From School Library Journal
Gr 7-10-In the first half of her chronicle, Edwards offers a thorough account of what is known about the event and its plodding investigation. Although someone was tried, found guilty, and executed for the baby's death, there are still suspicions that an innocent man was put to death. The second part of the book raises questions about capital punishment and whether a fair trial did or could occur at the time. The author points out the part played by prejudice, hysteria, and the need to find the kidnapper of a child of celebrity parents. Average-quality, black-and-white photographs and reproductions of documents illustrate the title. This case has been covered in a number of volumes including Betsy Harvey Kraft's Sensational Trials of the 20th Century (Scholastic, 1998). However, if a very detailed account of the kidnapping is needed, Edwards's book is an adequate choice.-Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
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