BETH ANDERSON Interview: THE PATRIOT AND THE POX

Readers, if you missed it, I hope you'll take a moment to read my review and reactions to THE PATRIOTS AND THE POX: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BATTLE TO SAVE THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, HERE.

ASTRA BOOKS/CALKINS CREEK, 2026

I also urge you to check Beth’s blog notes to read her summary about this recent release, a JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD  selection. (Congratulations on that, Beth, and your many powerful supportive reviews.) 

There you’ll also find a link to read her excellent post: HOW RESEARCH BECOMES A STORY January 9, 2026  (the first of Beth’s Revolutionary War 250 blog series)

Digging into the intersection of so many related aspects of history, science, and society 

In it Beth says:

“Somehow in this process of sifting and digging and pondering, I find connections across time for myself and endeavor to offer valuable opportunities for young readers to engage with history as critical thinkers able to make connections to their lives and our world”

That, in a nutshell, is what I admire so much about all of Beth's information picture books and the individuals they feature. Those connections of information, historic events or movements, and individual talents are always intriguing, from a subway hero with super-sniffing skills to Washington commanding the troops fighting to create a new nation. Kids are enamored of comic book superheroes, but Beth’s research and storytelling reveal and elevate REAL people in history who made positive changes in impressive ways. 

In  that  blog post she makes clear that FINDING THE STORY involves those familiar 5-Ws we so often talk about. 

WHO?- reveals the people at the intersection of varied information topics

WHY? reveals motivation.

WHEN? And WHERE? Incorporates place, time, facts, and their interrelationships.

And WHAT IF? helps define stakes and risks involved. 

It’s a privilege to have Beth respond to my questions for this post.

SB: Welcome back to the blog, Beth, and thanks for allowing me and my readers to learn more about your writing process.

In THE PATRIOTS AND THE POX, your narrative offers readers the results of careful research and analysis involving highly complex circumstances and solutions.  It’s clear that WASHINGTON was the central figure for this slice of history. At that time he was the designated leader of the makeshift army of a declared/tentative new nation. The motivation and stakes drive the pacing with a page-turning quality that keeps readers in the moment, despite it being an historic account. The complex details of time, places, processes, and sheer numbers of soldiers and colonists must have felt overwhelming. Would you share a bit about the stages of your early engagement with this massive intersection of events and issues in your writing? Was the eventual story structure there from the start or did you make multiple attempts to find an approach?  Was there an AHA! moment or was it a series of blind alleys until you found your way? 

BA: Thanks so much for inviting me back! Your first question hits the overwhelming challenge of this book. So many rabbit holes! Smallpox connected to everything: enlistment practices, able bodied troop numbers, scavenging for food, shortages of supplies, treatment, medical practices, the Continental Congress, British troops, smallpox in England, battles, travel, strategies, discipline, training, and more. Though most of that research is not explicitly in the book, the understanding was essential, and it’s there as an underlayer that affects word choice and much more. 

As always, I saw too much. There I found parallels with the trajectory of Washington’s  battles against the disease and against the British. I gave the battles of Quebec and Montreal more space at first as those showed the devastating effect of smallpox in battle and of self-inoculation without quarantine. For a while I included training troops at Valley Forge as that scene focused on building unity and trust.  I had a stronger thread of the conflict between individual liberty and “liberty for all.” The story ended at Yorktown where the British again sent out people infected with smallpox, echoing back to Boston, but at that point Washington’s troops had immunity and the disease was no longer a weapon. I also was thinking some touchstones for the war were needed, so there was more background in general, as well as interesting details.

The challenge was to strip it back to Washington’s fight against smallpox and his decision to inoculate by cutting most of the military info and letting some of those lofty ideas I loved echo in the background. Many revisions dealt with how to provide necessary context for understanding the science of disease—both with how to say it and where that info was placed.

SB: Whew! I had tried to imagine the extent of options you dealt with, but this is truly impressive. The topic and individuals involved are so much more complex than a single "cradle-to-grave" biography! 

Guest authors on your blog and notes about your own books focus on the heart of the story, even though elements within the covers of each book are factual and historic. I learned so much about history and Washington "the man" in this book, but my heart was always drawn to the struggles Washington faced: on behalf of individuals and families, on behalf of the army as a whole, and on behalf of the budding nation he was attempting to ensure. You balanced these challenges well.  I wonder IF and HOW you found and felt the heart of this story while writing? Did any particular sources or accounts touch you or direct your writing? 

