April 1, 2015
Gr 4-8-This series lets readers visit the remains of four abandoned places, from the pre-Columbian Mesa Verde ruins to the 20th-century Salton Sea resort in California. All are geographically isolated locations, and their stories emphasize the importance of geographical factors, such as natural resources, in their rise and decline. Books share a common format of double-page "chapters" that provide general information and discuss topics unique to each place's history and geography as well as some of the associated mysteries, legends, and ghost stories. Brief sidebars add interesting tidbits, and "Now and Then" pages compare the sites during their heydays and today. Outstanding contemporary site photos and period images found throughout are a major strength. Readers will be fascinated with the mysterious remnants of these ghostly places. VERDICT A strong buy for libraries serving middle grade readers.
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2015
Despite a rather sensationalized title, this series is genuinely fascinating. Each book traces the history of a now-deserted town, explaining its population boom, possible reasons for decline, and what each abandoned place is like today. With interesting historical and contemporary photos and well-placed sidebars, these are solid places to begin research on some of America's stranger places. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.
(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)