(4) 4-6 History's Worst series. The life and actions of infamous historical figures are recounted in these engaging but uneven middle-grade biographies. In Hitler, Buckley's use of colloquialisms can be off-putting, and readers will learn little new information. In Ripper, Burgan shares grisly details, but the narrative gets bogged down overviewing the many theories regarding the killer's identity. Ripper lists suggested resources; both books include a timeline and notes. Review covers the following History's Worst titles: Adolf Hitler and Jack the Ripper.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) YA A kinship over physical deformities evolves into friendship between Joseph Merrick ("the Elephant Man") and his new maid, Evelyn, who has "phossy jaw." As Evelyn seeks refuge from London's streets, a series of murders brings ghosts to their door. Kirby's gritty novel includes historical references within a unique story of self-acceptance, murder, and friendship.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA Defying Victorian-era gender conventions, Audrey Rose secretly studies forensics with her coroner uncle. When he's consulted in the Ripper case, then accused of the murders, Audrey Rose investigates. Her first-person narration is uneven--by turns lavishly detailing high-society fashion and crime scenes or swooning over forensics student Thomas and suspecting him. Still, readers intrigued by forensics will be entertained by Maniscalco's revisioning.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(2) YA In 1895, after fourteen-year-old orphan and wannabe-detective Carver Young becomes the protegé of a retired Pinkerton Agency detective, he makes the shocking discovery that his father is alive--and is Jack the Ripper, now terrorizing New York. This nonstop edge-of-your-seat action story features a collection of complex secondary characters, a whip-smart narrative, and a vividly portrayed setting.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2012