11/01/2023
Gr 5–8—Notorious figures from throughout history are presented in this series, which tells the stories of cheaters, traitors, and more. The majority of each title focuses on cases profiling different people and shares their stories. Subjects explored are from early history through modern times. These are typically no more than two pages, and the text is written at a third grade reading level. There are also some fun, additional features, such as cold cases and tips on how readers can commit these crimes. The subject matter generally leans into the sensational; however, Famous False Accusations stands out for delving into more serious examples, such as Emmett Till and Japanese internment camps, and providing context for how bias plays into false accusations. Page layouts are attractive, but could benefit from more primary source images. VERDICT This engaging series will appeal to history buffs.
