Ringside, 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial

by Jen Bryant

The year is 1925, and the students of Dayton, Tennessee, are ready for a summer of fishing, swimming, some working, and drinking root beer floats at Robinson’s Drugstore. But when their science teacher, J. T. Scopes, is arrested for having taught Darwin’s theory of evolution in class, it seems it won’t be just any ordinary summer in Dayton.
As Scopes’ trial proceeds, the small town is faced with astonishing, nationwide reporters, lawyers, scientists, religious leaders, and tourists. But amidst the circus-like atmosphere is a threatening sense of tension–not only in the courtroom, but among even the strongest of friends. This compelling novel in poems chronicles a controversy with a profound impact on science and culture in America–and one that continues to this day.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Poetry, Young Adult, Historical, Novel In Verse, Evolution, Fiction

228 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Jen Bryant (Jennifer Fisher Bryant) writes picture books, novels and poems for readers of all ages. Her biographical picture book: A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet,received a Caldecott Honor award and her historical novel in verse RINGSIDE 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial is an Oprah Recommended Book for ages 12 & up. Other titles include Pieces of Georgia (IRA Young Adult Choices Pick), The Trial (about the 1935 Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial), a 1960’s-era novel Kaleidoscope Eyes (a Jr. Library Guild selection), Georgia’s Bones, celebrating the creative vision of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, Music for the End of Time, based on a true story about WWII, and Abe’s Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln.

Jen has taught writing and Children’s Literature at West Chester University and Bryn Mawr College and gives lectures, workshops and school presentations throughout the year. She lives with husband, daughter and their Springer Spaniel in Chester County, PA.

Reviews

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

22 October 2007 RINGSIDE, 1925: VIEWS FROM THE SCOPES TRIAL by Jen Bryant, Knopf, February 2008, ISBN: 0-375-84074-8; LIBR ISBN: 0-375-94047-2

"I sat speechless...a ringside observer at my own trial, until the end of the circus."
--John T. Scopes, defendant

"Tennessee, Tennessee,
There ain't no place I'd rather be."
-- Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia

PETER SYKES

"...Our state lawmakers passed the Butler Act

because they think science will poison our minds.
Well, I don't feel poisoned. I still believe in the divine.
Why should a bigger mind need a smaller god?

It's still a miracle how everything works,
how everything has a purpose. Even the buzzards
are beautiful in their own way. I watch them

steer from one invisible layer to another --
wings wide, using their tails as rudders --
searching for something my human eyes

can't find. When I flatten my back
against the rock and look up, a flock
of dark crosses blesses the Tennessee sky."

Now, I consider myself to be a person who is exceptionally tolerant of anyone's personal religious beliefs -- as long as they don't try to lay them on me or impact my personal life with them.

I truly don't know how I would feel if I were a woman and suddenly had to make an emotional decision regarding an unwanted pregnancy, but I can tell you that it absolutely drives me up a wall to see a safe and routine medical procedure become the subject of vicious political campaigns that are grounded in intolerant religious dogma.

It also breaks my heart that so many of my beloved friends cannot live their lives to the fullest because prejudice and religious views mixed with politics have kept them from gaining the right to contractually and spiritually share everything under the law with the one person whom they love so dearly, just as all married hetero couples do. What real meaning, if not in such circumstances, does the phrase "the pursuit of happiness" hold?

"How is it we are here on this path we walk
In this world of pointless fear filled with empty talk
Descended from the apes as scientist-priests all think
Will they save us in the end, we're trembling on the brink."
-- Mike Pinder

But, even worse, it scares the hell out of me that there can be numerous Presidential candidates who -- in 2007 no less! -- reject the "theory" of evolution. While I consider myself relatively bright, I certainly don't consider myself anywhere near smart enough to be President of the United States. I want someone far more intelligent then me in that place where instant decisions can profoundly affect life in our country and on this planet forever and ever.

From my decades as a reader and an exemplary student I know that evolution is no more of a theory than is tectonic plate "theory" and -- in my part of the country -- you'd better be up to speed on the consequences of tectonic plate "theory" or you can one day suddenly end up as flat as an extinct one-celled fossil. To even make anyone who doesn't understand or "believe in" scientific fact a Twenty-first century school board member -- no less President of the United States -- would be truly insane.

Unfortunately, this country has a long storied tradition of such insanity.

