Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose! by Beth Anderson

Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose! Reviews

• 
  Sandy Brehl

  Of course you know that name. Thomas Jefferson is considered to be a Founding Father of this country, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Like most other famous figures of his time, his name triggers conflicted responses from modern observers. As a landed, slaveholding, white man of privilege and education, Jefferson’s complex life and choices invite a closer look. In this book, superb researcher and writer Beth Anderson explores Jefferson's lifelong study of natural science and its documentation. The book cover and opening spread incorporate examples of a few of the things he observed, measured, and recorded throughout his life. Anderson’s first line is:
  
  “Thomas Jefferson measured his world.”
  
  That opening page then reveals that Jefferson's passion was not only to acquire science data, but to record it and share his love of science, one reason he founded the University of Virginia. Throughout the pages, Anderson’s informative, fascinating, and humorous text appears across illustrations that incorporate artfully rendered versions of Jefferson’s archival notes, notebooks, and objects from his collections of fossils and natural artifacts, gathered and preserved by him, and by friends who knew of his intense interests.
  
  
  Interior: Opening Spread
  
  
  Interior: Jefferson Questioning
  During Jefferson’s time, a French naturalist, Count Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon, was considered the ultimate expert on nature, proclaiming information about Europe and beyond in his multi-volume Encyclopedia of the Natural World. Jefferson’s deep admiration for that publication turned to furious indignity when he read Buffon’s “factual” accounts of North America’s nature. Buffon had never traveled there, relying instead on anecdotal reports from those who had visited the continent. His conclusions were shaped by those limitations and his bias that natural resources in Europe were immeasurably better than those in the “New World”. Buffon asserted that this new country was mainly a miserable swampy land and climate, with NO creatures or flora of significance, certainly none that could rival those found in Europe.
  
  Jefferson’s ire led him to write his own nature study book, documenting his findings with actual measurements and confirmable observations. Spanning years of his life, his challenges to the information in Buffon’s Encyclopedia did little to overcome its wide circulation or the naturalist’s firm authority on the topic. The role of that enormous MOOSE in the subtitle played a crucial role in Jefferson’s motivation (and eventual success) at documenting the truth of his own claims, arguing against Buffon’s assertions and his biased beliefs. Packed with intensity and lighthearted moments (a rotting, one-antlered moose in a crate!) this picture book reveals Jefferson to be a devoted scientist of his day, seeking truth even when the discoveries eventually unstitched the fabric of his own beliefs (his denial of extinction, among others).
  
  Not only is the main text a blend of compelling narrative with intriguing details of history, and personality, it is embedded with natural science. It also demonstrates the ways in which Jefferson intentionally and regularly used the scientific inquiry process (summarized in back matter). Always curious, he noticed, questioned, observed closely, collected and analyzed data, and drew conclusions based on facts, recording every step along the way.
  
  Anderson’s author notes are, as always, invaluable to expand resources and better understand the contents through a wider lens. In this case she directly addresses the questionable aspects of Jefferson’s life: slaveholding, errors in his science, the impact on First Nations that resulted from the westward explorations of Lewis and Clark as ordered by Jefferson while president, as well as his own confirmation bias in pursuit of science. She also explains confirmation bias and its effect on scientific studies and interpretation. The point is clearly made that science is always developing further facts and shifting our understanding of new and prior material reported as “facts”. In science, and in social/general information, it is essential to consider the reliability and intentions of the sources of data, the possible omission of related data, and other factors before accepting claims of factual content as fully correct.
  
  
  Interior
  Inquiry Process Graphic
  
  
  The illustrations throughout, both in main text pages and back matter, are priceless in providing readers with verifiable details regarding the account of Jefferson’s life and science passion. Evidence of research (both deep and wide) using primary sources appear on every page and in every paragraph. This new release is a perfect example of my thesis that quality picture books will find eager audiences at every age. This nonfiction offering allows the youngest to expand understanding of an American icon while enjoying many animal facts and images. The portrait of Jefferson’s national pride, personal interests, love of nature and science, and passionate commitment to the truth will impress older readers, including adults. The depiction of Jefferson’s habits and personality give us an engaging and entertaining story. The science of his time and through today make this not only a STEM asset but one well-suited to social studies inclusion as well. I highly recommend it.
  
