer pressure and the desire to fit in can lead to regrettable actions. The novel encapsulates themes that are relevant to what teenagers face every day.
Through its characters, it addresses issues of bullying, intolerance, and the misunderstandings that teenagers are growing up with, which create a nuanced and emotional story. One unique feature of the book is the author’s approach to the topic of evolution.
While most books focus largely on the scientific aspect of evolution, Brande cleverly embeds religious beliefs into the story, creating a thought-provoking and engaging tale that does not seek to undermine either viewpoint. Instead, it encourages readers to consider how opposing beliefs can coexist and complement one another.
However, the plot could have been more developed. The story feels rushed at times, and some plot points are resolved too quickly, especially towards the end of the story.
Overall, Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature is a captivating and inspiring read that will appeal to young adults. Its well-written characters and unique approach to issues of religion and science make for a fresh take on this genre.
I recommend it for readers who are interested in young adult fiction or for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking stories. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
