Description: Warning: Criminals from different times and places lurk within these pages. An interactive adventure through time, finding misdeeds and learning about historical punishments.
Spot criminals in Ancient Greece's marketplace, lawbreakers in rough-and-tumble Sacramento, and wrongdoers in medieval Canterbury in this interactive history adventure. This time-traveling adventure introduces the laws of the land from Ancient Egypt to the California Gold Rush. After a briefing packed with clues, young would-be detectives are thrust into a busy city scene. Which characters are breaking the law? And what (sometimes grisly) fate awaits them? Devious red herrings and shocking-but-true facts add to this fascinating overview of crime and punishment across history.Review Quotes: This interactive book introduces readers to various crimes and their punishments throughout history. Starting with Ancient Mesopotamia in 1754 BCE, the book travels through Thebes, Egypt; Athens, Greece; Rome, Italy; Chang'an, China; Timbuktu, Mali; Canterbury, England; Tenochtitlán, Mexico; Edo, Japan; Williamsburg, Virginia; and ends in Sacramento, California in 1851 CE. Along the way, readers learn about what was considered a criminal offense in each city during that time period. Chapters start with a short history of the city and different laws, social norms, and regulations that apply. Then two beautifully illustrated pages invite readers to look for the law breakers based on their new knowledge. Following that is another bit of history; finally, readers find out if they have determined the correct infractions and the punishments for each offense. The book incorporates "Where's Waldo?" elements with historical facts that will shock and delight middle grade readers for an entertaining introduction to how crime and punishment has changed across centuries and countries. Back matter includes a glossary. VERDICT Tweens interested in history, crime, and fun facts will enjoy this highly compelling adventure through time.
--School Library Journal