School Library Connection
Each title begins with a brief introduction posing how once busy locations became abandoned; each book likewise ends with a comparison of then and now. Split into colorful twopage spreads, this series will appeal to readers who enjoy unsolved mysteries or learning about unusual episodes in history. Some of the stylistic illustrations, layout choices, and conclusions are intended to lend a spooky element to the series, with mixed results. Bibliography. Glossary. Index. Recommended
School Library Journal
This series lets readers visit the remains of four abandoned places, from the preColumbian Mesa Verde ruins to the 20thcentury Salton Sea resort in California. All are geographically isolated locations, and their stories emphasize the importance of geographical factors, such as natural resources, in their rise and decline. Books share a common format of doublepage chapters that provide general information and discuss topics unique to each place's history and geography as well as some of the associated mysteries, legends, and ghost stories. Brief sidebars add interesting tidbits, and Now and Then pages compare the sites during their heydays and today. Outstanding contemporary site photos and period images found throughout are a major strength. Readers will be fascinated with the mysterious remnants of these ghostly places. VERDICT: A strong buy for libraries serving middle grade readers.
The Horn Book Guide
Despite a rather sensationalized title, this series is genuinely fascinating. Each book traces the history of a nowdeserted town, explaining its population boom, possible reasons for decline, and what each abandoned place is like today. With interesting historical and contemporary photos and wellplaced sidebars, these are solid places to begin research on some of America's stranger places. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.
