Dinosaurs! Battle of the Bones

The book focuses on the historical rivalry between paleontologists Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh during the late 19th century, known as the Bone Wars. It details their frantic search for fossils in the American West, the discovery of iconic species like Stegosaurus and Triceratops, and the competitive nature of early scientific exploration. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with the fierce rivalry and moral ambiguity of the scientists who sometimes resorted to bribery or destruction of fossils to beat their opponent. It is handled in a secular, historical manner. EMOTIONAL ARC: The book starts with the wonder of discovery and builds into a high-stakes competition. It maintains a sense of excitement throughout, concluding with a reflection on how this rivalry shaped modern paleontology. IDEAL READER: A second or third grader who is moving beyond simple dinosaur facts and is ready to learn about the messy, human side of history and science. It is great for a child who loves 'detective' work or solving mysteries. PARENT TRIGGER: A child might express frustration or confusion about why scientists would try to sabotage each other rather than working together. PARENT PREP: This can be read cold, but parents might want to explain that while these men were brilliant, they were also very competitive, which can lead to a discussion on sportsmanship and ethics. AGE EXPERIENCE: Seven-year-olds will focus on the dinosaur discoveries and the 'battle' aspect, while nine-year-olds will better grasp the historical context and the ethical dilemmas of the scientists. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many dinosaur books that focus solely on biology, this one highlights the historical adventure and the personalities behind the fossils.