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In Search Of Sasquatch (2011)

by Kelly Milner Halls(Favorite Author)

3.82 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0547257619 (ISBN13: 9780547257617)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

HMH Books for Young Readers

review 1: A non-fiction book which examines the history and science behind sightings of Sasquatch, also known in the Americas as Big Foot. The author uses a conversational tone to inform kids about Sasquatch and current theories about this cryptid. She deftly includes definitions (for example, biped on page one) within the text which will help a young reader keep going. Another attractive aspect of the book are the large number of photographs, drawings, and illustrations which closely mirror the text. I think this book would be very appealing to fourth and fifth graders. Of course the subject matter should appeal to kids who generally love mysteries and monsters in equal portions. The organization is logical and well thought out. The book begins with an introduction and an examinat... moreion of what Sasquatch is. Halls uses or refers to a variety of sources in the book including interviews, videos, a 911 transcript, historical materials and the like. I felt that the purpose of the book was as much to teach kids about scientific method, ie collecting and weighing evidence, as it was about Sasquatch. While the author appears to believe in the existence of the creature, she is careful to caution readers about making assumptions and advises them to decide for themselves. Although the author is not a scientist, she asked an anthropologist to check the text before publication and also interviewed experts in the field. The back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, list of interviews, photo credits, and an index and a glossary. The only part of the book which I didn’t like and thought was unnecessary was the part about the Sasquatch hunters who write and perform songs about the creature. Hall seemed pretty careful to focus on science as much as possible so I think the inclusion detracts from the authority she is trying to bring to the book. That said, I can see how it might appeal to kids to learn that there are grown ups who write songs about Sasquatch, and they might be tempted to write their own. One final thing-after reading this book I thought the Wookies in Star Wars must have been modeled after Sasquatch.
review 2: This is definitely a book for true believers, which is not a bad thing exactly (I have a soft spot for Bigfoot legends myself) but it will leave children with the idea that most scientists believe evidence supports the existence of Sasquatch---and that is not true. The book is really nicely laid out with great photography and illustrations but it would be improved by being a little more impartial. less

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