My reading tastes run a bit toward the creepy/mysterious side....so the Creepy & True Series is one I just had to read! I read this first book on mummies and the upcoming second book, Ghosts Unveiled, in one sitting! Both are totally awesome!

This book is detailed and educational, but written on a level that a middle grade student could easily understand. It is dealing with mummified bodies, burial, death and other slightly grisly subjects...but nothing is inappropriate for elementary age children. The book is set up for reading, classroom or instructional use....it has a table of contents, index, glossary and a lengthy notes section for readers who want to delve more into the subject. There are full color photos and illustrations throughout.

Not only does the book give information about how some bodies naturally mummify in dry conditions or acidic conditions like peat bogs, but it also touches on ritualistic mummification. Some famous mummies are featured -- Otzi, The Lady of Cao, Lady Dai and others. I found myself pausing in my reading to look up more on these mummies. So interesting!!

I liked how the author gave in-depth detail on mummies, history, and science at a level that school children could easily understand and enjoy. She does not use complex scientific terms without explaining exactly what the terms mean and she writes in a conversational manner. This book could be a way to get a curious, but reluctant, reader to enjoy a book! There are lots of photos and the text is simple but engaging. This could also be used for supplemental reading in a classroom or just as an educational and entertaining book for a child (or adult -- I loved this book!) to read.

I'm definitely going to read more by this author! The books are targeted to middle grade age students, but definitely enjoyable for adults too! ( )