Real-Life Mysteries

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker

Interest age: 8 to 13
Reading age: 9+

Published by b small, 2017

Ghost story
Historical
Myths and legends

About this book

Is there really a Loch Ness monster? Can people really bend a spoon using just their mind? Are crop circles really created by aliens? This book examines some of the biggest mysteries and apparent supernatural occurrences from around the world to try and figure out if they’re real – or something else.

Unexplained phenomena have been written and spoken about for centuries; science has rationalised some things, but many mysteries still remain unsolved. Here you can read eyewitness accounts then take a look at the evidence and see the scientists’ theories. Using written accounts and storyboard presentations, it’s a fascinating collection of case files covering everything from human combustion to alien engineering.

But what do you think? Examine and evaluate the evidence provided, then it’s up to you to decide what the truth is.

A great book for anyone who likes fun facts and to dip into books and pore over details and think about things a little differently. Engaging and entertaining, it also subtly helps readers learn how to discriminate and assess real facts from false or misleading ones, a useful skill for anyone to learn, especially in the age of ‘fake news.’

Winner of the Blue Peter Book Awards 2018 – Best Book with Facts.

About the author

Susan Martineau is an author, editor and first-class fact finder who writes creative and educational books for children. Fascinated by strange and weird information, Susan’s books always shine a light into the most unusual corners of the world around us, sparking a passion for discovery and curiosity in her readers.

With over 20 years’ experience in book publishing, including a stint in non-fiction books at the BBC, Susan now spends a good deal of her time lost on the internet or rummaging through libraries researching, unearthing and checking facts for her books.

Susan has lived in various parts of the world from Holland and France to Malaysia and now London.