JIMMY LEE DAVIS

"Tarnation! Poor Mr. Scopes!
He didn't know why
Mr. White came
to fetch him from
his tennis game
& bring him into Robinson's.
Me & Pete sipped
our sodas & listened
as he confessed
that back in the spring
when we were still in school,
he assigned us
the chapter on evolution,
which explained how
all the animals on earth
had started as simpler creatures
millions of years ago,
& how, over time,
they changed & developed
into the insects, birds,
fish & mammals
we see today,
& how, even now,
they were still changing.
(I try not to think of
fish as my ancestors
when I'm cleaning them.)

Mr. Robinson held up a copy
of Hunter's Civic Biology,
which is the book we used
in school, which is also
one of the books he sells
in his store, & asked:
'Did you use this in class?'
Calm as Conner's Pond,
Mr. Scopes said: 'Sure I did, Fred.
You can't teach science
at Rhea County High
without using that book!'

Mr. Robinson smiled
wide as a catfish unhooked.
'Well, John, the American
Civil Liberties Union will pay
to defend the first person
who challenges the new law
against teaching evolution
in Tennessee. So we were
wondering if you'd mind
being arrested, to get
the whole business
right out on the table,
right here in Dayton.'

Lordy! My ears
were burnin' & Pete near
choked to death
on his root beer.
Mr. Scopes saw us eaves-
dropping. He winked &
tipped his cap. 'Sure, I guess
that'd be all right --
long as I can finish
my tennis match.'
The men took turns
patting him on the back,
thanking him, telling him
not to worry; they'd send
someone down to
arrest him
later that afternoon."

What makes Jen Bryant's RINGSIDE, 1925 such a fun and great read is rooted in the collection of adolescent narrators who tell much of the story. They frame the news of the trial within the context of their daily lives which are altered by the upheaval, notoriety, and economic benefits that come to their town, thanks to the widely-publicized trial. The interactions amongst young friends and the sweetness of who is crushing on whom or the tension of best friends being sore at one another are the sort of touches that allow today's readers to fully relate to these teen characters from eighty years ago. At the same time, the author has neatly fitted in subtle details of life in the Twenties that provide a taste of how thoroughly technology and culture has rocked the world since those days of silent movies and Gatsby and the first commercial music recordings. And, most importantly, the author adds in a good dose of levity.

"I don't feel safe in this world no more
I don't want to die in a nuclear war
I want to sail away to a distant shore
And make like an apeman."
-- The Kinks

WILLY AMOS

"...Yesterday I was not
Willy Amos, peddler of fruit and tobacco;
I was Willy Amos, lawyer for the defense
fightin' against a big-city factory
forcin' its workers
to make twice as many gadgets
in half the time, payin' them
half the wages they should be makin',
and firin' them
if they made trouble..."

I'm betting that there'll definitely be a segment of this book's young readership who will immediately go out looking for a biography of Clarence Darrow, the historical character in the book whose portrayal makes him a likable hero worth knowing and emulating. Heck, I sure want to know more about him now.

RINGSIDE, 1925 is a teriffic read that is going to make a great, high interest readers theater piece in eighth grade history and language arts classes and will serve as a great springboard for debates and some really evolved higher thinking exercises.

Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am interested in the subject but not an enormous fan of verse novels usually. The information was interesting and well integrated but the poetry felt more like prose with line breaks than poetry. I had to push hard to finish and it was a chore to me. I had just finished a truly fabulous book before this so it may have suffered in comparison.

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember learning about the Scopes Monkey trial in history class? The trial pitted the state of Tennessee against a high school science teacher, J.T. Scopes, who challenged the legality of the state's rule against teaching Darwin's theory of evolution. Ringside 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial by Jen Bryant brings the event to life in a way that your history book never could.

The story is told through the voices of several characters, mainly three students from the high school where Mr. Scopes taught. You also hear from a reporter who's in town covering the trial, the town's constable, a member of the ladies' Bible study group, and a preacher from out of town who comes in to see the event. Little Dayton, Tennessee, is transformed into a veritable circus of activity.

There are lots of characters in the book, but Bryant helps the reader keep them straight with a list of narrators at the front. I referred back to the list in the beginning, until I had gotten to know the characters well.

Because Ringside 1925 presents different sides of the story, it gives you lots to think about and discuss. Friendships are tested as the characters talk about their beliefs, and everyone steps out of their usual roles even if only for a few weeks.

It's interesting to hear the perspective of a young black boy who works with his father as a handyman and dreams of rising beyond the limitations put on him. It's also interesting to read actual quotes from the trial by lawyers and historical greats William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow.

