Body Snatching

Gr 5–8—These four highly readable books are filled with information for those children who have a penchant for the macabre. Each chapter spread includes multiple fonts, captions, and inset trivia, making the volumes good choices for reluctant readers. No page is without images of some kind-either photographs or drawings-keeping the books moving at a brisk pace. Though Mummification does not break new ground, it is still a worthy addition since interest in the topic is fairly pervasive among this age group. Human Sacrifice is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, though it is fascinating nevertheless (and some degree of violence is to be expected with the subject matter). The strength of Dueling and Body Snatching is the discussion of cultural factors that would make these practices acceptable in context. A concluding note informs adults that websites listed were suitable for students at the time of publication, but that they often change.—Trina Bolfing, Westbank Libraries, Austin, TX