BA: The heaviness of carrying the hopes and dreams of a soon-to-be nation in addition to the human lives came through in some of his letters in the Founders Archives. His letters as commander in chief are strong and sometimes angry and frustrated about the lack of support from the Continental Congress. But the letters to family show a more personal side and the agony of his responsibility. I think his own experience suffering through smallpox likely impacted his actions. 

To me the larger heart that underlies the story deals with the interconnection of liberty and unity. Defeating smallpox required trust and a focus on the good of the whole—and so did winning a war and establishing a nation.

SB:  I felt that as a reader. There was no lack of good will and shared intentions on the parts of colonists, enlistees, and officers, but their personal beliefs, fears, and priorities could come in conflict. What I felt throughout the reading was the sense of "sacrifice" that everyone, from top to bottom, needed to accept. The good of the whole MUST outweigh the individual good, while allowing for individual respect and safety in as many ways as possible. What an achievement for our founders. 

Did you encounter any stumbling spots or gaps while researching? If so, what were they and how did you go about finding resources? 

BA:  We’re fortunate that Washington initiated a system of keeping military records. Though there are some gaps, by following the “breadcrumbs” in bibliographies, I was able to access a range of sources, including scholarly articles on smallpox in the military.  There’s a tremendous amount of information available on the war and Washington, so the challenge becomes wading through it all and finding the pieces to effectively tell the story. 

SB: That almost sounds as if it could occupy an entire life of research and writing. It may do so for some academic scholars. Once again, your presentation of this massive input exemplifies that nonfiction picture books are a valuable resource on their own.

The subjects of your other books aren’t nearly as well-known as WASHINGTON, though JEFFERSON and LINCOLN compete! What led you to focus on Washington, and on this topic in his life story?

 BA:  The timely topic of inoculation/vaccination and the opportunity to expand on what is usually a single sentence in history books about smallpox in the war was irresistible. Though I knew smallpox was a problem at the time, I wasn’t aware of its tremendous impact and the complexity of dealing with it for Washington. I think the typical narrative of the war and Washington’s role tend to be so simplified that we never think about the sacrifices and challenges. Seeing this piece of the reality and the immense difficulty of effective leadership is valuable and opens up our understanding of both the struggle for independence and Washington as a man. Consequences in action, the interconnection of lives, and the concept of liberty also not being as simple as it sounds are ideas that resonate in the present. 

SB: I agree fully. 

Books requiring so much research inevitably leave fascinating facts ”on the cutting room floor”. Are there some particular details you’re eager to mention and even explore when you speak in programs or otherwise interact with your readers?   (Feel free to mention as teasers without elaboration, or spill as much as you’re willing to!) 

BA: A few of those extras ended up in back matter, like the enslaved man, Onesimus, who taught Cotton Mather about inoculation methods that had been practiced in Africa and Asia for centuries. Back matter also mentions that inoculation was banned, divisive, and feared, but there’s also the fact that Washington was defying those bans and inciting public anger and fear when he dared to do it. I think both of these facts are mind-openers for all of us. 

Taking command in Boston was tough for Washington. Troops resisted, and he was shocked at the condition of the camps and unruliness of the men. Though Washington is revered today, not everyone respected him and supported his efforts. 

SB: That's so easy to forget, that few public figures are universally revered  in their own times. It's a reminder to take whatever "glow"  or "gunk" we may attach to historic figures demand a long look back at actual evidence. |t's worth digging deep for as much contemporaneous and factual information as possible, as much context of the times as can be found and considered. Thank oyu for doing that heavy lifting for young readers (and the rest of us) in this title and your others.

Are there other upcoming projects (titles?) that you are allowed to share with us?  Your responses above should make it clear that the time needed to research, write, and revise is extensive, tfollowed by the lengthy process when your work moves into the hands of editors, illustrators, designers, marketers, etc. Meanwhile, you work on new materials. We'd love to hear about what's next. 

BA: The next book, SCULPTING PRESIDENT LINCOLN: VINNIE REAM CARVES OUT HER FUTURE (spring 2027), is about a talented teenage girl who persisted past perceived limits of tradition, gender, age, class, education, and critics to create the Lincoln statue that stands in the Capitol rotunda today.  Her story is one of art and history, of youth and vision, of spunk and grit. Vinnie Ream is an inspiring example of the power of physical, intellectual, and emotional commitment, investing hands, head, and heart. I can’t wait to share her story! 

