The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Beth Anderson September 2026
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 A former educator, her experience in the classroom continues to inspire and inform her writing as she shares true stories that widen our world and invite kids to laugh, ponder, and question. Born and raised in Illinois, Beth now lives in Colorado.
[For more information about Beth and her books, see our earlier interviews (here), (here), (here), and (here).]
Her newest picture book, The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington's Battle to Save the Continental Army, releases September 29th.
Welcome back Beth,
Was there anything unusual you had to do to research The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington's Battle to Save the Continental Army that differed from your other nonfiction picture books?
The research process was typical, but I think dealing with disease as an antagonist was probably the most different because of how this largely “invisible” force impacted all aspects of the army. So “setting” was really widened because I had to learn about the medical knowledge, beliefs, fears, the army medical department and surgeons, and societal customs and treatments of the time. Add to that the medical aspects like societal prevalence and differences in immunity, contagion transmission, symptoms, mortality rates, treatment options, and inoculation. And…direct impact on the army’s actions with such things as traveling, battle strategies, troop strength, supplies, and uniforms. (We all hear about the sorry state of the army at Valley Forge but I don’t think I ever learned that, due to smallpox, blankets and uniforms used by an infected person had to be burned.) Though much of that information isn’t directly on the page, it informed every word.
I can see how that would add an additional layer of required research and work to creating the story. What was the inspiration or spark of interest for The Patriots and the Pox?
While I knew about the presence of various diseases during the war and had researched to find out what infected Deborah Sampson in Philadelphia for Cloaked in Courage, I didn’t know the extent of smallpox and the devastating impact it had during the war. When I saw an article about George Washington’s decision to inoculate his troops against smallpox, I immediately dug into this piece of history. I had no idea! How timely having just come out of Covid and in the midst of the debate on vaccination. But…could the story of a decision work? Though the intersection of so many topics was a huge challenge, it really opened up a piece of history and my understanding of Washington’s leadership and the immensity of his burden.
Text © Beth Anderson, 2026. Image © Ashley Yazdani, 2026.
A pivotal moment in the life and decisions of George Washington. I am so glad you chose to pursue this piece of history. It is something everyone should know about. What was the toughest part of writing The Patriots and the Pox? Was this different from your other books?
This was a tough “slice” of life since there was so much interconnected context required to understand the risk and stakes of Washington’s decision—how and why inoculation had the potential to destroy his army or save it. I had never dealt with scientific and medical concepts such as inoculation, immunity, and contagion.
Because the entire story rests on comprehension of these concepts, I needed to embed them in meaningful context and find ways to show them if possible. I spent a lot of time moving pieces and ideas around to find a sequence that built understanding and didn’t repeat ideas. “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses also had an essentially invisible antagonist with electricity, but that seemed easier with a physical third rail in the subway.
Congratulations on puzzling it out and creating an amazing and important book. We often focus on what was hard about putting together the research and writing of a book. What were the most fun or fascinating parts of researching and/or writing The Patriots and the Pox? How does the amount of documentation compare to Cloaked in Courage and Revolutionary Prudence Wright which are set around the same time?
The fun part was bringing the drama to disease with imagery. Experiencing the continuing expanding of my understanding as I learned how smallpox affected aspects of the war I’d never thought about was really fascinating.
Text © Beth Anderson, 2026. Image © Ashley Yazdani, 2026.
As far as documentation, the women’s stories had much less because their roles were less valued and individual lives of women were not recorded or preserved in the same ways male leaders’ lives were. For Washington, given his role in our history, there is a plethora of information and resources—many bios and archives filled with letters and papers. The revolution also has a huge amount of documentation of various sorts from a wide range of people. Since Washington instituted the use of military records and reports, there’s a treasure trove of those in archives, too. Lots to sift through for smallpox!
I imagine that more documentation can be both a blessing and a curse. How long did The Patriots and the Pox take from idea to publication?
I saw the article and began researching in August 2022. Revision number 19 was subbed a year later. (My revisions are fewer these days as each one is much more expansive and stretches over days or week, but I still end up with about 40-50 by the end.) After revision and resubmission, it was subbed again in January 2024, and then went under contract in March 2024.
Thank you for sharing the manuscript's journey. When you first saw Ashley Yazdani ’s illustrations, did anything surprise or amaze you? Which is your favorite spread?
I loved her take on how to present smallpox visually and how creatively she used the “miasma” idea to represent the live virus, as well as immunity. It really helps make these “invisible” concepts comprehensible, and along with that, the conflict, risk, and stakes are visible. But wow, tough choice to pick a favorite! I love the spread with the military disaster in Canada for the drama. (fun to write!) And both of the spreads showing the inoculation process Washington instituted for the fantastic details. The powerful introduction of smallpox, and the “pull” into the future of the final spread are amazing. Lots to love!
This is a stunning spread. I can see why you like it. It captures the process so powerfully. Is there something you’d like to share from your research which did not make it into the book or back matter?
So much interesting information didn’t make it into the book! I was really struck by what I learned about how, twice, the power of words inspired the Continental Army past hopelessness. Washington ordered the newly printed Declaration of Independence read to the troops. His own units heard it in New York City in the midst of humiliating losses and responded with “huzzahs.” Then again, words came to the rescue when all was on the line, and George wrote to his brother, “I think the game is pretty near up.” Across the river from Trenton at the end of 1776, Thomas Paine read to Washington’s troops from The American Crisis. Seeing the power of words to inspire hits me right in the heart.
I hope this book and others will successfully inspire more generations. Is there anything you want your readers to know about The Patriots and the Pox?
Though I wasn’t able to focus on all the powerful ideas that struck me as I wrote, I hope they come through for readers to ponder. The colonies had to learn how to work together. Unity was essential for an effective army and took a long time to emerge. They had to trust each other and put the benefit of the whole above themselves. Seeing this play out on the page made me think about other the kinds of “invisible enemies” they were experiencing—like distrust, hopelessness, and fear. These kinds of enemies are very real in all of our lives today.
And something that requires unity and selflessness to combat. Are there any projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
A couple manuscripts are in search of homes, and a new one is in the works. I’m excited to share that Sculpting President Lincoln: Vinnie Ream Carves Out Her Future is releasing March 9, 2027! This story of a spunky and mighty teenaged girl who blazed her way past stodgy tradition was an irresistible bit of history for me. Ream was the first woman and remains the youngest artist ever to receive a government commission. That statue of Abraham Lincoln you see standing in the Capitol rotunda? Vinnie’s!! I absolutely loved learning how she accomplished this, giving it her all—investing her hands, head, and heart!
Intriguing. This sounds like an amazing book and I am excited to read it. Last question, who is your STEAM hero or heroine, living or dead (scientist, naturalist, author, teacher, etc.)? Why?
I’d have to choose Ben Franklin. My fascination with him never ceases. He was driven by curiosity across all disciplines, had an incredible sense of humor, strived to be a better human, and left the world a better place. Reader, writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, negotiator, entrepreneur, and leader—rock star of history!
Thank you, Beth, for stopping by for this interview. I always enjoy talking with you.
I appreciate the opportunity, Maria! And thank you for being such a stalwart blogger in the world of children’s literature!
Be sure to come back on Friday for the Perfect Picture Book #PPBF post on The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington's Battle to Save the Continental Army.
To find out more about Beth Anderson, or contact her:
Website: https://bethandersonwriter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bandersonwriter/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bandersonwriter/
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