The Mary Celeste: An Unsolved Mystery from History

As the subtitle of The Mary Celeste indicates, this story of a ship whose crew disappeared while it was at sea is, indeed, "An Unsolved Mystery from History." This is a terrific children's book and a wonderful introduction to historical research and problem solving for 8 to 12 year olds.

It's not often young readers have the opportunity to learn some history, increase their vocabulary, gain experience in problem solving, and enjoy an intriguing story all at the same time. This picture storybook was written by award-winning children's author Jane Yolen and her daughter, Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple, and illustrated by Roger Roth. It is part of a series of "history mysteries" by the two authors.

(Cover art courtesy of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)