The Horn Book Guide

SCIENCE

Rockliff, Mara

Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery That Baffled All of France

48 pp. | Candlewick | February, 2015 | Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-6351-3 $17.99

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno. In 1778 Paris, Franz Anton Mesmer convinced many they were cured of ailments through "animal magnetism." Benjamin Franklin, Antoine Lavoisier, and others debunked Mesmer's procedure through their invention of the "blind" test and discovery of the placebo effect. Aside from the misdirection of giving Franklin all the glory, Rockliff's text is engaging and lively and pairs beautifully with Bruno's dramatic, bold illustrations. Bib.

Reviewer: Nina Lindsay | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2015