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- Compact Research: Current Issues Reviews
- Compact Research: Disease and Disorders Reviews
- Compact Research: Drugs Reviews
- Compact Research: Energy and the Environment Reviews
- In Controversy Reviews
- The Library of Ghosts and Hauntings Reviews
- The Mysterious and Unknown Reviews
 
School Violence: ISBN 978-1-60152-057-9
Video Games: ISBN 978-1-60152-053-1 |
| School Library Journal, January and February 2009 |
Gr 6-9 The introduction to School Violence looks at the prevalence of the problem; causes such as bullying and gangs; the influence of the media, including online sources, on behavior; and the roles of alcohol and drugs, etc. The "...at a glance" spread and "Overview" prepare readers for the more detailed information to come and provide facts about safety issues. Each of four chapters then addresses both sides of a question, followed by four pages of quotes and a section of colorful graphs, charts, and illustrations. The second book opens with descriptions of the growing popularity of video games and the regulation and legislation of content and sales; ratings; connections with violent crime; and health effects, including addiction. An overview provides further background and context to these issues, and as in School Violence, chapters follow addressing related questions and providing other related material. These chapters look more closely at the influence of the pastime on users' health and also cover the games'effects on perception of right and wrong, intelligence, development of analytical and social skills and negative stereotypes, etc. The accessible and objective presentations and lists of key people and advocacy groups make these useful resources for research.
—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE
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Drunk Driving: ISBN 978-1-60152-072-2
Disaster Response: ISBN 978-1-60152-081-4 |
| School Library Journal, November 2009, Series Made Simple Supplement |
Gr 6 Up Each book provides a great array of facts, statistics, graphs, and primary-source quotes. The first title has an overview of the problem as well as topic-specific chapters such as “Who Drives Drunk?” and “How Should Drunk Drivers Be Punished?” It offers differing ideas on questions that have more than one answer. The colorful graphs and charts contain current information, sometimes through 2008. Robson covers disasters ranging from manmade to weather-related and bioterrorism. The author doesn’t just focus on the United States; how the world responds to disasters takes up a good part of the book. Hurricane Katrina is discussed in the overview and leads into chapters that question the ability of the United States to handle natural disasters and how it can be improved. Once again, colorful graphs and up-to-date statistics are included. Both titles would be great additions for students needing print materials to help with research projects, and for those who require some kind of first-person account included in their research.
—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR |
U.S. Border Control: ISBN 978-1-60152-052-4
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| School Library Journal, February 2009 |
Gr 6 Up An effective presentation of a multifaceted issue. McCage poses questions via the chapter headings ("Does increased border security protect the United States?"), then answers with succinct explanations composed of statistics and quotes from reliable sources. Also covered are impediments to border control, the Minuteman Project and its surrounding controversy, and future border control policies. Each section closes with "Primary Source Quotes" and "Facts and Illustrations"; the latter consists of material such as graphs, pie charts, and maps. While these sections make it easy for students to pinpoint the information they need, some graphics (such as the full-page pie charts that illustrate only one question each) seem superfluous.
Though the text lacks photographs or personal accounts, the well-structured information provides a solid platform for all sides of the argument.
—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library
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| Drug Legalization: ISBN 978-1-60152-012-8 |
| School Library Journal, December 2009 |
Gr 9 Up Normally books on drugs, particularly those about marijuana, contain a section devoted to legalization. This book looks at marijuana, but also includes information regarding the legalization of a variety of other controlled substances. A beginning overview provides readers with relevant background and context. Chapters begin by posing questions such as, "Would legalizing drugs decrease crime?" or "Would legalizing drugs increase drug addiction?" The book provides different opinions, documented facts, and primary-source quotes to guide readers in forming and articulating their own responses. Color photos, charts, and graphs are interspersed. Lists of key people, advocacy groups, and related organizations complete the volume. Useful for persuasive writing and speaking assignments.