SB: And I can't wait to read it! 

Anything you were hoping I’d ask you to talk about? 

BA: One thing I do want to mention is the tremendous research that Ashley did for the very thoughtful and creative illustrations, and also the valuable feedback from experts who helped us get everything right—including accurate representation of the men in the army.  I hope readers will ponder all the amazing details. 

SB: I couldn't agree more with your endorsement and admiration of the illustrations. I've been over them time and agin, always noticing even more than previous careful scrutiny had revealed. The art and the visual storytelling are masterful! Once again I thank you for sharing your responses with us, and for the energy, talent, and enthusiasm you bring to finding and sharing stories of admirable figures from the past. For finding the lesser-told scaffolding background that elevated otherwise famous figures as well as revealing lesser-known figures from our history who more than merit the spotlight your books provide. 

Beth's Bio:

Beth Anderson is the award-winning author of more than ten picture books, including HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT, THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, and LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT, among others. A former educator, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story and hopes to inspire kids to laugh, ponder, and question. Born and raised in Illinois, Beth now lives in Colorado. Visit https://bethandersonwriter.com

 Teaching Activity Guide for Biographies

USING BACKMATTER

 

 

A RIDDLE OF EELS: A Mystery in an Enigma

RANDOM HOUSE STUDIO, 2026

Nonfiction books should, by definition, share information, right? A RIDDLE OF EELS, written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor, offers loads of information, facts, details. Intriguing ones. Fascinating ones. 

But very few answers. 

In fact, there are more questions than answers.

The watery, rainbow-swirling endpapers serve well to overcome my natural aversion to snakelike things. (One important fact, eels are fish, not snakes.) The first double spread has an opening line that invites an immersive experience..."If you were an eel, all slimy and sleek..."  A boy in ballcap transforms into an eel in a fishbowl sporting that same cap. From that point on, the text uses second person address with the assumption that readers have suspended reality and allowed themselves to be an eel, for just a bit. Lighthearted humor enhances a well-paced and accessible text that addresses the central issue of the title and contents:  

EELS ARE A MYSTERY!  The more we know and learn, the more questions arise.

Eels are found everywhere, although back matter mentions that most information about eels in this material references American and European eels. Back matter points out that eels are highly endangered by extinction, making study urgent!  And yet the biggest questions remain unanswered. It's not for lack of curiosity or intentional study. In fact, the "facts" known (and then found to be untrue) stretch back through time, cultures, mythology, and legend. The word "ACTUALLY" plays an important role throughout, since statements of fact, over time, have been followed by contradictory information and discoveries. Thus, ACTUALLY, even what we know now is incomplete and confusing. 

I will not offer specifics, since there is so much surprise and seriously head-shaking content throughout. By the time the main text concludes (in a trail of open-ended wonderings) any eel-ish-reader just might want to stay an eel and try to find some answers of their own. 

I'll admit I almost didn't read or review this book. I'm not exactly a fan of eels, conditioned by years of associating eels with snakes and other slimy, slithery critters. I have never longed to taste an eel, to hold one, or to even see one up close. 

I know, I'm a wimp and far too affected by childhood viewing of Tarzan and other jungle movies. My brain says that's foolish, but my impulse when it comes to eels is to look away. 

Until I realized that the creative team behind this book is amazing and the cover itself is so reader-friendly! Those colors and eyes and the overall energy meant I gave it a try. I'm happy I did so and I hope you will, too.

OTIS KNOWS (How To Be A Bear)

 This is my first post for November. At the first of each month you can watch any and all weather broadcasters or news anchors to lose count of all the "Can you believe it? it's ________ already!" But you'll never find a bear being surprised by the changing calendar. The brown bears who make their homes near Brooks River in Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve have always lived by the calendar of their stomachs. In perfect sync with seasonal changes that seem to surprise even weather forecasters each month. 

BEacACH LANE BOOKS, 2026

OTIS KNOWS (How To Be A Bear) is co-authored by Liz Garton Scanlon and Martha Brockenbrough, with utterly irresistible illustrations by Stephanie Laberis. Otis appears to be a delightfully imagined bear-ish character in a story. In fact, he is the delightful REAL LIFE character in this nonfiction book. He is actually tagged bear number 480, but, like many other longtime bear residents, he acquired a nickname some years back.