I loved being transported back to small town life in 1925, and hearing stories of how the townspeople of Dayton benefitted financially from all the extra visitors.

We never really hear the voice of J.T. Scopes, and it seems appropriate that we see the trial from the perspectives of all those around him. The event was less about him than it was about teaching evolution in school—a conflict that continues on in some cases today.

The story is aimed at ages 12 and up, but I think some younger children will certainly be able to appreciate the very approachable story and learn about the historical case at the same time. I've also recommended it to my daughter who's a senior in high school, because I think the writing is interesting to all ages. I've heard about the Scopes Trial for years, and occasionally hear it mentioned, but this book brought it to life for me. I highly recommend it for mother-daughter book clubs.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was slow at the start, but picked up about halfway through. I ended up enjoying it and learning a good deal about the Scopes trial that I hadn't known before. The story wasn't about the trial so much as the effect it had on the people in the small town where the trial took place. The characters were well drawn and reflected the range of opinions about evolution vs. creation prevalent at the time. In the process of thinking about the trial, the 4 young adult characters in the book were able to sort out their own feelings about the subject, their friends and families, their fellow townspeople, and themselves, thereby "evolving" themselves. I appreciated Bryant's historical note at the end, which clarified some points and related a bit of what happened after the trial. The novel was written in verse, which I enjoy, and which seems to be a great format for telling stories in multiple characters' voices. This is Bryant's third novel in verse, and I hope she continues to write more.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book combines all of my favorite elements: verse novel, historical fiction and incredible voices. Each character is distinct. The reader gets a very well-rounded look at the famous Scopes trial.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been interested in the Scopes “Monkey” Trial; I think a lot of America has—whether it be about religion vs science, text book and curricula decisions, the role of law and government in education, William Jennings Bryan vs Clarence Darrow, or Spencer Tracy vs Fredric March (Inherit the Wind).

Most of us know the Who, What, Where, When, and believe we know the Why – but do we? How often do we know the true story of historic events—and the stories behind the story, and the different perspectives on the story. Jen Bryant’s historical novel grants us the chance to observe the events of the Scopes Trial close up and personally.

Through this novel, written in the voices of those who had a ringside seat to this trial, readers secure a ringside seat to the trial, the people who participated in it, and the town that hosted it.

As the reader views the controversy and the trial from the point of view of nine fictitious, diverse characters (plus quotes from the real participants), each character develops more as the story progresses. My favorite are the teenagers of Dayton, Tennessee, because, through meeting those on both sides of the issue and closely observing them and the the trial, it affects them, their relationships, and their futures. Peter and Jimmy Lee, best friends become divided by their beliefs; Marybeth is a young lady who finds strength to stand up to her father’s traditional view of the role of women in society; and my favorite character, Willy Amos, meets Clarence Darrow and dares to believe what he can attempt to achieve. “’Well,’ I pointed out, ‘there ain’t no such thing as a colored lawyer.’”…”Do you plan to let that stop you?” (210)

The novel is powerfully written in multiple formats—free verse in a variety of stanza configurations and spacing decisions, a few rhyming lines here and there, and some prose. And the messages are powerful: Peter Sykes—“Why should a bigger mind need a smaller God.” (11); Marybeth Dodd—“I think some people can look at a thing a lot of different ways at once and they can all be partly right.” (131); and Constable Fraybel—“[Darrow] claims [his witnesses] are anxious to explain the difference between science and religious faith and how they made places in their heart and minds for both.” (143)

An epilogue shares the aftermath and the lasting effects of the trial. Every American History/Social Justice teacher and ELA teacher should have copies of this novel which I somehow missed.

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel-in-verse that's been on my bedside table for a long time. I kept starting it, but had a hard time getting into it. This time with a little patience, I ended up loving it.

Told in multiple perspectives (that at first changed too swiftly and often), this historical novel tells the story of a famous (though unknown to me) trial of a young, shy, teacher of strong convictions in 1925 Dayton, Tennessee, taught a chapter on evolution in a high school science class. This was against the law in Tennessee at the time.

The teaching and subsequent trial was rather orchestrated by several town members and caused a sensation in the town and across the country.

I loved the multiple perspectives once I learned what to expect from each, and it was a quick read that taught me about a monumental event in history I had little knowledge of. The characters were realistic (though mostly fictional), and their interactions and varying points of view added and multidimensional aspect to this controversial (at the time) issue.