—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School Library, Lancaster, PA
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| Cloning: ISBN 978-1-60152-081-4 |
| School Library Journal, December 2008 |
Gr 9 Up Rather than a series of point/counterpoint articles, this book contains single chapters that each pose a question, e.g., "Is human cloning ethical?" and provide background and information in support of different responses to a specific controversy. Each chapter also includes a useful selection of related primary-source material. Throughout, Roleff gives necessary background in genetics to help students understand how cloning works. The technical language becomes a bit overwhelming in the chapter "Is Embryonic Stem Cell Re-search Ethical?" when the difference between pluripotent embryonic and multipotent adult stem cells is discussed. Those concepts are tackled and explained in as simple a way as possible, but the vocabulary and concepts are understandably daunting. Still, compared to titles such as John Woodward's The Ethics of Human Cloning (Gale, 2004), this is a more visually appealing and user-friendly title. It includes full-color graphs, charts, and photos, and the text is broken into manageable subsections. The book has information on key people and advocacy groups and a useful list of related organizations with print, phone, and Web contact information.
—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School Library, Lancaster, PA |
| Illegal Immigration: ISBN 978-1-60152-009-8 |
| Booklist, April 15, 2008 |
Given the overwhelming volume of information available on the Web, students will welcome this in-depth, clearly organized volume in the Compact Research: Current Issues series that does an excellent job of looking at the arguments about immigration from all sides. After the detailed overview, Miller discusses conflicting opinions on assimilation, effects on the economy, amnesty, border enforcement, guest worker programs, and more. The design is highly readable, including extensive primary-source quotes, as well as facts and color charts with each chapter; in fact, browsers may start with the visuals and then go on to the in-depth arguments. The debate is balanced; opposing sides have their say, whether the argument is about immigration policy reforms or about whether illegals threaten American society. Extensive source notes, a bibliography, chronology, and an annotated list of key people and advocacy groups will help those who want to find out more.
—Hazel Rochman
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World Energy Crisis: ISBN 978-1-60152-011-1
Gun Control: ISBN 978-1-60152-010-4 |
| School Library Journal, May 2007 |
Gr 8 Up These books are intended to allow one-stop shopping for researchers by providing an overview, primary and secondary information, and charts and graphs on a contemporary topic. World Energy Crisis covers the diminishing quantity of available oil, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources. It discusses the current problems of energy use and supply without any mention of global warming or the green-house effect. In Gun Control, the discussion includes subjects such as youth violence, the Second Amendment, and bans on assault weapons. Both volumes include the names of key people and advocacy groups, a timetable showing the development of the issues, and additional re-sources. The colorful charts are sometimes difficult to understand and no explanatory text is provided. Although both sides of controversial issues are given, often the very short quotations provided as primary-source material are taken out of context and may not give readers enough information. The "Opposing Viewpoints" series (Gale) gives readers a fuller understanding of these topics, although Kallen's and Milite's books could be used to supplement more thorough explorations of the subject because of their additional statistical information.
—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
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The Death Penalty: ISBN 978-1-60152-008-1
Illegal Immigration: ISBN 978-1-60152-009-8
Biomedical Ethics: ISBN 978-1-60152-013-5 |
| School Library Journal, May 2007 |
Gr 9 Up These books are deceptively thin as they are packed with well-organized, useful information. They include primary-source quotes, several types of graphs, lists of facts, and brief time lines of seminal events. The design is well thought out and the presentations are much more user-friendly for ELL learners and lower-ability researchers than the "Opposing Viewpoints" series (Gale). The authors touch on many of the areas that teens need when researching for reports or speeches, and each volume presents the most current information feasible in books on such ever-changing, timely topics. They also cater to different research styles with straight text, photos, lists, charts and graphs, and illustrations about each topic. Students will welcome these information-rich titles.
