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kitsuneheart's review against another edition
4.0
A very visually busy book, but that's fine, because it is also fascinating. While we mostly hear of Benjamin Franklin in the context of the American Revolution or crazy kite experiments, here we see one of the overlooked portions of his life: the time he was like a rock and roll legend in France. The French just loved Franklin (and I mean that in...all senses), but they also loved a good show. Thus, Franklin came across the con artist Dr. Mesmer, who was sending the potential American allies into panics with his mesmerism. Franklin is tasked by the French king and queen to figure out the trick, and Ben does so, managing to establish the idea of clinical medical trials in the process. Also, securing French aid for the American Revolution.
This book reminds me a bit of the old Discovery Books by Scholastic, but a bit lighter on text. There's lots of little details on each page, but they don't feel overloaded. It all seems to go with the flow, rather than forcing you to stop and read an aside for what feels like hours on end. It's not a quick read altogether, but it's interesting enough that any child who is more into actual history than made-up stories should be able to keep focused through a reading on their own.
If your child likes history, this is a big contender for a purchase. I can't see it showing up in most other households, but definitely give it a try, and certainly look to it if your child needs a history book for school.
This book reminds me a bit of the old Discovery Books by Scholastic, but a bit lighter on text. There's lots of little details on each page, but they don't feel overloaded. It all seems to go with the flow, rather than forcing you to stop and read an aside for what feels like hours on end. It's not a quick read altogether, but it's interesting enough that any child who is more into actual history than made-up stories should be able to keep focused through a reading on their own.
If your child likes history, this is a big contender for a purchase. I can't see it showing up in most other households, but definitely give it a try, and certainly look to it if your child needs a history book for school.
johnnymacaroni's review against another edition
4.0
Such an interesting story and I love the format-it's really fun. The illustrations are exceptional-I love the different perspectives Bruno used.
jmitschke's review against another edition
4.0
Great look at the scientific method through a piece of American and French history.
perilous1's review against another edition
5.0
Originally reviewed for YA Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsnonfiction/18244-mesmerized
Suggested subtitle: A Founding Father’s Hypnotic Sidequest
Mesmerized is a gorgeously illustrated book with a strong Middle Grade appeal. It’s a fascinating tidbit of history blended with foundational science—an appealing balance of subtle teaching and masterful storytelling.
This true-to-life story follows Benjamin Franklin’s visit to France in the midst of the American Revolution. Famous for proving that lightening is a form of electricity, Franklin hopes to use his novel influence to sway the King and Queen of France into providing war aid. As it turns out, there is something the King and Queen need his help with. A mysterious man named Dr. Mesmer is making a fortune off of his seeming ability to command people’s perceptions, driving medical doctors to distress and nearly everyone to distraction. But is this “power” mystical, or merely suggestion?
The book covers the base concept of how to employ the scientific method: Hypothesis, Testing, Observation, and Conclusion. While the telling uses a few wording choices that essentially vilify Dr. Mesmer’s conduct, it does end by giving him credit for his inadvertent contributions to medical science. By way of the non-fictional plot, it ultimately demonstrates how “blind testing” came to be utilized, and how legitimately powerful the placebo effect can be.
Rockcliff’s style makes keen use of flavorful wording and variable font sizes to get her points across—without any hint of a dry textbook ambiance. Coming in at 45 pages of whimsical diversity and widely ranging content density, this story is well suited to children between the ages (or comprehension level) of 8 to 12 years. In addition, adults will easily be able to appreciate its offerings—as the delivery is charming, and it has the potential to fill in a learning gap for those of us who missed this fascinating slice of historical truth.
aylea's review against another edition
5.0
This review also posted at The Children's Book and Media Review
When the American Revolution was going strong, Benjamin Franklin went to France to charm Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette into sending help to the Americans fighting the war. When he arrived, the Parisians were obsessed with the idea of science and a man named Dr. Mesmer. Dr. Mesmer was flamboyant and mysterious, making impossible things happened and curing people of their diseases. Some people wondered if all the people were being fooled. Ben used the scientific method to discover what the secrets were behind Dr. Mesmer’s act and managed to get help from the French government to assist in winning the war.
This educational book is brilliantly illustrated and cleverly explained. There are explanations of the history of the time, the steps of the scientific method, and a section after the story to explain more about the events described in the book. This book is an excellent introduction to a key part of American history and how the scientific method can be used to disprove things scientifically. Teachers will love having this resource to show their students these concepts with the beautiful illustrations, and young science lovers will enjoy this true story about how Benjamin Franklin used science to help save America and stop people from being fooled.
When the American Revolution was going strong, Benjamin Franklin went to France to charm Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette into sending help to the Americans fighting the war. When he arrived, the Parisians were obsessed with the idea of science and a man named Dr. Mesmer. Dr. Mesmer was flamboyant and mysterious, making impossible things happened and curing people of their diseases. Some people wondered if all the people were being fooled. Ben used the scientific method to discover what the secrets were behind Dr. Mesmer’s act and managed to get help from the French government to assist in winning the war.
This educational book is brilliantly illustrated and cleverly explained. There are explanations of the history of the time, the steps of the scientific method, and a section after the story to explain more about the events described in the book. This book is an excellent introduction to a key part of American history and how the scientific method can be used to disprove things scientifically. Teachers will love having this resource to show their students these concepts with the beautiful illustrations, and young science lovers will enjoy this true story about how Benjamin Franklin used science to help save America and stop people from being fooled.
teganbeesebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Such a beautifully illustrated book! And how interesting! I had no idea that this happened! I would love to get a copy for my collection, and to share it when I have children!
beths0103's review against another edition
4.0
Lots of fun new things to learn in this book, like how the word mesmerized came from Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer, who thought he had the power to heal patients with invisible forces. Also, that the placebo effect and blind studies can be attributed to Ben Franklin's testing of Dr. Mesmer's "powers" by blindfolding patients.
History indeed does not have to be boring.
History indeed does not have to be boring.
carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
4.0
First and foremost- the art in this book is absolutely gorgeous. Every page had me oohing and ahhing and just wow. The story itself was also super interesting and I'm not sure how I had never heard this story before! Benjamin Franklin travels to France to try and get their help with winning the Revolutionary War. While in France, he helps to solve the hypnosis mystery plaguing France and, in turn, securing France's help. The book explained how scientific method works (question, hypothesis, test, results!) and also had a history lesson- very cool to have science and history in one book. I think middle grade readers will really appreciate this story most but it can be for all ages, adults included.