Mystery of the Nazca Lines

Gr 5–9—Budding conspiracy theorists and mystery lovers will be intrigued by this set, which suggests plausible and more sensational (aliens, ghosts, strange natural forces) explanations for each historical mystery. Each title uses a common format, with first chapters providing background and history about topics, followed by three chapters containing theories that might solve the puzzle. Authors outline the theories and objectively present the arguments for and against each. For such mysterious subject matter, the design of the titles is a bit conservative, with few wacky or vibrant photos and illustrations. Chapters include comprehension questions, primary source quotes, and a concluding "Weighing the Evidence" section that summarizes each theory and its pros and cons. Although the books are written at an upper-elementary reading level, they are also likely to appeal to older readers, especially reluctant ones, who will be drawn to the topics.