—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI
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Global Warming and Climate Change: ISBN 978-1-60152-019-7
Nuclear Weapons and Security: ISBN 978-1-60152-021-0
Energy Alternatives: ISBN 978-1-60152-017-3
Obesity: ISBN 978-1-60152-040-7 |
| School Library Journal, June 2008 |
Gr 9 Up Through primary-source quotes and many graphs and illustrations, this book gives quick bytes on the subject of obesity, including its causes, prevention, and treatment. The quotations, which are both focused in separate chapters and scattered around the text, add depth to the many charts, graphs, and other visuals. Both general readers and serious researchers will find something useful in this volume. It facilitates research for less-motivated students and supplies excellent information for better researchers.
—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI
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| Conflict in the Middle East: ISBN 978-1-60152-016-6 |
| School Library Journal, June 2008 |
Gr 9 Up Naff has tackled a complex and broad topic in a concise and accurate manner, providing an easy-to-grasp and evenhanded re-source on the subject.
Although his outlook is grim, it is realistic and objective. The author provides a brief look at each topic, including the history, the current situation, and potential resolutions. The book covers many conflicts in the Middle East, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as well as the Iraq War, and looks at America's involvement and the effects the fighting has and will continue to have on this country along with an overview of reactions from the global community. Each section includes several pages of direct quotes, statistics, and short summarizing statements. The layout is open, the illustrations (primarily graphs and maps) are colorful, and the back matter has plenty of suggestions for further research.
—Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA |
Animal Experimentation: ISBN 978-1-60152-037-1
Genetic Engineering: ISBN 978-1-60152-038-8 |
| School Library Journal, July 2008 |
Gr 9 Up Each of these comprehensive guides contains a thorough explanation of the scientific field and dispassionately presents the arguments for and against its practices. The format is identical in each, and includes an overview, several long chapters examining sub-topics, and a chapter on key organizations. What makes the books different is that each discussion chapter ends with a collection of primary-source quotes as well as clear, colorful illustrations, including maps, charts, graphs, and photographs that provide excellent visual aids. Unlike the "Opposing Viewpoints" series, which contains longer essays, allowing each writer the chance to make a persuasive argument, these titles summarize the opinions from each side in individual entries such as "Are Animal Experiments Conducted Humanely?" and "What Policies Should Govern Genetic Engineering?" If a teacher's goal is for students to learn to research, these books will completely undermine that effort. If the goal is for students to take a controversial topic, learn about it, and write persuasive arguments of their own, these titles will be a goldmine.
—Denise Schmidt, San Francisco Public Library, CA
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Global Warming and Climate Change: ISBN 978-1-60152-019-7
Nuclear Weapons and Security: ISBN 978-1-60152-021-0
Energy Alternatives: ISBN 978-1-60152-017-3 |
| School Library Journal, January 2008 |
Gr 8 Up Useful for reports, these volumes provide concise, concentrated information on contemporary topics. Each one gives an overview of the subject and presents pertinent questions with appropriate and well-documented quotations from a variety of viewpoints and basic facts and diagrams. Most pages also include a pull quote from the text. Key people and advisory groups are briefly discussed, and related contact information is provided. A thorough list of materials for further research includes books, periodicals, and Web sites. Charts and maps are in full color. Global Warming presents the dimensions of the crisis while giving voice to those who have different views. Friedman gives a short history of nuclear arms and describes the current proliferation of such weapons. A section on world survival after a nuclear war discusses the devastating consequences of such an event. Energy Alternatives provides a variety of possible alternatives to fossil fuels. Wind, solar, nuclear, hydro, ocean, and geothermal power are examined with the possible benefits and problems associated with each. These books will be helpful to students looking for a one-stop information source on current and controversial issues.
—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
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Terrorist Attacks: ISBN 978-1-60152-022-7
National Security: ISBN 978-1-60152-020-3 |
| School Library Journal, February 2008 |
Gr 7 Up Students writing current-events papers on these two front-page issues will undoubtedly find these books vital to their research. The first book introduces theories as to why people carry out terrorist attacks, how they are executed, and how the attacks might be prevented.
The second book includes information on the effect of security concerns on privacy, American foreign policy, and the Iraq War. Each volume includes people and groups associated with the issue, a chronology of events, related organizations, and suggestions for further research.