Worth a read! Glad I finally tried it.

[Rachel DeTemple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to reading this little gem of a book for more than a year. And it did not disappoint. This novel-in-verse takes us through the trial from multiple points of view that work together to give us an account of a trial that ignited a whole community and was talked about by a whole nation for decades. And I didn’t realize that Darrow lost because the trial was so rigged — and that anti-evolution laws in Tennessee weren’t overturned until 1967. I learned a lot and gained a deeper and more humanized understanding of what this trial meant and still means today. The past is not as long ago as we sometimes think.

[Linda Yeatts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore verse novels and am especially interested in those of a historical nature. They give such a passionate voice to historical events bringing them to life for me through the voice of primary sources. Such is the case with Ringside, 1925. I loved the many voices of the townspeople of Dayton, Tennessee and the onlookers. My one complaint is that I felt there was an incomplete or trivialized voice for Mr. Bryan and the prosecution. Only examples of defenders of the Bible were presented as lunatics or clowns. So yes, the story was lopsided for me but engaging and enlightening just the same.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story told in verse from multiple points of view about the Scopes Trial... I liked the views of the everyday townspeople, whether they were students, shop owners, and those who were extremely religious...

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

distinct multiple voices; masterful poetry

[Susan McGilvray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science vs religion...hmmm

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

verse novel, cute side stories, informative

[Ian Price]

Great

[Stuart Levy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed learning more about the Scopes trial, and this historical fiction gives more insight into the big event.

[tquinn39 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Scopes trial of 1925 addressed a Tennessee law that stated that public schools could not teach the science of evolution. The trial took place in Dayton, Tennessee, with defense attorney Clarence Darrow and state's attorney William Jennings Bryan. The trial drew lot of national publicity to the small town of Dayton, and to the issue of evolution.

Ringside 1925 is a historical fiction book about the Scopes trial. It presents the trial from views of fictitious characters who lived in Dayton and whose lives were affected by the trial. The plot follows the trial, but is told by these characters who are speaking directly to the readers. The Scopes trial of 1925 addressed a Tennessee law that stated that public schools could not teach the science of evolution. The trial took place in Dayton, Tennessee, with defense attorney Clarence Darrow and state's attorney William Jennings Bryan. The trial drew lot of national publicity to the small town of Dayton, and to the issue of evolution.

Ringside 1925 is a historical fiction book about the Scopes trial. It presents the trial from views of fictitious characters who lived in Dayton and whose lives were affected by the trial. The plot follows the trial, but is told by these characters who are speaking directly to the readers.

This book takes place at Dayton, Tennessee--to be more specific, the court house, Robinson's Drug store, and the area around Dayton.
Local teacher J. T. Scopes, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, Jimmy Lee, Pete, Marybeth, and Willy are the main characters. There are other characters, but these are the views we hear the most.

The conflict happens when J. T. Scopes teaches his students about Darwin's theory of evolution, which was outlawed in Tennessee at the time. Scopes is arrested and put on trial. During the trial the town goes berserk... tents, vendors, sales men, and a monkey all occupy the streets. Soon the town is divided over the issue of evolution. This trial is finally brought to a close by Bryan winning the case for Tennessee.

I don't normally read this type of genre, Historical Fiction, because it doesn't appeal to me. I normally read teen fiction and dystopian books, but I ended up really liking this book. Although the author's style was confusing to me, I was able to get by and enjoy the book.

I give this book a 3/5 stars because it is a short read(too short in my opinion) and I had a hard time following with the author's style. Overall I enjoyed the topic and the fictitious lives of the characters in the book.

This book takes place at Dayton, Tennessee--to be more specific, the court house, Robinson's Drug store, and the area around Dayton.
Local teacher J. T. Scopes, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, Jimmy Lee, Pete, Marybeth, and Willy are the main characters. There are other characters, but these are the views we hear the most.
The conflict happens when J. T. Scopes teaches his students about Darwin's theory of evolution, which was outlawed in Tennessee at the time. Scopes is arrested and put on trial. During the trial the town goes berserk... tents, vendors, sales men, and a monkey all occupy the streets. Soon the town is divided over the issue of evolution. This trial is finally brought to a close by Bryan winning the case for Tennessee.

I don't normally read this type of genre, Historical Fiction, because it doesn't appeal to me. I normally read teen fiction and dystopian books, but I ended up really liking this book. Although the author's style was confusing to me, I was able to get by and enjoy the book.

