Secrets of Scotland Yard

Baddies beware

Secrets of Scotland Yard presented by Nova

Plot: The documentary details the transformation of Scotland Yard from mere crowd control to one of the world's oldest and most revered detective agencies. Starting when London experienced a surge in population, the original Scotland Yard began as a means of keeping order, but was not permitted to actually investigate crimes. A shocking murder changed the Yard's status to a detective agency. Throughout the years, changing equipment and growing crimes continue to allow the institution to grow and adapt into one of the planet's greatest law enforcement agencies.  

Genre: Documentary, History

Reading Level: Like most PBS documentaries, the title is pretty accessible. Keep in mind, references to murder and some black and white photographic evidence are present, so warn sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Rise of the Drones, Mystery of a Masterpiece,  Mystery of Easter Island

Personal Thoughts: A great documentary showing how a famous institution became what it is today, the title follows the story of Scotland Yard without skimming over the negative aspects of its history.

One of the cases discussed has currently gathered controversy. The Crippen case has some highly controversial discussions following the usage of new DNA identification methods. While this does not detract from the title itself, viewers may with to do additional research.

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

Mosasaur down!

Pastis, Stephan. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. Somerville, Mass. : Candlewick Press, 2013.

Plot: Timmy Failure is a grade school detective with a single mother and a polar bear partner named Total. However, Timmy actually is not a good detective, his mother struggles to pay the bills, and Total raids the trash can. Still, Timmy knows he will make a world-renowned business based on his intellect and superior skills. Unfortunately, he seems unaware of the importance of school, honesty, or legal parking. He is truly aware, though, of the unspeakable evil that is Corrina Corrina.

Genre: Humor

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Pearls before Swine

Personal Thoughts: Timmy Failure is Diary of a Wimpy Kid greatly exaggerated. Much like Kinney's protagonist, Timmy is arrogant, blind to his faults, dismissive of his friends, irresponsible toward his mistakes, and cynically humorous. Some of the topics are considerably darker than Wimpy Kid, such as Timmy's mother not having enough money to pay the bills. Yet, fans of Pearls before Swine will appreciate Pastis' brand of humor and illustrations in this quirky first title of the Timmy Failure series.