Crop Circles

Gr 5–8—Pelleschi discusses the many investigations involved in trying to discover the origins of these circles. The first designs were documented in 1678 in southern England. Many explanations were offered, ranging from witchcraft to aliens, but the various theories give only partial answers. Watson gives a brief history of Alcatraz and discusses the attempts to escape from it prior to 1962. Then, he offers a detailed account of the plan of three men to break out of the prison that year. Although there are clues, no one can be sure if they all survived. Zuchora-Walske introduces another mystery. Since 1840, with the disappearance of every human on the Rosalie, a particular area of the Atlantic has fascinated and frightened many. As ships and airplanes disappeared, the area became known as The Bermuda Triangle in 1964. Many reasons were given for these occurrences, such as aliens, monsters, and forces of nature. All of these books provide theories to help readers draw their own conclusion, including a "Tools and Clues" section. Photographs, maps and charts, and related insets provide additional detail. Those who love unsolved mysteries will find these books both informative and entertaining.—Lana Miles, Jackson Elementary School, Rosenberg, TX