Reviews

The Snail with the Right Heart: A True Story by Maria Popova

mdevlin923's review

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3.0

The story of the snail, Jeremy, who was a scientific wonder because of recessive genes that made their shell swirl to the left. While Jeremy is the focus of the story, topics such as the first living creature, genetics, other scientific marvels, and non-binary pronouns are also covered.

katscribefever's review

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5.0

This short quasi-nonfiction book had me actually tearing up over a snail. Maria Popova is a master at playing my heartstrings.

shighley's review

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3.0

I have read many columns by Popova, and greatly admire her intellect, so when I saw she had a new picture book, I wanted to be sure to read it. Not sure exactly what the main point of this was-- sex ed using snails? Evolution? The use of terms like "gene seeds" made me pause. I like the story behind the story: the search for another snail with the recessive trait, and trying to produce more of them, but the euphemisms and detours threw me for a loop.

thefavoritenpc's review

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informative inspiring medium-paced

3.5

missprint_'s review

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3.0

I mean it's fine but it's a bit too simple for informative nonfiction and too complex for a picture book. I also question the use/efficacy of a nonfiction title that has no citations or backmatter of any kind.

kyfaha's review

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funny informative reflective sad

5.0

alexao's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

kaileywicked's review

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emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

4.75

bookishgrrrl's review

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3.0

Great option for elementary science teachers who want to talk about genes or kids that have questions about family traits and habits. There was some language/comparisons that felt forced and or confusing so I would task the reader with making adjustments while reading based on the age and understanding of the children.

rainbowbookworm's review

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5.0

I think I have already read my favorite picture book of the year. This is a nonfiction gem!

The story of Jeremy, a snail with situs inversus, delves into evolution, reproduction, and genetics. When delving into the science behind the tale, Popova’s words are poetic and the book’s illustrations are gorgeous!