Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature
As if it's not bad enough being ostracized by her church, her friends, and even her parents for blowing the whistle on an ugly campaign to reform a supposedly gay schoolmate, Mena finds herself embroiled in further drama when the unit on evolution comes up in high-school science class. Brande spares absolutely no sympathy for Mena's persecutors, but the tale is rescued from turning into a catchall antifundamentalist screed by providing an unusually appealing supporting cast. There's a classmate who introduces Mena not only to his unconventional family but also to the twin forbidden pleasures of kissing and Lord of the Rings. There is also a decidedly no-nonsense science teacher whose face-off with a powerful local preacher makes memorable reading. Readers will appreciate this vulnerable but ultimately resilient protagonist who sees no conflict between science and her own deeply rooted faith. Peters, John--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.