(1) K-3 Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes. As a product of the Age of Reason, Thomas Jefferson was long fascinated by science in general and the natural world in particular. Consequently, when he first read a French encyclopedia by the renowned scientist Comte de Buffon that declared the American colonies inferior because the native animals were neither as large nor as ferocious as their European counterparts, Jefferson questioned Buffon's reasoning -- partly because of the audacious comments, partly because of national pride, and partly because Jefferson did not want to discourage immigration. For years he challenged these assumptions by asking questions; creating counterarguments; conducting experiments (which included the shipping of a dead moose to France to verify its large size); and formulating and publishing his conclusions. In other words, he followed the scientific method, nicely summarized in the back matter. The mixed-media illustrations, crafted with woodblocks and pencil, are highlighted in unusual and effective layouts. The written narrative appears in text boxes, acting either as previews for the often-humorous illustrations (for example, ideas explode from Jefferson's head as he writes his own book challenging Buffon) or as comic panels. A concluding author's note explains the sources and dangers of misinformation and ways to identify and combat such rumors, as well as a timeline of Jefferson's life and a bibliography -- appropriately, for the topic -- divided into primary and secondary sources.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by E. B. Lewis. In 1854 New York City, Elizabeth Jennings, an affluent African American woman, stood against discrimination by refusing to depart a streetcar. This led to a groundbreaking court case--Jennings v. Third Avenue Railroad Company--and victory. Anderson's author's note provides more detail (including about occasional fictionalization). Lewis's illustrator's note explains why he chose a brighter color palette for his typically muted eye-pleasing watercolors. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jenn Harney. Mild-mannered James Kelly had a keen sense of smell, but what good was an "extraordinary nose"--a superpower, really--when what he needed was to sniff out a new job in New York City? The fish market, the sanitation department, the meatpacking companies were too smelly, but the subway system seemed just the right ticket. He discovered he had a knack for detecting water leaks, and soon he was known as "Smelly Kelly," the subway's "first official leak detective." He also sniffed out a leaking gasoline storage tank and a disgustingly stinky old pile of elephant manure; but, most importantly, he realized his true gift was an inner force that impelled him to study, invent, and find solutions when things weren't right. Anderson's lively telling of a little-known story (who ever knew there was a heroic leak-smelling detective in the 1930s who saved the city with his nose?) employs strong, active verbs, as any superhero tale does, and is effectively complemented by digital illustrations that bring to life Kelly's subterranean realm--the blue-black subway, the greenish miasmic smells drifting along, and Kelly's red hair, a beacon in the darkness. Back matter includes an author's note, information about Kelly's tools and underground world, a note on research, a bibliography, and further resources.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2021

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. Before he became a lexicographer, Webster wanted individual letters to have specific correlations to unique sounds. Along with Franklin, he proposed a new alphabet with additional letters. Here readers see the development--and ultimate failure--of the plan that is the foundation for compiling his American Dictionary of the English Language. Colorful digital illustrations show a lightheartedness that belies Webster's sacrifices but complements the text's tone. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter