Bones Speak!: Solving Crimes from the Past

What happens when human remains are found? In Bones Speak! you can learn how forensic science helps to solve old crimes and mysteries, and work things out for yourself with the hands-on activities.

What happens when human remains are found? In Bones Speak! you can learn how forensic science helps to solve old crimes and mysteries, and work things out for yourself with the hands-on activities.

Children's Literature

Suppose you are a forensic scientist. What could you learn from human remains? Part of the "Solve That Crime!" Series from Enslow Publishers, this book shows readers how forensic scientists can help solve crimes and mysteries by studying bones and other human remains. Written in easy to understand language with each subtopic covered in a few short paragraphs accompanied by information-packed sidebars, it is ideal for reluctant readers. Only forty-eight pages long, it shows readers how the condition of bones and other remains along with insect evidence can often help identify time and cause of death; how forensic artists use a skull to reconstruct a face to aid in victim identification; how forensics can be used to identify and classify ancient remains; how teeth and DNA can aid in identification; and the training needed for various jobs in the forensic field including forensic pathologists, anthropologists and DNA analysts. The layout is appealing with its use of color-coded sidebars to present supplemental information. Of particular interest are the "True Crime" sidebars which show how forensics were used to solve real crimes or mysteries, such as the identification of the remains of an unknown soldier buried at Arlington National Cemetery through DNA analysis. Full color photos accompany the text. Also included is a comprehensive table of contents and index, glossary, and suggestions for further reading, both on the internet and in print. It all adds up to a quality product and a welcome addition to library shelves. Reviewer: Pat Trattles