• 
  Kathy Temean

  I love how Beth keeps blowing me away with interesting books that teach me new things. In addition to every page being filled with interesting and fun facts and details, the entire book is gorgeous. Jeremy’s illustrations are a perfect fit for the book. Children will love the illustrations. Teachers, Parents, and adults will be in awe of every illustrated page. What’s not to love? The story is fresh, and so are the illustrations. I even enjoyed the endpapers that identify the footprints of animals living in America.
  
  The way the book is laid out with drawings and notes of animals, plants, mountains, streams, weather, and crops makes the reader feel like they are right there with Jefferson, recording the dates, times, size, shape, distance, speed, temperature, and collecting bones to discover a mammoth creature to prove Buffon was wrong about America being a terrible place. Far worse than the Old World of Europe and Asia.
  
  Beth did a good job weaving in America’s fight for independence with Jefferson’s fight to prove Buffon wrong. When the war for independence ended, Thomas continued his war on the faulty facts and decided to write his own book. When he finished his book, Congress assigned him minister to France to negotiate trade and treaties and settle disputes, but there was one dispute he couldn’t wait to settle! He packed his manuscript, loaded his trunk, and while in Philadelphia, he bought an enormous panther pelt to help prove his point before sailing to Europe. I loved the map Jeremy created for this double-page spread.
  
  While in France, Jefferson had his book published, and almost a year later, he had it, so he sent it along with the hide of the panther to Buffon. That’s when the battle began. I thought this double-page spread was brilliant because it showed the verbal fight between the two men in such an exciting way. Jefferson is determined to prove to Buffon how wrong he is, so he sets off to America to find a Moose to prove himself to Buffon.
  
  It took twenty men, fourteen days, to haul the seven-foot-tall moose twenty miles through a forest of deep snow to get it to Jefferson. This illustration is so striking that I find myself going back to look at it over and over again. When Buffon received the Moose, he sent Jefferson a response promising TO REVISE HIS BOOK!
  
  But like all good books or movies, that’s not the end of the story for Jefferson. Then, the news of the royal scientist’s death reached Jefferson, and he feared that Buffon’s faulty facts would never be corrected. Talk about a high and low point. Kids will be saying “Oh, No!” But by the time Jefferson made it home to the United States, his book had found its way into the hands of the old and young. It's a great message for everyone to remember to keep going forward like Jefferson did.
  
  Teachers, Parents, and adults will love the last four pages of THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE! Beth discusses Thomas Jefferson and the Five Steps to the Scientific Inquiry Process, a nice visual teachers could use in their classroom, and a timeline of Thomas Jefferson’s Life. Also, she lists her primary and secondary resources for her reach, which others can use if they are interested in further research.
  
  Don’t miss this book. I only glanced at the surface.
• 
  Amanda Lewis

  In Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Might Moose, by Beth Anderson, we are invited into the exciting mind of Thomas Jefferson. Not merely Thomas Jefferson the Founding Father, but Jefferson the thinker and scientist.
  Jefferson loved the flora and fauna of his Virginia home. It incensed him that a Frenchman, Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, had written a book about North American animals that was filled with errors. Buffon had never even been to North America! How could he write a book so filled with mistakes and promote those mistakes to a reading public? Jefferson asks himself of Buffon: “Did he use faulty facts?” “Did he pick and choose evidence to fit his own beliefs?” “Did his love for Europe get in the way?”
  We watch as Jefferson uses basic scientific principles to set about disproving Buffon’s “fake news” about North America. “Fortunately, Thomas knew how to think like a scientist. And it was time to measure the truth.”
  I won’t spoil the surprisingly inventive and eccentric scheme that Jefferson hits upon to make Buffon admit his mistakes. Suffice to say that Jefferson’s search for truth, and his tenacious personality, forced Buffon to re-write his book and began a movement to search for truth in science.
  Anderson’s facts and insights are illustrated with wit, humour and clarity by Jeremy Holmes. The entire design gives a young reader both a playful approach but also the impression of the seriousness of the task at hand. Interspersed with great Jeffersonian quotes (“There is not a sprig of grass that sheet uninteresting to me”), the book will inspire passionate young people to work with strong scientific methodology to cleave to truth.
  Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Might Moose is an important, provocative book for our times that should be essential reading for all young people ages 7 – 10. It reveals not only some fascinating facts about Thomas Jefferson and his passion for natural history, but it demonstrates the importance of searching out the truth, and of not settling for assumptions.
  
