Two Truths and a Lie: Histories and Mysteries. by Ammi-Joan Paquette and Laurie Ann Thompson. Walden Pond Press, Harper. 2018. $21.99 ages 10 and up

"Baugh first had the idea of founding his own country when he was just a kid. Starting in 1977, when he was 15 years old, Kevin set about bringing those dreams to life. Finally, in the late 1990s, Molossia became an official territorial entity: a designated landmass with specified borders. Baugh himself will admit that those borders are, well, pretty small. Okay, very small."

This story goes on to say that the 'country' is only 'around eleven acres'. It does draw attention, and has hosted an event designed to bring together leaders of other micronations. I wonder what they discussed when those leaders talked with each other. Or did they really talk? Does Molossia exist?

That is one of the truths, or the lie, told in the A section of Chapter 5: Unnatural. The authors then go on to describe two other unnatural scenarios ... one about a prayer house built based on a vision sent to Daniel Alamsjah, and the other a place called Dog Island. After poring over the details written for each, readers are challenged to guess which are the truths and which is a lie. You can imagine the critical thinking skills needed to make such a choice, and the discussion and conversation that are bound to happen as each is presented.

It is the second in a series, following Two Truths and A Lie: It's Alive (Harper, 2017). I am grateful to Maeve O'Regan (marketing associate at Harper) for sending it to me. I am fascinated by the research, the writing, the subject matter and the stories they reveal. The book cover's descriptor offers a challenge to those who read it:

"Unbelievable TRUTHS about outrageous people, places, and events - with a few outright LIES hiding among them. Can you tell the fakes from the facts?"

Who can resist? No need to worry if you are not up to the task. Answers are provided in an answer guide at the back of the book. But before looking, the authors encourage all readers to take the task seriously and try to figure it out for themselves. There are clues. The authors suggest that most of the research they did was done with online resources. They warn doing that can make research harder - everything you read on the internet, they say, is not always true.

They make six suggestions for assuring you get your information right:

1.  Question everything.
2. Search wisely.
3. Be Wiki-aware.
4. Don't skip the sources.
5. Ask the experts.
6. Love your librarian.

Absorbing topics, terrific design, and a fascinating writing style make this a book that will find many fans, and would be a thoughtful way to introduce the topic of 'fake news' that they are hearing so often in daily coverage. It will not only appeal to the kids it was written for; it is sure to capture the attention of adults as well.  Back matter includes the answers, and it also provides a thorough bibliography and a useful index.

First science, now history: I wonder what's next.