Real-Life Disasters

From the team that brought us ‘Real-Life Mysteries’, ‘Real-Life Disasters’ is an engrossing read which explores the facts behind some real life disasters like the sinking of the Titanic, the Bermuda Triangle and the Black Death.

Each disaster is clearly and concisely explained before it is further explored in a ‘disaster dossier’, including eyewitness accounts and maps showing the location of the event. The text encourages the reader to consider different theories, exploring the evidence and looking at how some newspapers reported information incorrectly. New vocabulary is introduced with each section and these are gathered together in a glossary at the end of the book.

Illustrated throughout, each section is clearly presented and easy to navigate, offering an absorbing read.

‘Real-Life Disasters’ would be an excellent addition to any book corner or library.

Real-Life Disasters

Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker

b small publishing ISBN: 978-1912909278

Real-Life Mysteries

'Everyone loves a good mystery...' and this book is full of them. From monsters of the deep to crop circles, plenty of unexplained, real-life cases are investigated, offering the evidence so the reader can make up their own mind.

Each 'case' is set out on a double page spread, with key vocabulary is explained in 'weird', 'spooky' or 'monster' word boxes. Some are well-known mysteries like the existence of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster whereas some are lesser known- like the apparition at Versailles or cases of spontaneous human combustion.

The spread which follows each case considers the 'evidence', offering theories, witness statements and illustrations. The authors carefully offer no answers, just pose questions and challenge the reader to come to their own conclusions.

The harder concepts are carefully explained and there is a comprehensive glossary at the back to clarify unfamiliar terms. The History curriculum says 'Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.' 'Real-Life Mysteries' certainly encourages the reader to do all of that and offers a great starting point for finding out more about any of these intriguing mysteries or others which are suggested. 

A great read for the curious or the lover of mysteries!

Real-Life Mysteries  

Investigated by Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker

b small publishing      ISBN: 978-1911509080