  
  
• 
  Randi Sonenshine

  Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science is so much more than a picture book biography! It has history, of course, but it also has science, humor, delightfully fun language, and wonderfully whimsical illustrations. Author Beth Anderson (An Inconvenient Alphabet, Lizzie Demands a Seat) takes readers on a wild ride as we follow Thomas Jefferson’s quest to prove wrong the preposterous claims about America by the Comte de Buffon, a French science writer. Anderson cleverly frames the tight narrative around the scientific processes Jefferson follows on his journey. Along the way, she sprinkles in loads of playful language, the problem of a giant moose, and pertinent excerpts from primary source documents, while building suspense and revealing the pitfalls of personal bias. Insightful and informative back matter includes an author’s note, a timeline of Jefferson’s life, an infographic of the scientific method, and an extensive biography. Add to all of this, the unique and slyly humorous illustrations by Jeremy Holmes. At times presented in comic panels and at times in scrapbook style, the art adds a whole other element of surprise and delight to an already stellar story. Readers young and old will be captivated by this smartly rendered slice of history and learn how to be more critical thinkers in the process.
• 
  Heather Lang

  Who knew there was more to learn about Thomas Jefferson! This fascinating and highly entertaining look at Jefferson’s passion for studying the natural world is brilliantly written and illustrated. Jefferson is outraged when the well-regarded French scientist Buffon writes that the New World is a cold, swampy place with unimpressive wildlife. Jefferson is determined to prove Buffon wrong. Kids will especially love the spreads where Jefferson asks his friends to capture a giant moose to use as evidence and then ships it across the ocean to Buffon! The text is packed with loads of interesting facts and reveals how Jefferson practiced scientific inquiry (see the back matter for more information on this). Holmes’ clever and often hilarious illustrations are a perfect match for Anderson’s engaging writing and well-researched facts. I especially appreciated how Anderson used her Author’s Note to paint the full picture of Jefferson, including his scientific mistakes and the fact that he was a slave owner. This story will remind young readers to question and look for the truth—such an important skill in today’s world. It’s no surprise to me that this biography is receiving lots of praise and multiple starred reviews.
• 
  Keila Dawson

  In Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose! Beth Anderson shares the story of Jefferson's war on misinformation. At the time Thomas Jefferson joined the fight for America’s independence from England, he went to war against a French scientist! Count Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon published an encyclopedia of the natural world making claims about the colonies that Jefferson believed to be false. Especially since Buffon hadn’t even visited British-America. An avid naturalist, Jefferson collected, verified and analyzed his own data to draw conclusions as evidence Buffon’s book that made Europe appear superior to America was not accurate. The author’s note also reveals that seeking truth didn’t always exempt Jefferson from his own bias. The layout and illustrations by Jeremy Holmes complement the historical period. A must read for history and science buffs of all ages. And a great addition to every school and public library.
• 
  Julia Wasson

  Yes, we can still learn something new about Thomas Jefferson! Jefferson lobbies to disprove a French scientist's scorn for the new world as too cold and damp to breed species of animals as mighty and massive as those in Europe. We see how science knowledge develops and changes over time. Jefferson was too busy to scout for panthers and mammoths himself, but he spread word far and wide that he needed specimens to send to France, with surprising results! Book design showcases Jefferson's quotations that will engage young readers in their own beliefs about nature and the scientific method. Appreciate the brief but important discussion in the back matter about the harm biases do when they are applied to human race theories as well as to zoology, and how opening the Louisiana Purchase territory to settlement caused tragic results to Native people and cultures; ending with a hopeful question about how we might apply scientific processes and knowledge to the issues of our time.
• 
  Abi Cushman

  This is a fantastic book showcasing another aspect of Thomas Jefferson's life. I think kids will be very interested to learn about Jefferson's deep interest in science and about his fight to correct inaccurate information about America's wildlife. It's a really great conversation starter about bias and the dangers of using select bits of information to prove an opinion you already have.
  
  I also really loved how the book was illustrated and designed. The book is reminiscent of an old journal, so we really get the feel for Jefferson's interest in collecting specimens and making accurate measurements. I also appreciated how the backmatter delves more into bias and acknowledges that though Jefferson was fighting to correct scientific inaccuracies, he too made mistakes and had his own biases.
  
