Abandoned: Towns Without People

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 two-page 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

Despite a rather sensationalized title, this series is genuinely fascinating. Each book traces the history of a now-deserted town, explaining its population boom, possible reasons for decline, and what each abandoned place is like today. With interesting historical and contemporary photos and well-placed
sidebars, these are solid places to begin research on some of America’s stranger places.
Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Bodie, the California ghost town that was born and died because of the American gold rush, stars in this thorough visual and informational installment in the Abandoned! Towns without People series. The Wild West setting is appealing enough, but the dramatic rise and fall of Bodie, particularly the incendiary loss of the majority of its buildings—thanks to a petulant Depression-era schoolboy—makes for an engaging story. The spare but substantive text in accessible language is well matched by the many photos of Bodie’s past and present, as well as sketches and historical drawings, and the layout, heavy with graphics and sidebars that make for easy browsing, is a real draw. A side-by-side “Then and Now” spread helps visualize the passage of time, and comprehensive back matter provides resources for additional research.

This series lets readers visit the remains of four abandoned places, from the pre-Columbian Mesa Verde ruins to the 20th-century 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 double-page “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.