Strange Mysteries from Around the World by Seymour Simon

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1997. Strange Mysteries from Around the World. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688146368

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This interesting book contains nine mysteries that all occurred many years ago, and although they have been scrutinized by professionals, their causes still cannot be determined. In chapter one, the first mystery involves a meteorological phenomenon that has been repeated in various places. There have been documented reports of raining frogs, small fish, and snakes at different geographical locations. The second chapter states that a huge explosion took place in Siberia in 1908 that was way before “the first atomic bomb”. Other mysteries in the remaining chapters include the ability to walk on fire, the hidden treasure on Oak Island, a ghost ship, and a crystal skull that has special powers. There is a story about repeated powerful “booms” that residents of South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, and Connecticut all heard and felt. Reports of those booms were also heard and felt in Europe, Iceland, Canada, and Asia. The two remaining mysteries include photographing a “life force” and strange lights in the night sky. Readers will be fascinated by these mysteries and the theories that have not yet produced real explanations.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon, author of more than 250 science books for children, writes a well organized and easy to comprehend book about nine scientific mysteries. There are nine chapters listed in the table of contents. Each chapter covers a different mystery. The illustrations are black and white photographs or prints that complement the story on that page. Most of the pictures have captions, and those that do not have captions are easy to identify. There is not a bibliography listed in the book, but credit is given to sources such as magazines within the text itself. Photograph and art credit is given at the beginning of the book. Seymour Simon writes a clear and concise book of “strange mysteries” that will appeal to children and adults.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “It's just right for kids who like true-life mysteries.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The mysteries it describes are as intriguing now as they were when they first became mysteries."

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other books of nonfiction mysteries for children include:
Walker, Kathryn. MYSTERIES OF THE ANCIENTS. ISBN 9780778741473
Wexler, Jerome. EVERDAY MYSTERIES OF THE MIND. ISBN 9780525453635
Walker, Kathryn. MYSTERIES OF THE MIND. ISBN 9780778741497