  This book is a must-have for the classroom or at home.
• 
  Teresa

  (Because the reviewer copy I received from the publisher via Edelweiss was so low-res that some sections were virtually unreadable either on my Kindle device or my phone’s Kindle app, my review is based on what I could actually glean from squinting.)
  Beth Anderson is one of the most skillful picture book biographers around, and, as I expected, her newest book does not disappoint. She weaves an intriguing tale, capturing the tone and voice of the period while managing to make it accessible to younger reader. We empathize with Jefferson’s indignation and rejoice with him when he was able to make his points and convince Buffon. The illustrations also capture the feel of the period yet remaining humorous and entertaining. I think the back matter looks promising but I couldn’t actually read it so will have to wait for the book to come out.
• 
  Nora Nickum

  This is such a creative presentation of a fascinating and lesser-known part of Thomas Jefferson's work. The story conveys Jefferson's passion for accuracy and examples of the due diligence (gathering evidence, using reliable sources, etc.) that needs to be done for solid science--and some amusing examples, like finding a moose and getting it sent across the ocean to prove that the US did in fact have enormous mammals! The art blends humor, wonderfully expressive characters, and fonts & images that immerse the reader in the historical context. The back matter about mistruths--and how they come about--is useful and important, as is the acknowledgment of ways in which Jefferson's own thinking was biased. An important historical story that's highly relevant today.
• 
  Nell Cross Beckerman

  Extremely engaging story about how Thomas Jefferson fought for scientific accuracy. I don't normally read in this genre, but happily found myself gasping, chuckling, leaning forward with interest, and admiring how the storytelling and illustration worked in tandem to give a really entertaining history AND science lesson. The illustration and art direction of this book were fantastic--almost comic book style in some places with how the text was placed--which I loved and made this historical story feel modern. The story points the author chose to focus on made for a very kid-friendly read. I wasn't expecting to learn about scientific inquiry in such a FUN way. Plus the backmatter is meaty. Bravo!
• 
  Lori Alexander

  A fascinating, little known tale about Thomas Jefferson! Jefferson loved collecting data about the world around him, sizes of plants and animals, temperatures and weather patterns, the heights of mountain peaks. But after reading misinformation about the new world, written by a biased French scientists, Jefferson seeks to set the record straight. This is such a timely story, showing young readers how to follow the scientific method to collect information and make sound decisions based on facts, not opinions. The illustrations are glorious and look a bit like a field guide with so much to see (measurements, maps, bits of plants, animal tracks--so cool!). This would be a great addition to a public, school, or classroom library!
• 
  Alice

  4 stars
  I read a digital advanced copy courtesy of the publisher (and Edelweiss)
  Although known for writing the Declaration of Independence and his architectural pursuits, Thomas Jefferson possessed an avid scientific mind which pursued what was considered truth. When he read a French "scientist's" account of the natural world on North America, he was outraged, particularly as the man had never set foot on the continent. Jefferson set out to prove that North America was not inferior to Europe, just different. The scientific approach is throughout the text even in the illustrations which mimic the journaling and recordings of Jefferson.
• 
  Buffy Silverman

  Thomas Jefferson was a scientist? Who knew (not me!) In this fascinating book, Anderson shows young Thomas Jefferson's growing interest and delight in the natural world, and his furor about French scientist Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon's inaccurate depiction of the "inferiority" of the animals of the new world. Jefferson set about disproving Buffon's faulty reasoning, through the rigors of science. An author's note adds more context to the biases that occurred in Jefferson's time, and in our own. The illustrations and type face transport the reader back in time, and include fascinating primary research. A wonderful read for budding historians, scientists, and polymaths!
• 
  Louise Aamodt

  In this day and age of social media info overload, schools teach kids how to determine validity of information sources. That's exactly why they'll get a kick out reading about the same struggle that took place in early America. When Thomas Jefferson had to prove that an overseas writer spewed misinformation about America's natural world, such as downsizing animals or ignoring entire biomes, he went to great lengths to gather and share scientific data. I learned a lot, in an entertaining way, about this little-known historical event, including how Jefferson realized one of his own misconceptions.
• 
  Christine Zandt

  This book does an excellent job of illuminating aspects of Thomas Jefferson that will engage and delight young (and old) readers. No stuffy history lessons here. Jefferson's passionate quirks come alive on the page. The sepia-toned art feels old-fashioned but it's used in a very modern way with fun, comic-like illustrations. I highly recommend this as a way to learn something interesting about one of our founding fathers and how his love of science drove his lifelong pursuit and cataloging of the truth.
• 
  Kerry Aradhya

  If you had asked me yesterday whether Thomas Jefferson was a scientist, I would have said no. But this fact-filled picture book has convinced me otherwise -- "proving" just how much of a scientific thinker he was! Through skillfully layered storytelling and illustrations, it somehow manages to tell an entertaining historical story, full of humor and wit, while also teaching readers SO much about how to go about proving or disproving a scientific theory, including considering how mistruths might arise. Highly recommend this engaging STEAM (plus history) book for curious readers of any age!
  
