I just finished reading this book for one of my book clubs and it's FANTASTIC!  This book is definitely worth tracking down.  It is a story about a German family who moves to this island in 1932.  Margaret Whittmer is already pregnant with her first child when she arrives and then after complications, she gives birth alone while her husband sets off to see if the crazy dentist on the island will help.  This story is rich in personal details as well as interesting descriptions of how they built up their house and farm.  She talks some about the flora and fauna on the island.  They also get many interesting and historically notable visitors to their little island.   In their first few years, they share the island with a crazy dentist from Germany and that certainly adds to the drama of their story.   Fascinating.  A perfect example of a living book!!

This book would be a good read for parents and teenagers. It has inspired me to learn more about the Galapagos islands.  The book does not talk about Darwin at all except to quote "survival of the fittest."  Reading about Darwin next could make an interesting "unit" study.  Now if only the vacations to the Galapagos weren't so expensive...

http://www.amazon.com/Floreana-Pilgrimage-Galapagos-Margret-Wittmer/dp/155921001X

Sounds fascinating!  Thanks, Cori!