I give this book a 3/5 stars because it is a short read(too short in my opinion), and I had a hard time following with the author's style. The book also didn't 'pick up the pace' until 1/4 of the way through. Overall I enjoyed the topic and the fictitious lives of the characters in the book.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Natalie Tsang for TeensReadToo.com

Jen Bryant's RINGSIDE 1925 explores the Scopes Trial, one of the most controversial trials in American history, through nine diverse characters and is told through vivid verse.

One memorable summer, the sleepy town of Dayton, Tennessee, population 1,800, is turned upside down by the trial of a well-liked high school teacher. His crime is teaching evolution, a subject that the state of Tennessee had forbidden in the newly passed Butler Law.

William Jennings Bryan, a talented orator, preacher, and three time presidential nominee, will speak against evolution,
and Clarence Darrow, a brilliant lawyer, comes to defend Mr. Scopes.

News of the trial spreads quickly and, almost overnight, the town fills with news reporters, scientists, religious leaders, and tourists. Many residents, such as twelve-year-old Willy Amos and drugstore owner Mr. Robinson, see it as an opportunity to make some quick easy money. Since Darwin's theory of evolution suggests that man evolved from monkeys, Dayton begins selling everything from paper monkeys to Simian Sodas.

At first, the atmosphere is friendly and fun. Though they are on opposing sides of the "monkey trial," W. J. Bryan and Mr. Darrow are friends and share a dinner together at Tillie Stackhouse's boarding house. But as the trial drags on in the muggy summer weather, tensions rise. Not only do the two men's friendship become strained, but many of the residents become embroiled in the increasingly bitter God vs. science debate.

Many young readers may have learned about the Scopes Trial in school, but Bryant brings a new level of relevance by telling the story primarily through the eyes of Dayton's residents and observing the smaller but no less significant changes to a small town in addition to the broad historical significance.

Jimmy Lee Davis and Peter Sykes have been fishing buddies and best friends for years, but their personal beliefs lead them to support opposite sides of the trial. Marybeth Todd is a smart but restless teenager. When several professors come to stay at the boarding house she works at, they ask her to participate in their discussions of geology, anthropology, and other unfamiliar and wonderful topics. The influx of visitors brings in money, but also new ideas and opportunities.

Readers who usually dislike historical fiction will find Bryant's characters fresh, familiar, often insightful, and sometimes silly. The story feels real and full-fleshed, but never gets bogged down by its research.

[Marjorie Ingall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA novel in verse about the Scopes Monkey Trial is told in monologue-poems by the citizens of Dayton, TN, where the trial took place. The first few pages are slow going -- you have to keep track of a bunch of characters and there's a lot of info flying at you at once. but once you get into the novel's groove -- whoo boy. it's gripping, moving, poetic, funny, thought-provoking, rueful. i have powerful memories of a production of Inherit the Wind at Trinity Rep in RI -- we were bused to it as part of an Arts in the Schools program. and I was spellbound...but in many ways, this book, which offers a portrait of a town as opposed to set pieces of courtroom speechifying, is better. Some of the narrators are kids who know Scopes as a teacher and coach; one is a young reporter who comes to cover the trial; one is the father of a young woman whose imagination and dreams of escape are sparked by the trial and the big-city visitors. I loved that this book offered the perspectives of an African-American kid and a girl in a racist, pre-feminist time. Though the author clearly did a ton of research, the seams don't show; I think the book comes off far less dated and didactic than the famous play. And sadly, the issues of teaching creationism vs evolution are more relevant than ever. Hi, Sarah Palin!

[Jake Hedges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poem 1: A Controversial Trial

In a small town in Tennessee
in 1925
one small event
made the sleepy town come alive.

John T. Scopes taught his students
Darwin’s theory of evolution
which went against the teachings
of the religious institutions.
In doing this he broke the law
and then he was arrested
his trial caused the moral values
of the townspeople to be tested.

The town flooded with visitors
from all across the nation.
Businessmen made big profits
for the trial’s entire duration.


Poem 2: A Girl on a Mission

Betty Barker is strong willed,
she fights for her beliefs.

Betty will not let evolution win
the scorns all of the devil worshippers,
the fiends that believe in evolution.

She burns books
about Darwinian theories
and about sinners.
If given the chance
I think she may have burned Darwin himself.

She wants to change others
the girls who show too much skin,
men who choose leisure over work.

