Crop Circles

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 Theories, historical references, and viewpoints from believers and skeptics give the material substance.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.

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