Cased Closed? Nine Mysteries Unlicked by Modern Science by Susan Hughes

Hughes, S. (2010). Case Closed? Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science Toronto: Kids Can Press ISBN 9781554533626

Author:  Susan Hughes

Author Website:  No Author Website

Illustrator:  Michael Wandelmaier

Illustrator Website:  www.wandelmaier.com/

Media Used: Digital art, photographs and drawing

Publisher:  Kids Can Press

Year of Publication:  2010

ISBN:  9781554533626

Annotation:  Each historical mystery is presented with the background file. Then the method of resolving the case is given with details about modern scientific techniques used.

Personal Reaction: Well written text with colorful drawings and pictures make this book fascinating.  The mix of ancient mystery with modern science draws the reader’s attention.  This book would certainly be good for science classes and reluctant readers.

Illustration: The mixture of digital art, anime, drawing and photographs creates a varied visual field to accompany the text.  Detailed drawings of DNA along with the factual information help to bring scientific techniques a greater understanding.

Use of Media: The animation gives this book a current style that children like and are attracted to. The mixed page formats of single page illustrations, photos combined with text, inserts with sidebar information, map and diagrams keep this book interesting both visually and narratively.