But maybe first she must change
herself.


Poem 3: Fact and Fiction

This book shows a pivotal moment
in the history of our nation.
The struggle for change
and a battle between science
and religion.
Through the eyes of many characters
the story is portrayed.
This helps us to consider
the perspectives of others
rather than just our own.

It is a perfect mix of fiction
and important history.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1925, in the small, sleepy town of Dayton, TN, there was a trial. A local high school teacher was arrested for teaching the theory of evolution to some of his science students. And soon two of the greatest public speakers in the country were coming to battle it out. Did J. T. Scopes break the law by teaching evolution? Was the law constitutional in the first place?

Jen Bryant has written a novel in verse that shows the trial through the eyes of some of the people affected by it. The narrators include Marybeth Dodd, a high school student whose father thinks a woman's place is in the home; Willy Amos, an African-American boy who taught himself to read and write because he's not allowed to go to school; Jimmy Lee Davis, a high school student whose mother has taught him to follow the teachings of the Bible; and Peter Sykes, Jimmy's best friend... or he was until their differing opinions on the trial drove them apart. Each narrator has a distinct voice and takes something different away from the trial. Seeing the trial through so many different points of view really brings it to life.

The verses paint a picture of a small Southern town and the people who live and work in it. I thought the whole thing was gorgeous and I loved reading from every character's point of view.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bryant, Jen. 2008. Ringside, 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial.

I'll keep this one short. And I mean it. Something about this one just didn't work for me. Maybe it was the fact that it was in verse. (Verse novels sometimes exist when they should just be prose. And nobody--but the author perhaps--know why they're in verse in the first place.) Maybe it had too many narrators to suit me. (I liked one or two of the narrators, but there were just too many in this case. All the shifting P.O.V's annoyed me. Maybe if it had been told in two--or just one for that matter--I would have liked it better.) The title says it all: Views From the Scopes Trial. It's historical fiction. It's based on fact. It's got multiple voices represented. If you're interested in the Scopes Trial and/or you're interested in American history in general, then you might want to seek it out. It may work for other readers. It may even work well for others. But not for me. Reading is subjective after all. So still give this one a chance if you come across it. You could end up liking it much more than I did.

Read Sarah Miller's review for a really positive spin on the novel that will completely balance mine out.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure, I must confess that I love to read verse novels. I'm not sure if it's the use of figurative language, or the brevity of the text, or something else entirely, but nonetheless it's true. Ringside, 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial was no exception. This novel is a wonderful way to introduce a short period in our history that still remains a hot source of debate in some places today. It's a glimpse into what southern life was like for adults, teens, whites, blacks in America almost a century ago. In addition, it's an introduction into a controversy that still gets many people fired up to this day.

The voices in the novel are distinct. By the end of the book, the reader does feel that he/she has learned about each of the characters presented. Bryant manages to tell personal stories, particularly those of the teens, while telling the larger story of what is occurring during the trial when the theory of evolution and the literal interpretation of Genesis went head to head in Dayton. This novel would provide many opportunities for research and discussion amongst students.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scopes Trial in Dayton, Tennessee was a battle over evolution. Specifically, John Scopes, a teacher at the high school taught a class on evolution that violated the State's Butler Act prohibiting such acts. Scopes was put on trial and it quickly became a circus. Clarence Darrow defended Scopes and William Jennings Bryan was the lawyer for the prosecution. The trial made headlines around the world. Ringside is told from the perspective of several people affected by the trial. Most are citizens of Dayton, ranging from a high school student to the sheriff to local men and women.

This was a fascinating book about a fascinating historical incident. I had heard about the Scopes Trial, but really didn't know any details. These verses clearly show how the trial came to be, what happened during the trial, what the people thought and how ridiculous it all was. The trial is like no trial we know of today. The judge seemed to have absolute power and ruled the courtroom how he wanted. The jury was pretty much ineffective and not allowed to see evidence or hear testimony. they really had no choice but to declare a guilty verdict. It was fascinating!

[Clarissa]

Novel in verse. Historical "fiction" - really, quite a lot of non-fiction, really. Love how the book (poems) are from lots of different characters - I had to do a lot of flipping back and forth, to keep track of who was who and what perspective they were bringing. I really ended up loving this - and learned a lot. Seriously, I did not know that the outcome of the Scopes Trial was actually "negative" - that is to say that the end result was that you still could NOT teach about evolution in schools. eeekkk... scary stuff, really, when you read the after-notes, and she talks about the timeline.

