The Wildlife Detectives: How Forensic Scientists Fight Crimes Against Nature (Scientists in the Field Series) - Hardcover

Donna M. Jackson is an award-winning author of many nonfiction books for young readers.  Her work includes The Bone Detectives, The Name Game and, most recently, The Elephant Scientist -- named a 2012 Robert F. Sibert Honor book, a 2012 Boston Globe-Horn Book Nonfiction Honor Book, and an NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade book. She lives and laughs with her husband, Charlie, and their family near the Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

Wendy Shattil and Bob Rozinski live in Denver, Colorado, and have traveled the world photographing wildlife. Their photographs have appeared in National Geographic, Audubon, National Wildlife, Natural History, and Sierra Club calendars. Shattil was the first woman awarded the grand prize in the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. She and Rozinski, well known for their team approach, have won many awards and have ten books to their credit.

Grade 4-7-A fascinating look at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory where scientists work to solve crimes, such as poaching. The book focuses on a specific incident-the shooting of a bull elk in Yellowstone National Park-and follows the case step-by-step. Interspersed with the story about this killing are "Wild Files" that give further information about the lab, the scientists, and related topics such as endangered wildlife protection laws. These inserts, alternating with two-page spreads of text, contain lots of intriguing information but their placement is a drawback. Although the main story is compelling, its continuity is continuously broken. Otherwise, this is an enjoyable, informative volume with well-placed, clear photos that add interest. Offer it to fans of the author's The Bone Detectives (Little, Brown, 1996) and nature enthusiasts, who will appreciate this foray into an intriguing and little-known area of wildlife conservation work.
Arwen Marshall, formerly at New York Public Library
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