November 1, 2017
Gr 4-8-A curious mix of fact, fiction, and science awaits intrepid readers. Though some names and scenarios may be familiar to kids from a sleepless night at a slumber party (Bloody Mary; Bunny Man Bridge; The Hookman), others highlight historical events (Roanoke Colony; Mary Celeste; Bermuda Triangle). Designed as a hi-lo series, the narratives are made up of staccatolike sentences that do tend to detract from the overall appeal ("They were training. Training means practicing. They practiced flying. They practiced dropping bombs."). Scientific explanations and tips for further investigation are interspersed within the story lines. Some of the related biography features may confuse distractible readers trying to keep the original characters straight. Creepy photos and compare-and-contrast activities throughout the series make this great as a reading group purchase. VERDICT Consider for middle school libraries where hi-lo informational texts are needed.
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