Overview

All bones tell a story, you just have to know how to read them. Forensic anthropologists can tell if found bones are from a human or an animal, are male or female, and how a person lived and died. Readers will discover the techniques forensic anthropologists are using to solve both modern and ancient crimes.

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9780766036697

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When only bones are left to tell the story, the forensic anthropologist can read their tale and untangle what happened. Sara Latta uses true stories to illustrate the work of forensic anthropologists who investigate evidence found in bones, beginning with the first investigation of the crime scene, proceeding through forensic testing and analysis and giving expert testimony at trials. Latta covers the beginnings of forensic anthropology with the case of the disappearance of Dr. George Parkman in November 1849. She walks the reader through the steps in establishing identification of bones, analysis of injuries to the bones and what happened after the person died, called the science of taphonomy. Her description of the body farm in Knoxville, Tennessee, the University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility, is detailed and informative as is her account of the field's emergence as a powerful tool in cases of international terrorism and mass murder. A useful, closing chapter about careers in forensic anthropology provides specifics addressing training and salary ranges in this field. Colorful photographs and graphics, as well as extensive sidebars set in red type, add detailed information that support the text. Latta writes clearly and engagingly about a complex topic, using imagined conversations and eye-witness perspectives to bring the stories to life. This book is one in the True Forensic Crime Stories series and concludes with chapter notes/bibliography, a glossary, a list of resources titled Further Reading, and an index. Latta's book would be a good addition to a middle school or high school library or class about forensics, anthropology or biology., Children's Literature

Latta has degrees in Microbiology and Immunology, as well as an MFA in Creative Writing, and is eminently qualified to author this volume. Her premise is that all bones tell a story--you just have to know how to read them. She discusses how forensic anthropologists solve both modern and ancient crimes. The book contains seven chapters, an 18-item Glossary, Further Reading (9 books and 4 Internet sites). and 32 color images (no objectionable pictures). There are five stories: An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, focusing on victims of Hurricane Katrina, and age and sex determination. The Murderous Beginnings of Forensic Anthropology considers murders in Boston (1849) and Chicago (1893). The Body Farm documents current research on the decomposition of donated corpses at the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility, introducing concepts of autopsies and pathology, the Forensic Science Data Base, and new studies on a Neanderthal from Shanidar Cave, Iraq. In Human Rights, Argentina's Dirty War (1976-1983) centers on 8,961 disappeared ones (desparecidos) adult murders and child/neonate kidnappings by employing dental records and X-rays. Cold Cases reveals World War II Nazi atrocities and the recovery and identification of an American pilot from the Vietnam War through DNA analyses. When Disaster Strikes emphasizes terrorist attacks in Oklahoma City and the World Trade Center, New York City. A final chapter provides a list of 11 selected schools offering training in forensic anthropology. Mature young readers will be intrigued by this pioneering volume., Science Books & Films March 2014

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