Robbery File

November 1, 2007
Gr 3-6-Each title introduces a case and then invites readers to explore how investigators solved it. The narratives are clear, compelling, and dramatic, and will hold children's interest from the lead-in through the police procedures, interviews with witnesses, and gathering of forensic evidence, to the perpetrators' convictions. Color photographs and maps, which fill at least half of each page, enhance the texts. "Robbery File", which depicts the theft of two famous van Gogh paintings, is probably the least thrilling of the three. Both "Cold Case File" and "Kidnapping File" will appeal to readers who are eager to delve into gruesome details; they are a bit graphic and may raise a few parental eyebrows. However, as there is currently much interest in the forensic sciences and not a great deal that is accessible to younger readers, the books will certainly find an audience."Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK"

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