Hazel's Theory of Evolution

Written by Lisa Jenn Bigelow

Narrated by Kathleen McInerney

Winner of the Lambda Literary Award!

The Thing About Jellyfish meets Raymie Nightingale in this tender middle grade novel from Lisa Jenn Bigelow, acclaimed author of Drum Roll, Please.

Hazel knows a lot about the world. That’s because when she’s not hanging with her best friend, taking care of her dog, or helping care for the goats on her family's farm, she loves reading through dusty encyclopedias.

But even Hazel doesn’t have answers for the questions awaiting her as she enters eighth grade. What if no one at her new school gets her, and she doesn't make any friends? What’s going to happen to one of her moms, who’s pregnant again after having two miscarriages? Why does everything have to change when life was already perfectly fine?

As Hazel struggles to cope, she’ll come to realize that sometimes you have to look within yourself—instead of the pages of a book—to find the answer to life’s most important questions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9780062986894

Lisa Jenn Bigelow

Lisa Jenn Bigelow grew up in Kalamazoo and still considers the Mitten State home. Lisa’s young adult novel, Starting from Here, was named a Rainbow List Top Ten Book by the American Library Association. Drum Roll, Please is her middle grade debut. When she isn’t writing, she serves as a youth librarian in the Chicago suburbs. Visit her online at www.lisajennbigelow.com.

Reviews for Hazel's Theory of Evolution

[Alice · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a hard book to read sometimes. Because it talks about grief and that isn't an easy subject. But it is really well done and it explores the very different kinds of grieves and how important all of them are. Our main character has real flaws and she tries to change some, tries to hide some for the people she loves and sometimes she doesn't try because that is how she is and others consider it a flaw but she doesn't. Also I truly appreciate that she seems like a true teen who is interesting in knowledge, and not an older person' s mind in a younger character. I also love the diversity in this story! It is everywhere, but not in your face. The characters talk about that diversity, not like a taboo, but how much more there is in this world. I am not a fan of Becca at all, but I adored Carina. I believe this can be an important read for many people.

[joyce vllrz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was such a sweet middle grade novel on exploring and accepting one's identity, dealing with grief, and finding & edifying friendships.

[edgoldberg · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Due to redistricting, Hazel is starting a new school while her best friend Becca is staying at the old one.Also, Hazel's mother, Mimi, is pregnant for the third time. The first two babies didn't come to term so Hazel is worried about Mimi's health and what will happen if the same thing occurs.Hazel's Theory of Evolution is a very readable book discussing friendship, sexual orientation, pregnancy, self confidence, self discovery.