Forensic Science

Children's Literature

Crime Science might serve as a better title for this book of the "Science and Scientists" series, purely for the reason that the targeted audience may be unfamiliar with the term "forensic." However this book is accurately titled and provides a fascinating view of the science behind crime scene evidence; the collection of fingerprints, hair, blood, and fibers; the work of a forensic technician; and the requirements for being a good witness. The book provides clear definitions to all words that may be unfamiliar to young readers. All words appearing in the glossary are printed in bold throughout the text and other science terms appear in bold print with purple highlights, signaling that more information about the term can be found nearby on the same page. Each two-page spread offers information about a distinct topic of forensic science such as: Tools of the trade, Why are other prints useful?, What is DNA profiling?, and Teeth tell stories, too. Headings and subtitles within each two-page spread give the reader quick access to specifics regarding the topic. In a world in which crime, investigation, and detectives are omnipresent, Pentland and Stoyles present readers with an intriguing and captivating volume revealing the science behind our modern-day crime obsession. This is a great tool for teaching real world applications of science; and that people really do use science everyday. 2003 (orig. 2002), Chelsea House Publishers,
— Sarah Nelson

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-These titles introduce basic concepts and give career information. Forensic Science discusses the tools of the trade and offers examples of how fingerprints, DNA profiling, and blood types are used to solve crimes. Kitchen Science explains why we need food for fuel and vitamins, and the basic chemistry of food. A brief description of how microwaves, refrigerators, and detergents work, as well as kitchen safety and tools, is included. Kitchen Science offers more science background than that found in Michael Elsohn Ross's Kitchen Lab (Carolrhoda, 2002), but Ross's book has more experiments. Pentland and Stoyles's titles have colorful illustrations and use sidebars to present interesting tidbits of relevant information.-Marion F. Gallivan, Gannon University, Erie, PA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.