Enduring Mysteries

It dwells in a dark lake in the Scottish Highlands--so says the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. For thousands of years, people have told stories of "Nessie," the giant water creature with a long neck and flippers. But is it real or a hoax? Scientists and historians seeking the truth debate conspiracy theories about the secretive animal, while tourists line the shores, watching for proof. For readers age 12 and up, this title investigates the phenomena surrounding Nessie, from historical accounts and popular myths to evidence and notable sleuths. Includes a glossary, index, sidebars, and further resources.

Since ancient times, fishermen have spun tales of giant sea monsters, tentacled beasts that capsized ships and drowned countless sailors. Most of these mythical creatures are now known to have been based on real animals, such as giant squid and octopuses. Some were hoaxes. But what about the others? Marine scientists seek the truth by exploring the ocean depths, while pop culture spins more fantasies. For readers age 12 and up, this title investigates the phenomena surrounding sea monsters, from historical accounts and popular myths to hard facts and evidence. Includes a glossary, index, sidebars, and further resources.

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are medically inexplicable mysteries that can affect anyone. Happening when a person is unconscious, comatose, or clinically dead, NDEs puzzle doctors and scientists with their intensely realistic features. Although no two are the same, NDEs often share similar features: feeling outside one's body, passing through a tunnel, speaking with deceased loved ones, or seeing one's life in review. For readers age 12 and up, this title investigates the phenomena surrounding NDEs, from historical accounts and popular myths to hard facts and evidence. Includes a glossary, index, sidebars, and further resources.

Area 51, in the desert outside Las Vegas, Nevada, is a place so mysterious that for years the U.S. government wouldn't admit it existed. Cloaked in secrecy, the restricted military zone is now known to play a key role in American aeronautics and defense. But conspiracy theories about extraterrestrial activity in the area persist: flying saucer remains, aliens, UFOs/UAPs. For readers age 12 and up, this title investigates the phenomena surrounding Area 51, from historical accounts and popular myths to hard facts, evidence, and notable truth-seekers. Includes a glossary, index, sidebars, and further resources.

According to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, Atlantis was a utopian island city and kingdom that was destroyed by a flood more than 11,000 years ago. But was it real or just a story? Scientists and historians seeking the truth debate conspiracy theories about the underwater island's location, people, and tragic end, while pop culture spins more fantasies. For readers age 12 and up, this title investigates the phenomena surrounding Atlantis, from historical accounts and popular myths to hard facts, evidence, and notable sleuths. Includes a glossary, index, sidebars, and further resources.