The authors introduce Otis as he lingers and slumbers in his underground den, undisturbed by Nature's clock that wakes and draws the other park bears to the river. Hibernation means that a fully stuffed belly and layers of fat have dissolved during the winter, and life demands waking and making way to the river to eat. 

And eat.

And eat.

But readers see Otis snarking and snoring underground LONG past the time the others, including mothers and cubs, are staking claims to the best feeding spots for spawning salmon and juicy spring berries. Bears scrabble and scruff for the best spots, first restoring their body's weight, and then... building up new layers of fat for the coming winter. 

Otis is nowhere to be seen. 

Is Otis sick? Or foolish? Nope. Otis does things in his own time, in his  own ways, because OTIS KNOWS how to be a bear. He's been a bear longer than any of the others. When he drags his scruffy, skinny self out of the den, he doesn't need to compete. He takes up a spot on the river that will bring the fish to him. He knows to eat. He knows his missing teeth won't keep him from devouring plenty of fresh foods. He does it all in his own way. In his own time,

As Fall comes, the bears grow fat. Fatter than fat. The mothers, the cubs, the others. Otis, though, is ONE FAT BEAR! When the seasons lead him back to his den, he is well-prepared to sleep deep, long, and in his own way.  

Dang, I just gave away the whole story! But it isn't just a story, it's public record. Otis, #480, is one of the actual bears who gained online fame for the annual FAT BEAR WEEK contest. Otis was the proud winner of that FAT BEAR contest several times, despite being old, lumbering, and a late-starting each spring. He certainly proved that he knew what he was doing. Finally, in spring of 2024, Otis did not come from his den late, or at all. At about 28 years of age (a very long life for brown bears). 

What merited my attention was not just the appeal of Otis, nor the perfectly paced writing with  graceful language, nor the illustrations that are as informative as they are heartwarming and humorous. The creators track record for fantastic picture books assured I'd read this, but I was blown away. What happens in this nonfiction (yes, nonfiction) book is as magical as anything Disney could design. Back matter provided more details about Otis as well as notes about true hibernation and dormancy. But it isn't the back matter that earns my highest praise. 

The authors have used the life and patterns of Otis and his life to offer understated advice to us all, at any age. Doing things in our own way, in our own time, may draw concern, or even scorn. Living by our inner clocks while still knowing what needs to be done and getting it done may not be popular with everyone around us. That approach may suggest to others that we are incompetent or clueless. Judging others has become as natural an impulse to people as fattening up is to bears. But we can all know, or learn to embrace, an Otis attitude. When we know ourselves and what we can and need to do, the question is, will be get it done?  Not when, or how, or just like someone else would do it. 

And when others around us approach life in ways we would not, were can give them grace. They just might know enough to win the prize!

ELECTION DAY!

 

Stock image, 2026

As important as picture books are to me, (and if you don't already know how much that is, I've got more work to do here!)  it's even more important today to focus on GETTING OUT THE VOTE!

More people than usual have voted early in this midterm cycle. I voted on the first day of early in-person voting. More than usual numbers have requested absentee ballots. If your responsibility and rights have already been completed in the voting realm, take this last day of eligibility to drive someone to the polls, to encourage those still holding absentee ballots to drop off TODAY, or take a drive past a polling place and SMILE!

Once all that can be done has been done, you may want to sit back and learn about a few of the many titles celebrating how this crucial right and responsibility came to be taken for granted. (It never should be, as we see today more than ever.) A good place to start is with the remarkable story of how POX nearly cost us our revolutionary war, making all of this a moot point!  Several recent releases exploring the topic were featured HERE, while earlier titles have not lost their potent messages HERE, and some fun twists on voting are featured HERE. Some profiles of activists and leaders cast spotlights on folks who are still fighting the good fight in today's political contests, HERE.

Whatever else you do today, please make sure you've stepped up to the plate to cast your own vote- for whoever or whatever rings your bell. And, when possible, speak up in support of the process and others who might face struggles to get to the polls. Then, regardless of whether the results are what you hoped for or not, raise your voices to say that the results are safe, trusted, and a consequence of citizens exercising their rights to make choices.