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Forensic Identification
by Dr. Elizabeth A. Murray
Price at time of review: $30.60
72 pp.
Twenty-First Century Books
Frederick, MD
2013
ISBN: 9780761366966
Grade Level: 6-12
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Reviewed by Allen Henderson
Assistant Professor of Education
This book describes the important work of forensic scientists who use multiple scientific methods and advanced technologies to identify the unknown dead. Actual case files make this an interesting and intriguing book for older readers who are mature enough to handle the content. For those readers it was named an NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book.
My own review of the book was for classroom use. While this book does illustrate some of the science that is used to identify human remains, I do not feel that this book should be recommended for the general classroom. The book does a good job of showing a career that puts science to use in the real world. But the focus is narrow and parts of the text are difficult to read (white and red font on black background). The real examples used in the book can be somewhat disturbing as well. The book includes graphic photos including "skeletons discovered in the woods...bodies burned beyond recognition, severed limbs..."
Seeing fictionalized cases on popular television shows does not seem to evoke the same emotions as reading actual cases or seeing the graphic photos might be for some students. I could see having this book available to show careers that use science, or to provide specific, carefully selected examples.
Review posted on 1/16/2013
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