Description

Coming August 18, 2026. Pre-order today!

Crimes Through Time

Mischief, Missteps & Dastardly Deeds

By: Rosie McCormick / Illustrated by: Diego Otero

Warning: Criminals from different times and places lurk within these pages!

This interactive time-traveling adventure introduces the laws of the land from Ancient Egypt to the California Gold Rush. After a briefing packed with clues, young would-be detectives are thrust into a busy city scene. Which characters are breaking the law? And what (sometimes grisly) fate awaits them?

Spot criminals in Ancient Greece’s marketplace, lawbreakers in rough-and-tumble Sacramento, and wrongdoers in medieval Canterbury. Devious red herrings and shocking-but-true facts add to this fascinating overview of crime and punishment across history.

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Author & Illustrator

Rosie McCormick, author

Rosie McCormick has published more than sixty children’s books, taught language arts and history, and is the director of publications at an education not-for-profit. She particularly enjoys writing mysteries, history, and humorous nonfiction. When she isn’t traveling the world, she makes her home in Virginia.

Read more about Rosie.

Diego Otero, illustrator

Diego Otero studied architecture in Colombia; took classes in figure drawing, animation, and character design at School of Visual Arts in New York City; and received his MFA from the University of Hartford. He loves reading, creating stories, and acting. This is his debut picture book.

Read more about Diego.

Awards & Honors

• Coming soon!

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

This interactive book introduces readers to various crimes and their punishments throughout history. Starting with Ancient Mesopotamia in 1754 BCE, the book travels through Thebes, Egypt; Athens, Greece; Rome, Italy; Chang’an, China; Timbuktu, Mali; Canterbury, England; Tenochtitlán, Mexico; Edo, ­Japan; Williamsburg, Virginia; and ends in Sacramento, California in 1851 CE. Along the way, readers learn about what was considered a criminal offense in each city during that time period. Chapters start with a short history of the city and different laws, social norms, and regulations that ­apply. Then two beautifully illustrated pages invite readers to look for the law breakers based on their new knowledge. Following that is another bit of history; finally, readers find out if they have determined the correct infractions and the punishments for each offense. The book incorporates “Where’s Waldo?” elements with historical facts that will shock and delight middle grade readers for an entertaining introduction to how crime and punishment has changed across centuries and countries. Back matter includes a glossary. VERDICT Tweens interested in history, crime, and fun facts will enjoy this highly compelling adventure through time.

Details

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-58089-846-1

Ages: 9–12
Page count: 80
11 x 8¹/₂

Publication date: August 18, 2026

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