For my AP Biology students, I chose the PRINCIPLES OF LIFE textbook with 3-years of access to BioPortal and the STRIVE FOR A FIVE Review Book.

What makes BioPortal superior to Campbells Mastering Biology, in my opinion, is the assignable Online Quizzes. Students get immediate feedback (broken down by chapter section) based on their scores.  From this, they are able to study accordingly using the embedded e-Book and other useful online resources.  As the teacher, I am able to see my students scores and the breakdown of incorrect answers.  I will use that information to modify my teaching. BioPortal seems like a really valuable tool in such a fast-paced class where there is so much ground to cover in a finite time.
– Kelly Mills, Northwood High School (MD)

I evaluated Campbell, Mader, Solomon, and Hillis…[and]… Hillis for the following reasons:
(a) the data analysis questions in the book and the test bank seemed the most in line with the new AP Bio testing style- less short knowledge-level questions, more long questions that involve reading and/or analysis of a graph/table. Higher order thinking skills.
(b) It’s more concise. My kids were complaining that our previous book [the competition] was too long to get through. I know, I know, kids always complain. But it really did become something of a revolt that many kids just wouldn’t get through all of that reading. I figured, go shorter, and then supplement with videos/extra readings for the topics that Hillis covered too briefly.
(c) When reading Hillis, I felt they focused well on the big concepts and then gave relevant examples. Some of the other books gave tons of detail but I think kids have not understood why those details were important.
(d) I liked the graphics….
(e) it was the cheapest book of the four….
– Anna Lovrien, St. Charles High School (MN)

I used Principles of Life this year for my AP Biology course, and the kids loved it. I had the highest scores I have ever had, with 8 fives and 5 fours out of 14 kids taking the test. And the kids liked knowing that UT uses the same book they were using.
– Angela Parsons, St. Michaels Catholic Academy (TX)

 [Principles of Life] is much more manageable in terms of its organization and readability…. The book truly relates to the reduction in the scope of the course, and will provide a much more pleasant reading experience for students…. I love the review guide that has been previewed for students. The guide ties each chapter to the new curriculum framework and the big ideas.
– Sarah Cabot, AP Biology Teacher (NY)

My students absolutely love the POL book…. Most of my students have stated that the POL book is a much easier read than [the competing] book.
– Nola Schmidt, Nacogdoches ISD (TX) 

The Principles of Life eBook is convenient.  I have students who commute 2 hours a day, and they use their smart phones to read during the commute.  And the notes feature is great: I read the chapter making notes as I read (what theme it is connected, prior knowledge, etc.) then I open my personal eBook and students view my highlights and notes—great tool.  We enjoy the eBook!
– Theresa Oriabure, Hillcrest High School (TX)

My students LOVE the new POL book.  I havent had any of the headaches of the past years with getting students into the book and reading it.  I have been very happy with the change from [our old book].
– Eric Stenehjem, Moorhead High School (MN)

The thing I like the most about the Hillis book is that it is considerably pared down from the [leading competitor].  The [other] book was overwhelming to me. I have not yet noticed anything missing from the Hillis book.  I love the Hillis resources too.
– Jamie Winkler, Clare Public Schools (MI)

I really do think that [POL] is the best fit for the redesign.
– Lisa Olsson, Bay Ridge Prep (NY)   My students and I are very happy with the switch to POL.  The reading level is very good and I like the "Do you understand concept x" questions after each section.  I am using them for homework and class discussion.
– Susan Domanico, La Jolla Country Day School (CA)

We just adopted the Hillis textbook, and I love it. Its readable, has a nice intro section for each chapter (cell membranes and signaling starts with a story about caffeine, cell cycle and division starts with talking about HPV and cervical cancer). The correlation to the new curriculum framework is in the front cover arranged by Big Idea. Were actually using it for two different classes: my Honors Bio I students are using the parts of it we wont have time to go in-depth with next year in AP Bio.
– Beth Dixon, Western Sierra Collegiate Academy (CA)

I really like my new set of the Hillis, Principles of Life, text. It doesnt go into a ton of unnecessary detail and so it gives the instructor the opportunity to expand the knowledge as they see fit. Also the book resources are AWESOME. I am using the PowerPoint templates and images to revamp my own PowerPoints to fit with the text. It reads really well and the students understand it better. I get better, higher level questioning during lab because they understand the text. Love the book.
– Jake Gordon, Westlake High School (UT)

I got an advanced copy of Principles of Life...and it looks awesome.  I am actually excited to teach to this text!  It is much smaller than [the competition], actually its even much smaller than our 9th grade bio text, but I think it is very clear, readable, and in-depth enough for an intro undergraduate course.  Im switching over next year and not waiting for the revised CB curriculum to come out.  I recommend this book, take a look at it yourself and see what you think.
– Mindy Swanson, Hawaii Baptist Academy (HI)   For the last ten years I have been teaching AP Biology using Biology: Concepts and Connections… Principles of Life seems to follow the Big Idea approach that will be integral to the new AP Biology curriculum while tying together the major concepts, and it presents information in a logical way that is not too formidable for my 16 year olds to understand. I am switching to this book for the fall....
– Angela Parsons, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy (TX)

I just wanted to say that I received my new book, Principles of Life by Hillis, Sadava, Heller, and Price and I absolutely love it!!!  If you are even thinking about switching books, I definitely recommend taking a look at it.
– Sarah Beamer, The Grier School (PA)

This is my first year teaching AP Biology. I was so relieved to find a book written around the new test. I didnt have to guess at which part of the text was most important. They actually lightly cover nonessential content with a transparent gray color. The supplemental material and tutorials are super helpful to me and the student. The "What to do if youre short on time" sections are immensely valuable. I would give away every other resource I had thrown at me to "help" in my first year in order to keep this one. Thank you!
– Miriam Simmons, Christian Life Prep School (TX)  

"I currently use a competing book but want to switch to another textbook, and Ive heard great things about Principles of Life. The most appealing parts of the book to me are:
1) It is better aligned with the new AP Bio curriculum
2) The teachers edition (which no other AP® Bio textbooks currently have)
3) And the other teacher resources - Strive for a 5, test bank, etc."
– Beth Harman, Sheridan High School (WY)