This should be required reading for junior high/high school students, as author Debbie Levy expertly weaves in history, strong personalities, cultural mores, and strong narration into a non-fiction novel. I expected this to be informative, but was amazed how unique this historic moment really was, what bombastic characters were involved, and the fact that it was all planned as a political chess move.

I really felt like we are reliving this time in history, or maybe we have never really moved past it. William Bryan Jennings, with his charismatic speeches and his appeal to the common man struck a nerve as a very close replica of Trump. Clarence Darrow, the man who appealed to reason and science, was the underdog and was up against a losing battle. I think the Scopes trial, and the events of 2016 until now will be examined closely by journalists and history books for a long time to come.

I was inspired by journalists in the 1920s, especially by the reporting in newspaper columns written for Black readers and by Black journalists. The reporters were sharp, critical, and informative. Women journalists, such as Nellie Kenyon, broke barriers and laid out the facts plainly. Such journalists are beacons in dark times. I was also inspired by the rabbis and professors of religious study who tried to reason with the judge that this is not a zero sum game and the fact that evolution exists does not mean we can't believe in a Creator.

This was a page-turner, and I highly recommend this for high school classrooms, libraries, and public libraries. I recommend it for older readers because there is a lot of information and critical thinking required but it would be a fantastic book club discussion.

A solid account of the Scopes trial for young or new readers, A Dangerous Idea presents the importance of the case in straightforward language, discussing the context in which Scopes volunteered to be a test case for the ACLU, how Brady and Darrow prepared and executed their roles in the trial, and what the influence of the case has been on American education and free speech. Readers familiar with the play and/or movie Inherit the Wind will find the facts of the trial fascinating (and, as I was, be impressed by the how much the film's actors looked like and were able to mimic the real-life men they portrayed). Author Levy carefully explains the rise of fundamentalist Christianity as well as Darwin's views and beliefs, and makes it clear that she's on the side of science. My only complaint is Levy's use of people's first names--Darrow and Brady are "Clarence" and "Will" while the judge retains his title and last name. It isn't necessary, and is the only thing in the book that smacks of condescension to its audience. Can Dolly Parton give this one to every 5th grader in the nation, please?

If you’re looking for a book that explores the Scopes Monkey Trial, this one fits the bill. It’s told in a way where you want to keep reading to hear about all those involved, the entire backstory, and how the public reacted to it. It’s great for trying examine both sides of an issue.