Children's Literature – Jean Boreen
This is a superlative look at a "humbug" that occurred in New York State in 1869 when a local farmer dug up a ten foot tall man/statue, offered the paying public an opportunity to see it, and then dealt with the backlash of the public realization that the petrified giant was not all he was made out to be. The book introduces us to the main "characters" who were part of one of the best scams of all time; the farmer and his fellow con artists, the scientists who came to weigh in on the authenticity of the giant, and the entertainment entrepreneurs who were interested in owning the giant themselves in order to make money. In his typical style of blending subtle humor with exacting research, the author produces a highly entertaining and informative view of this situation in American history. Cartoons, photographs, and newspaper articles provide primary source documentation that further illustrates the wonder of the petrified giant and the reaction to his existence. This book is a great addition to any school library, especially with the current focus on Common Core standards and the importance of informational text in the classroom. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D.