Chapters open and end with an array of quotes that argue for or against a particular argument or aspect of the issue, complete with full citation. Pull quotes from the text and illustrated maps, graphs, and charts assist readers in understanding the main content. However, the pages are a bit dense and crammed full of many quotes, figures, and other information, which may make the volumes daunting for reluctant readers. Still, they are balanced looks at two controversial issues.
—TJennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA
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| Religious Fundamentalism: ISBN 978-1-60152-082-1 |
| Booklist, November 15, 2009 |
Part of the Compact Research: Current Issues series, this book on religious fundamentalism is timely and informative but has some organizational and definition problems that may limit its use. For instance, fundamentalism initially is defined in terms of a belief in scripture, ignoring practices and actions. Each religion has its own fundamentalists (which the text rightly points out in numerous spots), but throughout, the book jumps from one group to another so that readers move rather too rapidly from Hasidic Jews to Sikhs to the “New Atheists.” Moreover, the chapters of primary source quotes are offered without much context. Despite these problems, students who have only a vague idea of the term fundamentalism will get up to speed as Marcovitz explores such topics as how governments should respond to religious fundamentalism and whether it fuels violence and terror. The book mentions some positive aspects of fundamentalism and has some pro-religion quotes. Illustrated primarily with charts and graphs.
—Ilene Cooper
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Bipolar Disorders: ISBN 978-1-60152-066-1
ADHD: ISBN 978-1-60152-062-3
Alzheimer’s Disease: ISBN 978-1-60152-061-6 |
| School Library Journal, June 2009 |
Gr 6-10 These serviceable volumes offer orderly looks at their topics. The authors describe the disorders, causes (if known), symptoms, treatments, and the effects on an individual, a family, and society at large. Detailed back matter includes source notes, key people and advocacy groups, and related organizations. The texts are factual without being dry, easy to read, and colorful. One drawback is that the illustrations, although aesthetically pleasing, tend to be a little simplistic. Also, readers will need to read the fine print at the bottom of the sections labeled “Primary Source Quotes” to understand the series’ usage of the term. The quotations are really just a gathering of sound bites and text blurbs gleaned from doctors treating these illnesses and the patients and/or families of the afflicted. Still, these titles are solid entries for libraries needing to update their collections in these areas.
—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX |
Down Syndrome: ISBN 978-1-60152-065-4
HPV: ISBN 978-1-60152-070-8 |
| School Library Journal, June 2009 |
Gr 7 Up This up-to-date, excellent overview of Down syndrome addresses controversies and ethical issues associated with this genetic disorder. Parks also reports on current and potential scientific advances that may prevent it in the future and offer a better quality of life and opportunities for those born with it. HPV examines prevention techniques and treatments, explains scientific advances that might prevent HPV, and presents information about vaccines and controversies surrounding them. Important features in both volumes include primary-source quotations with citations, illustrations, facts, tables, and colorful informational sidebars. Useful for reports and for general information.
—Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ |
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: ISBN 978-1-60152-045-6
Hepatitis: ISBN 978-1-60152-039-5
Meningitis: ISBN 978-1-60152-043-2
Phobias: ISBN 978-1-60152-044-9
Anorexia: ISBN 978-1-60152-042-5
Autism: ISBN 978-1-60152-058-6
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| School Library Journal, November 2008 |
| Gr 9 Up Each of these books contains the same foreword, stating that part of the series goal is to present "information on a current topic in a user-friendly style that invites, intrigues, and fosters understanding." Mission accomplished. The organized, uniform structure includes an opening overview of the disease or disorder, with subsequent chapters divided into three parts: text, quotations from primary sources, and "Facts and Illustrations," which includes bulleted snippets of information and color photographs and drawings. While the illustrations are helpful access points, their separation from the text can be inconvenient. The firsthand or expert accounts that open chapters and are sprinkled throughout are astutely selected and seamlessly woven into the presentation. These quality sources could be used in a variety of different ways-straight reporting for speech or debate ideas (Anorexia's discussion of "pro-Ana" Web sites could be used in debates on free speech, for example), or as a springboard for further research.
