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American Museum of Natural History

Spitzer Hall of Human Origins Booklist for Kids

  • The Beast in You! Activities and Questions to Explore Evolution

    by Marc McCutcheon
    This lively book for elementary school kids encourages them to look at their own bodies and other organisms to explore their ancestral past. Explains natural selection and addresses science and faith.
    Williamson, 1999. ISBN 1885593368

  • Bones, Brains and DNA: The Human Genome and Human Evolution

    by Ian Tattersall and Rob DeSalle
    The children’s companion book to the Hall of Human Origins investigates how scientists study human evolution from many angles, hitting key developments in our ancestral history. It explains what we know about global migration and explores the unique human brain and its abilities. 
    Bunker Hill Publishing, 2007. ISBN 159373056X

  • DNA is Here to Stay (Cells and Things)


    by Frances R. Balkwill; illustrated by Mic Rolph
    Playful illustrations and easy-to-digest text bring basic cellular and genetic concepts within reach for elementary school students.
    Carolrhoda Books, 1993. ISBN 0876147635

  • Early Humans

    Replete with photographs and illustrations, this book comprehensively describes the artifacts of early human societies.
    DK Eyewitness Books, 2005. ISBN 0756610672

  • Evolution

    by Linda Gamlin
    This book presents an array of compelling photos and illustrations to explore fossil and DNA evidence of plant and animal evolution. For middle school students.
    Dorling Kindersley, 2000. ISBN 9780789455796

  • The Fossil Factory

    by Niles, Gregory and Douglas Eldredge; illustrated by True Kelley and Steve Lindblom
    Authored by Museum paleontologist Niles Eldredge and his own children, this guide describes the work of fossil hunters, and includes many activities and experiments to do at home.
    Roberts Rinehart, 1989. ISBN 0201185997

  • The Human Evolution Coloring Book

    by Adrienne L. Zihlman, illustrated by Carla J. Simmons 
    Despite its title, this book is a scholarly treatment of the relationship of humans and other primates, addressing both the anatomic and the molecular. Written by an anthropologist, its illustrations and subject matter are appropriate for high school and beyond.

    Harper Books, 2001. ISBN 0062737171

  • Mammals Who Morph: The Universe Tells Our Evolution Story

    by Jennifer Morgan; illustrated by Dana Lynn Andersen
    A beautifully illustrated book that takes younger elementary readers through the extinction of the dinosaurs and the rise of mammals, describing their ability to “morph” into forms that may impact their survival. The book relates the evolution of hominid intelligence and development of tools and language.
    Dawn Publications, 2006. ISBN 1584690852

  • More About This Resource...

    • This Hall of Human Origins reference list has seven kid-friendly books that examine the different facets of the exhibition hall. A short description is given for each title along with author, publisher, and publishing date information. The list covers these topics:

      • fossils
      • early humans
      • DNA
      • evolution
      • early humans

    • Teacher Tip

      Supplement a study of anthropology, archaeology, or genetics with a classroom project that uses this list of kid-friendly books.

      1. Print copies of the reference list for students or send them to the booklist online.
      2. Have each student select a book to read and review.
      3. In two or three pages, have them write a detailed review of the book. Students should describe what they liked most and least about it, the most interesting thing they learned, and whether they would recommend the book to others.

    • Origin

      Educators Guide

    • Topic

      Biology

    • Subtopic

      Evolution