April 1, 2011
Gr 3-9-Designed for struggling readers, this series combines accessible writing, dynamic illustrations, and high-interest topics. Snazzy covers and an abundance of glossy, full-color illustrations provide appeal. With one paragraph per page, the writing is succinct but informative, as in Doft's outline of the famous mystic: "Nostradamus died in 1566. It is said he knew which day he was going to die. The predictions he left behind live on to this day." Theories, historical references, and viewpoints from believers and skeptics give the material substance. For example, Helstrom explains that when an elaborate array of crop circles was found to form a mathematical pattern, "many believed that aliens were trying to use math to send a message. Others thought the crop circles were a hoax." Form and function are solid partners in this engaging series.
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
April 15, 2011
Grades 3-6 The Unexplained series is an ideal collection for reluctant readers struggling to make it through more sophisticated (and duller) texts. Yes, the sentences are simple and engaging, and the large, ominous, digitally created illustrations provide plenty of eye candy. But even better is the swift covering of ground that gives each book true scopein very few pages, readers will get a sense of intellectual accomplishment and may well seek out other, more in-depth series. Atlantis starts, naturally, with Plato, and makes great use of maps when offering up possible locations of ruins (and enticing us with the legend of a giant Poseidon statue that sunk to the bottom of the sea). Each book questions the validity of the various claims; its telling that the brief back matter of three of these four titles includes a glossary definition of skeptics. Light, fun, and sure to intrigue.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)