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Diabetes: ISBN 978-1-60152-076-0
Learning Disabilities: ISBN 978-160152-077-7
Sleep Disorders: ISBN 978-160152-071-5 |
| Booklist, November 2009 |
With many color photos, famous profiles, and dramatic opinion-based quotes from experts with differing viewpoints, the browsable design will draw readers to these titles in the Compact Research: Diseases and Disorders series, including teens who suffer from the conditions or know someone who does. Far from saccharine, both professionals in the field and individual young people never deny the hardship, and they are realistic about the ongoing daily struggle and the hope of overcoming disability. Diabetes is especially grim at times, with scary terms such as "deadly" and quotes about kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness, but the essential information includes details of the diabetes food pyramid, the facts about pancreatic cancer and kidney transplants, and especially the call for increased government spending on prevention. In Learning Disabilities, the famous profiles—from the mayor of San Francisco, who struggles with dyslexia, to Helen Keller—show that even if the disability cannot be cured, with the right treatment and attitude, people can achieve success. Everyone will recognize the causes and effects of insomnia discussed in Sleep Disorders; much scarier are the potentially fatal disorders of sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Each title includes extensive, spacious back matter, with bibliographies of books, periodicals, and Internet sites; detailed source notes; and key people and advocacy groups.
—Hazel Rochman
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Sleep Disorders: ISBN 978-1-60152-071-5
Learning Disabilities: ISBN 978-1-60152-077-7
Diabetes: ISBN 978-1-60152-076-0 |
| School Library Journal, November 2009, Series Made Simple Supplement |
Gr 6 Up Marcovitz’s coverage ranges from insomnia to potential medical conditions that can lead to death, such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy. This book is a comprehensive overview of an often misunderstood subject. Parks explains what learning disabilities are and discusses the causes and overcoming them. The book’s strength is that it explains how learning disabilities differ from other types of disorders. Yuwiler discusses type 1 diabetes and its management, type 2 diabetes and its prevention, metabolic syndrome, and medical advances. In all three books, subtopics are delineated by brightly colored burgundy headings; blocks of orange-colored sidebars with bright-red print and relevant color photos and illustrations appear throughout. Each chapter ends with several pages of primary-source quotes and facts and illustrations that offer greater clarity to the text. Teens will find the overall organization of these succinct and easy-to-read books useful and attractive.
—Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ |
Club Drugs: ISBN 978-1-60152-005-0
Inhalants: ISBN 978-1-60152-015-9
Cocaine and Crack: ISBN 978-1-60152-001-2 |
| School Library Journal, February 2008 |
Gr 9 Up Club Drugs and Inhalants pose questions about these substances-how they are harmful, how they affect society, and how they can be controlled or their use prevented. Cocaine speaks not only to addiction but also includes sections on punishments, treatment, and the war on the substance. Each title has an overview, primary-source quotes that clearly express varied opinions, glitzy statistical charts, and illustrations. Concepts covered include common street names, how the drugs affect the brain, and how they are ingested. Each volume ends with a list of key people and advocacy groups, a chronology of important trends and legislation related to a particular drug, and a list of related organizations. The purpose of the series is to cull information and organize it into a "compact, relevant, intelligent" format. While that goal is met, at times the books can be too simplified and repetitive and tend to spoon-feed readers.
