The Fossil Feud

Reading Level: Grade 3 Interest Level: Grades 2 – 7

The Fossil Feud recounts the rivalry between two competing paleontologists, Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope. In the mid-19th Century, Marsh and Cope stopped at nothing-from spying, bribing, and stealing-to foil the other’s fossil research. Despite their rivalry, both men advanced the science of paleontology through their remarkable discoveries. Full-color photographs, a map, an illustrated dinosaur timeline, and exciting narrative text will inspire the budding fossil hunter in every child. The Fossil Feud is part of Bearport’s Fossil Hunters series.

Copyright: 2007

Additional Information

Publication dateAugust 1, 2006
Number of pages32
DimensionsHTML
Lexile number710
ATOS reading level4.7
Accelerated Reader points0.5
Guided reading level-
SubjectsEarth Science, Paleontology & Fossils, Science
PublishersBearport
ImprintKodiak Books
LanguageEnglish
BISACsJNF003050
DEWEY560.92
Graphics-

Booklist

While most books about scientists lack any real conflict, this volume from the new Fossil Hunters series tells of the Bone Wars, a clash between two American paleontologists. In 1868 at the Haddonfield, New Jersey marl pit, Othniel Marsh and Edward Cope established a cooperative relationship, but it deteriorated rapidly. Over the next two decades, each man established dinosaur digs in Wyoming and Colorado, spied on the other's work, and engaged in bribery, theft, and sabotage, even dynamiting fossil sites. Finally, their newspaper attacks on each other's expertise, honor, and sanity alienated the scientific community and led to the end of the Bone Wars. Goldish writes in a clear, straightforward manner, letting the story's inherent drama speak for itself. Fair and balanced, the account acknowledges the damage done by both men, as well as their scientific achievements. Attractive page design enhances the presentation, part of the Fossil Hunters series, which includes a paragraph or two on each page and along with a modern photo of an artifacts or an archival photo of individuals, sites, or fossils.