Tooth and Claw: The dinosaur wars by Deborah Noyes

This is the kind of history that I find fascinating and thoroughly enjoy but, alas, does not have a wide appeal to the average library reader.

In 150 pages, Noyes details the rivalry of two early paleontologists, Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh, who began their careers at a time when "paleontologist" wasn't even a word, let alone a concept. While she follows the ups and downs of their lives, their passionate investigation into the early science of paleontology, and the discovery of strange bones, she also details the rise of a new culture of science and investigation. Both started their work at a time when "gentleman scientists" investigated the world for their own amusement and education, when "dinosaurs" were only a suggested name for a few mysterious bones, and when Darwin was still researching his theory of natural selection. By the time their careers crashed and burned in the fires of their rivalry and both died relatively young, they had captured the imagination of the public and spurred on research into fossils, but they had also done incalculable harm to the scientific reputation of the United States and the science of paleontology was overlooked for years.

The book includes inset facts and stories about contemporary and historical science, historical context, and the personal lives of both men and their contemporaries. Noyes mentions women like Mary Anning who led the way in fossil research and respectfully references the tragedies and brutalities of westward expansion, a major factor in Cope and Marsh's research. Full back matter is included; bibliography, index, and notes for each chapter.

Verdict: A fascinating book for history and science buffs; Although I've found that few middle grade readers have the interest or ability to read a more challenging nonfiction book like this title, I do think it's important to include some of these more challenging books for those able to read them and to supplement school research. I've been pleased to discover that teachers from neighboring districts often visit our library for a more extensive collection of upper grade nonfiction so I feel it's worth spending money on a diverse array of these titles and this covers a topic both popular and at the same time little-known.

ISBN: 9780425289846; Published April 2019 by Viking; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library