—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY |
Methamphetamine: ISBN 978-1-60152-004-3
Heroin: ISBN 978-1-60152-002-9
Marijuana: ISBN 978-1-60152-000-5 |
| School Library Journal, May 2007 |
Gr 8-10 These conveniently organized, user-friendly volumes cater to reluctant readers and feature objective overviews; large-type primary-source quotes; and a number of brightly colored maps, charts, and graphs. Berne explores whether methamphetamine usage in the U.S. has reached epidemic proportions, its dangers, the link between addiction and crime, and abuse prevention. Egendorf cites the dangers of heroin and addresses abuse prevention, the effectiveness of treatments, and whether its use should be decriminalized or legalized. Nakaya covers marijuana-related health issues, the drug's effect on society, and legalization issues including medicinal usage. End matter is above average with source notes, related organizations, a chronology, and an annotated listing of key people and advocacy groups. Since many series titles cover similar information in a similar format on all three drugs, purchase to update or fill holes in collections.
—Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI |
Methamphetamine: ISBN 978-1-60152-043
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| Booklist, April 15, 2008 |
Is methamphetamine use an epidemic? This title from the Compact Research: Drugs series considers that question along with the dangers of the drug, links between meth addiction and crime, and addiction prevention. Each chapter is followed by a “Facts and Illustrations” section that includes a page of bullet-point statements and several pages of information clearly presented on colorful, clearly labeled charts, graphs, and maps. “Primary Source Quotes” offers a series of quotes, from statements by doctors, journalists, and government officials to those of former addicts, with writers identified and the source references given below the quotes. Some students may find these sections useful as a way to identify places to look for “primary source” quotes for their papers, but the use of the statements out of context, frequently with words left out or inserted, takes these quotes a step or two away from what most teachers would consider primary sources. Back matter includes a chronology; source notes; lists of books, periodicals, and Internet sources; and annotated lists of key people and organizations.
—Carolyn Phelan |
Deforestation: ISBN 978-1-60152-075-3
Biofuels: ISBN 978-1-60152-078-4
Fossil Fuels: ISBN 978-1-60152-079-1
Hydrogen Power: ISBN 978-1-60152-073-91
Solar Power: ISBN 978-1-60152-074-6
Wind Power: ISBN 978-1-60152-080-7 |
| School Library Journal, November 2009, Series Made Simple Supplement |
| Gr 9 Up These titles pack a ton of useful research information into small packages. The organization will appeal to researchers with limited prior knowledge, as the books begin with “At a Glance” summaries and then expand to chapter-length discussions. Chapters pose questions (“How Do Biofuels Affect the Environment?”), explore the issues in a clear narrative, and conclude with sections of primary-source quotes, compact facts, and informative illustrations. Deforestation feels like the odd man out, but it clearly explains the problems with the use of wood as a fuel, and describes efforts to change that trend. |
Does Illegal Immigration Harm Society?: ISBN 978-1-60152-085-2
Is Stem Cell Research Necessary?: ISBN 978-1-60152-088-3
Childhood Obesity: ISBN 978-1-60152-083-8
How Should the World Respond to Global Warming? ISBN 978-1-60152-086-9
Does the Death Penalty Deter Crime?: ISBN 978-1-60152-084-5 |
| School Library Journal, November 2009, Series Made Simple Supplement |
| Gr 9 Up An excellent series, providing unbiased information on a range of controversial topics. Each volume provides a rigorous investigation of its topic, with chapter titles structured as questions to encourage students to think about the issues. For example, chapters in Illegal Immigration include “Does Illegal Immigration Harm the American Economy?” and “Does Illegal Immigration Lead to Increased Crime and Terrorism?” Each volume is attractively designed, allowing plenty of white space to contrast with the color photos, reproductions, charts and graphs, maps, and sidebars. Quotes are well-cited, and the writing is consistently high. For in-depth research into a topic, these are first-rate resources. |
| Does Illegal Immigration Harm Society: ISBN 978-160152-085-2 |
| Booklist, October 1, 2009 |
Gr 7 Up This title in the In Controversy series examines the vexing issue of illegal immigration. Barbour starts with context—an overview of nineteenth and early-twentieth-century legislative attempts at regulating immigration—and then examines a clutch of contentious issues surrounding the current impact of illegal immigration upon America’s economy, culture, crime, and national security. His strategy is to offer the sometimes inflated, sometimes reasonable views of advocates from both sides of the issue(s). The result is generally balanced, though his coverage of crime and terrorism does seem skewed in the conservative direction (could it be the quote Barbour includes from the magazine New American without informing readers it’s published by The John Birch Society?). One also wonders why, of the five Web sites listed in the appended “For Further Research” section, three are conservative and two libertarian. To be fair, the unbiased Pew Hispanic Center is often cited and readers are also referred to such immigration-friendly sources as La Raza and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Yes, a controversial issue—and perhaps a controversial book?
