On February 12, 2009, the 200^th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth was celebrated, and it seems appropriate to study and learn more about this revolutionary thinker. By reading Deborah Heiligman’s Charles and Emma: The Darwin’s Leap of Faith, one feels that the Darwins are actually telling their story through their letters and diaries. As the story unfolds, the reader is transformed from curious outsider to trusted friend and possibly part of the family. Research allows for the use of direct quotes which guide the reader through the lives of this very remarkable couple. Both the marriage of Emma and Charles and development of his theory of evolution are treated as equally important. The reader learns that although Emma did not agree with her husband’s theory, she listened, she debated, and she corrected the grammar and spelling in his manuscript. The both respected the others views.  We also learn that Charles was unaware of the very relevant genetic studies being conducted by Austrian monk Gregor Mendel during this time.  I truly recommend this book for those that like biography, those who like science, those who like Victorian social history, or those who appreciate a love story.  Depending on the situation, Heiligman’s book could be used in middle school and up, but I also think adults book appreciate it, too..