The Code of Life is a beautifully illustrated genetics book for teens that brings the mysteries of DNA, heredity, and identity to life. Why do children resemble their parents? What exactly is a gene, and how does DNA define who we are?
 
Through accessible explanations and clever visual storytelling, Dr. Carla Häfner and illustrator Mieke Scheier take readers on a journey from Mendel’s pea plants to cutting-edge genetic engineering. This book explores everything from the building blocks of life to the ethical questions surrounding modern science. Readers will also discover how much of our personality may be shaped by our genes—and how science continues to redefine what we know about ourselves.
 
Perfect for curious minds aged 12+, this is a must-have nonfiction title that makes complex biology both relatable and thought-provoking.
 
💚 Why We Love It at Oak Tree Books
 
Genetics can be a tricky subject to explain—but this book absolutely nails it. The Code of Life turns big, abstract ideas into something visual, intuitive, and memorable. We love how it combines biology, history, and identity into one seamless narrative, and how it leaves readers with thoughtful questions rather than just facts.
 
It’s one of those rare science books that feels both rigorous and personal—perfect for teens asking big questions about who they are and how the world works.