—Michael Cart |
| Ghost Hunters: ISBN 978-160152-091-3 |
| Booklist, October 1, 2009 |
Gr 9 Up Books about troublesome spirits have long been a mainstay in middle-grade collections. This entry in the Library of Ghosts and Hauntings series takes a decidedly modern tack by focusing on ghost busters. Although much page space is given to Jason Hawes andGrant Wilson, founder of TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) and stars of the TV show Ghost Hunters, Lace doesn’t skimp on history. The origins of tracking, recording, and photographing ghosts are traced back to the spiritualism movement of the 1800s; the first bona fide ghost hunter, Harry Price; all the way up to the current high-tech gadgets that assist modern-day investigators. There are plenty of shots of creepy locations (though most of them are unrelated to the text) and hunters in action, though it would’ve been nice to see at least a few of the purported images of ghosts. But Lace’s technique of ending each section with a teaser of what’s to come is effective. This is a rare topic that will enthrall horror hounds and gearheads alike.
—Daniel Kraus |
Communication with the Dead: ISBN ISBN 978-1-60152-089-0
Ghost Hunters: ISBN 978-160152-091-3
Ghosts: ISBN 978-1-60152-090-6
Hauntings: ISBN 978-1-60152-092-0
Poltergeists: ISBN 978-1-60152-093-7
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| School Library Journal, November 2009, Series Made Simple Supplement |
| Gr 7 Up This set presents numerous stories of ghosts and hauntings taken from books, Web sites, and other publications. The easy-to-read books contain a good deal of text and are suitable for those who want substantial information. The quality and tone of the writing varies, with some of the titles contradicting each other. Ghosts, the strongest title in the series, does an excellent job of balancing ghost stories with a discussion of the lack of scientific evidence for them. The other books are a little more sensational and at times imply that the encounters occurred. Color images and sidebars will help to hold readers’ attention and make the books appealing to reluctant readers. While the authors rely heavily on Web sites for information, each book contains suggestions for further reading and detailed source notes. |
The Kennedy Assassination: ISBN 978-1-60152-036-4
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| School Library Journal, April 2009 (Series Made Simple Non Fiction Series coverage in the April issue) |
Gr 8-10 It is difficult to understand why this title is included in a series that looks at UFOs, alien abductions, ghosts, and vampires. While all of the previous subjects are mysteries of an otherworldly nature, Kennedy’s assassination is a fact of history. Chapters address the Camelot appeal of JFK and Jackie, the history of the anti-Kennedy sentiment in the South, gruesome details of the murder and its aftermath, and the hunt for the assassin. The majority of the book poses suggestions for possible conspiracies. The questions regarding the number of bullets fired and how they entered and exited Kennedy’s body have cast doubt on the Warren Commission’s findings for decades, yet the only discernible new information in this volume is that modern technologies now allow experts to look at the evidence in different ways. The sidebars of eyewitness quotations, “Did you know?” segments, and photos bring the incident to life. Over time there have been dozens of books written about this sad chapter in American history. Libraries already owning a solid account of the assassination and its investigation can skip this one.
