Strange but True

September 2, 2019
In her cogent introduction to this evenhanded exploration of unsolved and oft-debated phenomena (aliens, ghosts, clairvoyance), Hulick encourages readers to deliberate on each mystery independently and provides sage guidelines for reaching conclusions. She advises kids to “check the sources. Interrogate the evidence. Watch out for coincidences. And remember that simple explanations are more likely to be true. At the same time, keep an open mind.” The author follows her own counsel in her thoroughly researched and diligently documented accounts, which integrate scientific data, information about the extraordinary workings of the human brain, the power of imagination, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Wright’s expansive mixed-media illustrations underscore the drama and eeriness of many curiosities spotlighted, including the search for Atlantis and other alleged lost worlds, beliefs that aliens visited ancient civilizations, and the possibility of returning to life after death. Ages 10–14.

December 6, 2019

Gr 4-7-Hulick's engaging text provides information about 10 mysteries and curiosities, including encounters with aliens, haunted mansions, Atlantis, zombies, clairvoyance, and the Bermuda triangle. Background information is followed by a deeper dive into the topic. Hulick implements the scientific method and historical evidence to explain the mysteries. For example, the zonbi slaves of Haiti are likely not zombies but were cases of accidental poisoning or a mistaken identity. Wright's muted illustrations add intrigue. Students with vivid imaginations and a thirst for knowledge will lose themselves in these stories. Readers with scientific minds will enjoy debunking myths and urban legends with historical and scientific evidence. VERDICT Hulick's collection is a good jumping-off point for further research. A useful addition to a collection serving curious middle grade students.-Erica Thorsen, Albemarle High School, VA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2019
Scientific explanations for mysteries that have given rise to fantastical stories. Encounters with aliens and haunted houses, quests for lost worlds and monsters of the deep, mysteries of ancient tombs and those returned from the dead--all sparkle here both as stories and as targets for scientific examination in Hulick and Wright's terrific collection of creepy events. "Every mystery has an explanation. Getting to the bottom of it is what science is all about," writes Hulick. But that doesn't keep her from giving full voice to the mysteries at the beginning of each episode. Having set the folkloric or legendary scene, and accompanied by transportingly spooky artwork from Wright, Hulick puts on her scientist's cap and seeks to make sense of the mysteries. In some cases the answers are circumstantial ("people experience strange things in haunted houses because they're expecting strange things to happen") and in other cases, clear-cut, as in the photograph of the Loch Ness Monster that turned out to be a hoax (but not before gaining plenty of traction). The book touches down all over the map of mysteries, from telepathy, clairvoyance, and telekinesis to Mu and Atlantis, Yeti and Bigfoot, the kraken and the Bermuda Triangle. The tone is respectful of both the mystery and the conclusions, of which not all are the last word. "The truth is that the natural world is an amazing place." Science rules the day, but "at the same time, keep an open mind": wise words. (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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