Beth Anderson is no stranger to my blog. Her outstanding nonfiction biographies find little-known stories within a historical character's well-known life. Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose! (Calkins Creek, 2024) is her latest contribution to her other great curriculum resources for grades 2-5. The engaging illustrations by Jeremy Holmes amplify the text and pull readers of all ages into the book.
REVIEW
The book opens with illustrations of the animals, plants, and geographical formations that Jefferson studied. The text reads, "Young Thomas Jefferson measured his world." He collected fossils and bones. "The power and majesty of nature called him to question, experiment, and explore." He was quite certain it was all peaceful and measurable until he read Count Georges-Luis Lecleric De Buffon's encyclopedia of the natural world.
The battle began.
Buffon declared that the new world was swampy, cold, and lacked magnificent animals like lions and elephants. He wrote that bears were smaller and wolves were puny. Jefferson read,
"Suddenly science wasn't certain or peaceful."
The War of Independence erupted and Jefferson focused on his role as the Virginia representative to Congress. But inside of him, his own battle raged. He asked questions about Buffon's "facts." Most of all, he wanted to know how the French naturalist could write about America without ever traveling here! He compiled evidence to disprove Buffon's conclusions and wrote his own book--Notes on the State of Virginia! (His only full-length book published in his lifetime.)
He packed his bags and went to France to present his arguments and evidence to Buffon. After months of waiting to hear from Buffon, they agreed to meet in person. Now, the battle began in earnest!
Without including spoilers, I'll just say that Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science lets the reader see how despite setbacks, Jefferson fought his battle for truth and facts.
In the end,
IN TIME, new truths overshadowed Buffon's biased ideas. The land that Thomas loved wasn't a terrible, unhealthy place. It wasn't better or worse than the Old World. JUST MEASURABLY DIFFERENT.
BACK MATTER
The Author's Notes, Timeline, and Bibliography are all worth reading. I loved the endpapers that Jeremy Holmes created from footprints of animals that Jefferson observed.
The discussion guide can be found here.
YOUTUBE VIDEO
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GIVEAWAY
If you are interested in winning this book, please leave me a comment by April 25. U.S. addresses only. Teachers, home school educators, and librarians get two chances. Beth is happy to provide a virtual Q&A if an educator wins. If you share this on social media or sign-up to follow my blog you'll get an extra chance too. MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU ARE NEW TO MY BLOG!
24 comments:
Would love to have this book for my Substitute teacher bag.
Carrie, please leave your email address or send it to me at cbaldwin6@me.com so I can enter your name!
This book looks amazing!
Let’s WIN the BATTLE FOR SCIENCE!
I will SHARE on social media, too!
gailhurlburt@gmail.com
Marcia, I need your email address!
Thank you Gail. You're in twice!
I would love to have this book in my school library! The students will love it!
Sounds like a great book! I shared on Twitter.
Everything Beth writes is fabulous and I'd love to add this book to my school library's shelves. Congratulations on another fascinating story, Beth, and thank you, Carol!
Thanks for your comment, Jolene. You're in twice.
Thank you, Kim, for sharing. You're in twice.
Thanks, Becky. There is a battle for this book! You're in twice also.
I'm going to give my spot to a librarian or teacher. I used to read biographies about Thomas Jefferson but never heard about his interest in science. This sounds like a book I would have enjoyed as a kid.
I love Beth Anderson's books, and this one is so unique as far as the subject matter that I've ever read before. It's also going to be hilarious. I shared on tumblr. Thank you for the chance to win a copy for my library.
Thanks for your comment, Danielle, and for sharing on Tumbler.
Thanks, Natalie. Yes-- a new, enjoyable take on Jefferson.
Thanks to all of you who commented! Can't wait to see who wins the book! And if it's a teacher or school librarian, I'd love to do a virtual Q&A with you and your students about it. :)
Thanks, Beth. I'll add that to the giveaway info.
This book sounds fascinating and I would definitely set up a Q&A for our 5th graders!
Hey Tammy--Glad to see you entered on behalf of your school. Your name will go in twice!
Sounds like an interesting book! Jefferson was a trailblazer in many areas. rebeccawwheelerbooks@gmail.com
Thanks, Rebecca. I know a little reader in your family who would enjoy this book!
What a fun way to introduce young readers to our history! LOVE the cute art work as well. Thanks for sharing!
Mmeinkng, I appreciate your comment. I need your email address to enter you in the giveaway. You can email it to me at cbaldwin6@me.com. Carol
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