—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY |
| Mummies: ISBN 978-1-60152-054-8 |
| School Library Journal, January 2009 |
Gr 6-9 Starting off with perhaps the most famous mummy of all, King Tut, this serious yet engaging study goes well beyond familiar territory. Woog discusses how powdered Egyptian mummies were used as medicine in Europe from the Middle Ages into the 19th century. Many bog mummies of Northern Europe show signs of having been murdered or ritually sacrificed. The author also reports that there are 8000 mummies on display (many of them posed) in Sicily. Ancient Caucasian mummies have been found in the remote northwest part of China. There were self-mummifying monks in old Japan. And the process of self-mummification is explained in gruesome detail. Many experts are quoted throughout the readable text. Engaging photographs, some grisly, complement the subject. One small drawback is that the abundant lavender-hued side boxes simply rehash what’s in the text. This often grim, always interesting read is perfect for reports or general reading.
—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI |
Pyramids: ISBN 978-1-60152-027-2
The Curse of King Tut: ISBN 978-1-60152-024-1
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| School Library Journal, February 2008 |
Gr 5-9 Pyramids addresses why, by whom, and how these massive structures were created. While the majority of the book is devoted to the well-known Egyptian and Central American creations, George also introduces the lesser-known structures of South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. King Tut explores Egyptian history, mummy making, the discovery and opening of the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922, and the events that happened after that. Much of the book is based on archaeologist Howard Carter's diaries and letters, and on period newspaper articles.
The color photographs in these attractive books are excellent, and the readable texts are interesting. King Tut is a bit more sensational, focusing as it does on the so-called "mummy's curse" and the mysterious deaths surrounding those involved with the opening of the tomb. While not necessarily first purchases, given the number of books available on these topics, these volumes are well researched and will be useful for reports.
—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK |
Stonehenge: ISBN 978-1-60152-034-0
Unicorns: ISBN 978-1-60152-028-9
King Arthur: ISBN 978-1-60152-033-3 |
| School Library Journal, July 2008 |
Gr 6-9 Because of its balanced viewpoints and clear, engaging writing, Stonehenge is the most successful of these titles. Multiple theories about the creation of and uses for the artifact are presented in a way that enables readers to understand a large amount of historical information. Most terms are explained in context. One drawback is that some illustrations are not near the text to which they refer, and a computer-generated image is not labeled as such. Unicorns explores legends and theories about the existence of the single-horned animal, and the writing is direct and absorbing. The choice of illustrative material detracts from this volume, however. Though unicorns in Eastern cultures are discussed, there are no pictures of them. The computer-generated art is purposeless, and in a section about narwhals, it is not clear whether a picture is real or not. King Arthur is the weakest of the three volumes. The theories about the man's existence are repetitive and complicated, making the text difficult for readers without advanced knowledge of Arthurian scholarship. Two criticisms of the structure of all of the books are that the "Did You Know" boxes merely repeat information from the text and that no picture credits are provided.
—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI |
Alien Abductions: ISBN 978-1-60152-023-4
Witches: ISBN 978-1-60152-031-9
UFOs: ISBN 978-1-60152-030-2
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| School Library Journal, August 2008 |
Gr 6-9 The lack of scientific evidence of alien abductions means that any nonfiction book on the topic will rely heavily on unverified stories. Therefore, though Alien Abduction tells some good tales, it struggles to fill a 100-page book with substantial information. Witches traces the history of so-called witchcraft from the Middle Ages through the Salem witch trials, detailing the torture methods used on the accused. The final two chapters deal with the Wiccan religion and modern-day practices. Although Parks states that the two movements are not the same, readers may be confused since some Wiccans call themselves witches, and members of both groups claim to cast spells and use magic. The book's tone is matter-of-fact, even when discussing how these people cast spells, tell the future, and communicate with spirits. Only the final two paragraphs mention the absence of scientific proof that witchcraft is real. UFOs, the strongest of these titles, combines numerous stories of sightings with historical and scientific details about investigations, providing a balanced view of a controversial topic. In addition to well-known happenings such as the Roswell incident and the crop circles of the 1970s, Stewart includes some intriguing new cases from the last decade as well as information on what our government and the scientific community are doing (or not doing) to investigate UFO activity. Colorful illustrations and appealing design will encourage readers to pick up these accessible books.
—Marcia Kochel, Olson Middle School, Bloomington, MN |
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