  
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  Vivian Kirkfield

  I love narrative nonfiction picture book bios like this one...and I think they should be used in all grades - from kindergarten through high school. Author Anderson's research lays the foundation for an accurately told moment in history...and her exciting, well-paced text will keep kids engaged from the first page to the last. And then there are the super cool illustrations - full of motion and emotion. The story has heart and humor - and the author provides teacher guides and more on her website. Highly recommend for schools and libraries!
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  Debra Shumaker

  What a fascinating nonfiction book about science and history. Thomas Jefferson was insulted when a European scientist and author, Count Buffon, stated that the New World did not have any significant animals. How did this scientist get his information? He was clearly wrong. And Jefferson set about to prove how wrong Buffon was. With fun and lively text and amazing art, this book will pull readers of all ages in. And teach readers about the scientific process—using questions, independent thinking, and verifying facts. Skills we all benefit from. Don't miss this book!
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  Michelle Schaub

  Beth Anderson does it again with another fascinating picture book biography! Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science takes a fresh look at one of the Founding Fathers- and the war he battled over “faulty facts.” While learning about Jefferson’s determination to disprove the erroneous claims put forth by Count Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon about the flora and fauna in America, readers discover the importance of pursuing the scientific method to uncover the truth.
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  Sarah Albee

  This is an excellent and timely book about Thomas Jefferson in his role of amateur scientist, with an important underlying theme about confirmation bias and sorting through misinformation. I'm glad the author brings up TJ's problematic views about enslavement in the author's note (he was of course himself an enslaver) and his own confirmation bias about the impossibility of extinction. The art is great, and the writing as well.
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  Becca McMurdie

  Wow! Just when I thought there wasn't more I could learn about Thomas Jefferson--Beth Anderson has proved me wrong. This page is relevant today, yet historical and deeply researched, and the illustrations--the illustrations though!!! Wow. This book will fit nicely in an ELA or science classroom from grades 2 - 5. Or as a fun real-aloud for a fact-loving, non-fiction craving child. Enjoy!
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  Cathy Ogren

  Beth Anderson has crafted a captivating story that begins with young Thomas Jefferson’s passion for science. Jefferson studied and admired the writings of French scientist Count Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon in his Encyclopedia of the Natural World. But when Jefferson read Buffon’s theory that America was a terrible place with inferior animals compared to those of Europe and Asia, Jefferson was incensed. He set out to prove Buffon wrong. Later, when the two finally met, they came to verbal blows over what Jefferson saw as Buffon’s inaccurate information. To settle the dispute, Jefferson had a moose sent from America to France as proof of the animal’s size which changed Buffon’s thinking. Readers will be delighted by Jeremy Holmes’ intricate and oft times hilarious illustrations and Beth Anderson's skillful weaving of historical details into the text. This is a must-have book.
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  Kim

  What a fun and informative read! I learned there is another side to Thomas Jefferson that I had never read about. Beth did an excellent job of weaving so many interesting facts into a page-turning plot. The illustrations are great, too, portraying the era in a fabulous way. Kids are sure to enjoy this story!
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  Laurie Wallmark

  This book showcases a side of Thomas Jefferson that is lesser know--that of a scientist. It shows, through Jefferson's research, that science is a process, and the results are not always what one expects. This wonderful book will help encourage children's interest in STEM.
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  Roxanne Troup

  Does the world need another Thomas Jefferson biography? YES! When it is this one focused on bias and his quest to combat the spread of misinformation. What a wonderful way to introduce this concept to young readers. Highly recommend!
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  Elizabeth

  Okay, I really love this book! As a student of the history of science, it's fabulous to see a picture book that is so appealing for kids - both visually (all the cool little items in the artwork!) and the excellent narrative. What a homerun!