Educational studies indicate a critical lack of scientific
awareness in children and young adults. Is it because science is
no longer perceived as challenging, interesting, or just plain
fun? Looking for scientific facts can be as enjoyable as
"playing detective". Joe Nickell realized that a mere series of
debunking stories might hold a child's interest, yet not kindle
the development of critical skills. If children could be fully
involved in the investigation of strange occurences . . . if the
investigations could have all the thrill of a ghost story yet
reinforce rational over irrational thought, and science over
superstition . . . then the book as a whole would be an
appealing introduction to logic, critical analysis, and the
scientific method in action. In The Magic Detectives, Nickell
presents thirty "paranormal" investigations in the form of brief
mystery stories. Clues are embedded in each story; at the end of
each account, the child can turn the book upside down to reveal
the conclusion that professio