Unexplained: An Encyclopedia of Curious Phenomena, Strange Superstitions, and Ancient Mysteries by Judy Allen, Richard Hook (Illustrator), Patricia Ludlow (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Unexplained is a comprehensive and compelling one-stop guide to weird nature, the paranormal, and strange superstitions. Even with today's high-tech science, many events and ancient mysteries remain unexplained and surrounded by theories that stir the imagination and challenge scientific fact. This book systematically explores all aspects of the human fascination with the unknowable, from hauntings and the power of the mind to physical mysteries such as lost civilizations, ancient superstitions and symbols, and the persistent ideas about life from other planets. Evocative illustrations and intriguing photographs, combined with spine-tingling text by an award-winning author, shed light on the world's greatest mysteries.

Children's Literature

Do you need that right gift for a middle aged reader who has a birthday right around Halloween? This book could be that present. Inside these pages lives a collection of the most intriguing and sometimes scary facts that either have existed or still exist today. Some the reader will believe because scientific research helps them survive, while others are left to the imagination. The table of contents in the front of the book guides readers where to look to learn more about such things as hauntings, natural phenomena, superstitions/symbols, disappearances, and strange creatures. There are even more not listed here. Under disappearances, be sure to read yet another theory about the Bermuda Triangle or what happened to Amelia Earhart. The section about superstition could help with any number of research papers or even in an English class. Judy Allen, the author, has combined the weirdest facts (and maybe some fiction) to create a reference book that should be in all libraries where the unusual is appreciated. The photography and illustrations make this book even more eerie, while the maps and diagrams lend a scientific feel to the stories. The "List of Phenomena By Areas" at the back of the book allows the reader to focus on certain countries they might want to learn more about, especially if they plan to travel there. If this book grabs you, then check out Judy Allen's other book called The Fantasy Encyclopedia.

VOYA

Why do ghostly faces appear on the floor of the Pereira family's house in Belmez, Spain? What stories are told of the frightening, blood-sucking creature known as the chupacabra? Who built Stonehenge and why? Can people really levitate, predict the future, or spontaneously burst into flames? These are just a few of the mysteries explored in this encyclopedia that covers everything from paranormal phenomenon to superstitions from around the world. The emphasis is on breadth and not depth, and the book succeeds as an entertaining ride through the realm of the weird, strange, and mysterious. It is perfect for browsers and reluctant readers, who can jump around from entry to entry and happily spend minutes or hours with this book. Enticing photographs and illustrations, primarily in color but also in black and white, fill the pages. The book contains some spooky stories-tales of haunted houses and vanishing hitchhikers-and is just freaky and creepy enough to be fun without causing any serious nightmares. Although highly entertaining, it is not the work to consult for a thoughtful or scholarly look at unexplained phenomena. Allen provides alternative explanations for the mysteries she covers, but her presentation encourages excited wonder rather than skepticism or critical thinking. The biggest drawback of this book is that Allen does not provide a bibliography or cite any sources. A list of suggested reading would have been a wonderful addition to encourage curious teens to do more reading and in-depth research.

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