The Magic Detectives: Join Them in Solving Strange Mysteries [Paperback]

Joe Nickell (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Educational studies indicate a critical lack of scientific awareness in children and young adults. Is it because science is no longer perceived as challenging, interesting, or just plain fun? Looking for scientific facts can be as enjoyable as 'playing detective'. Joe Nickell realised that a mere series of debunking stories might hold a child's interest, yet not kindle the development of critical skills. If children could be fully involved in the investigation of strange occurrences ...if the investigations could have all the thrill of a ghost story yet reinforce rational over irrational thought, and science over superstition ...then the book as a whole would be an appealing introduction to logic, critical analysis, and the scientific method in action. In "The Magic Detectives", Nickell presents thirty 'paranormal' investigations in the form of brief mystery stories. Clues are embedded in each story; at the end of each account, the child can turn the book upside down to reveal the conclusion that professional 'magic detectives' have already reached. Included are examinations of the 'mummy's curse', bigfoot, haunted stairways, the Amityville Horror, the Loch Ness monster, poltergeists, and more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a terrific book that helps to build and nurture critical thinking skills in children..." -- Georgetown News/Times "A splendid vehicle for awakening interest in both the world of the paranormal and the skeptic's efforts to provide scientific explanations of unreasonable claims." -- Skeptical Inquirer

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 115 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (November 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879755474
• ISBN-13: 978-0879755478
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #723,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joe Nickell has been called "the modern Sherlock Holmes." Since 1995 he has been the world's only full-time, professional, science-based paranormal investigator. His careful, often innovative investigations have won him international respect in a field charged with controversy.