Really liked the teenage characters, all making sense of themselves, their views and beliefs, each other, the world they are growing up in.

This is my 3rd Jennifer Bryant book, I think. She's writing good stuff, and for the most part, I think it is not formulaic at all - she is coming up with a variety of ideas and stories to tell.

I had thought this was a recent publication, but, no, it's quite a few years old - funny (odd) that I only just found it.

Makes me want to go watch "Inherit the Wind", which I think I have never actually seen.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short and highly readable book is about the Scopes "monkey trial" held in Dayton, TN in 1925 in which a high school teacher is accused of breaking a TN law forbidding the teaching of evolution. Scopes was defended by the great lawyer, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryant prosecuted the case. The story is told through the eyes of many of the townspeople in short chapters, from various points of view.

The author includes a bibliography at the end, revealing the level of research she performed in order to write this book. This book was written for "tweens"/young teens and Bryant's writing style is engrossing and easy to follow. It made me want to either watch the movie, "Inherit the Wind" or read the book to learn more about the story. It is especially pertinent today given that states and school boards are still fighting the battle over whether to teach evolution, creationism, or intelligent design in public school science classes.

[Robin Seeker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creationism or Evolution? That is the question of the book, Ringside. It is written to present an interesting and significant historical event, with two distinct sides of an argument, through the viewpoints of multiple characters from different walks of life. Mr. Scopes, the teacher at the center of the debate, is being charged with the crime of teaching evolution in his science class. This story is historical fiction and is based upon an actual trial that took place in 1925 and was dubbed, "The Scopes Monkey Trial."

The words on the pages of Ringside are written as if they are poetry stanzas, a structure that keeps the text conversational and moves the story along quickly through the various viewpoints presented by each character. This story lends itself well to educating students on freedom and the democratic system of checks and balances (the three branches of government: Executive, Legislative and Judicial) that is in place in the United States.

[Int'l librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

One more novel in verse, and once more here’s the most powerful poetic impact I can identify: it sure was a quick read. There are frequent patterns of near-rhyme, but the line breaks make little sense to me. It’s all just a pleasant clump of words, winding down to slightly punchy tag lines. The story outshines the style: the Scopes Trial is a fascinating highlight of American history. There’s an opportunistic circus atmosphere in the town of Dayton, Tennessee, as the trial begins, and Bryant captures that mood well. She also provides a helpful epilogue and list of sources. I like the salesmanship of the residents, more than their varied stances on the issue of evolution. Almost every character has a predictable attitude, from their first few lines. Overall this novel is an OK read, but it doesn’t work so well as a statement of belief, or science for that matter.

[Melissa Mannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short historical fiction novel that hooked me and made me want to learn more about the subject. (I now am going to seek a biography of Clarence Darrow.) This would be a perfect introduction to high school students learning about politics, religion, and law in the 20th century. Yet, it still holds up for an adult audience. The book seems well-researched. The characters are interesting. The story is tight. My only "criticism" is the chosen poetic style. I am not sure why the book was written in verse. It doesn't seem to add to the story, but I am not a poetry expert and maybe there is something there that I'm missing. The poetry does not detract from the story, which still flows nicely most of the way through. This is definitely memorable and worth a read. It would make a good addition to any young adult library book shelf.

[Megan Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, Jen Bryant, gives readers different views of the Scopes Trial in Dayton, Tennessee according to different characters with varying viewpoints. This is a fictional book, but it is obvious that Bryant has done her research on the topic and community life in the 1920's. I think this would be a good trade book for a middle school social studies or science classroom because it discusses the topic of science eduction (evolution) as well as highlighting racism and gender discrimination that existed at that time. It's a quick read and would not take long for a class to work through. Although, struggling readers may have a difficult time jumping from one character narrating to the next as the story unfolds.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ringside, 1925 gives readers differing views of the events surrounding the Scopes Trial that occurred in Dayton, TN, in 1925. The text is writtien in poetry verse and is broken into narratives recited by different people who live in Dayton. The people who gives their viepoints include a variety of townsfolk--an African American boy, high school students, a father working as a handyman, a woman devoted to the Bible, lawyers (Darro and Bryan), a newspaper reporter, etc. This historical novel is a good read for teens in middle school who are interested in science and/or history. It raises isuues and controversy surrounding science education with relation to evolution as well as racism and gender discrimination in the South.