Laura Krantz – författare

Is Bigfoot real? Award-winning journalist Laura Krantz sets out to investigate one of the world's most enduring mysteries using the tools of science, critical thinking, and investigative reporting.Inspired by Krant's acclaimed Wild Thing podcast, her fascinating nonfiction adventure takes readers deep into the debate surrounding Sasquatch and the evidence behind the legend.When Krantz learned that her distant cousin, anthropologist Grover Krantz, had devoted much of his career to studying Bigfoot, she was skeptical. But curiosity led her into forests, scientific research, eyewitness accounts, and decades of cryptid lore in search of answers. Along the way, readers discover how scientists test ideas, evaluate evidence, and separate facts from assumptions.Perfect for curious readers ages 8-12, The Search for Sasquatch blends science, anthropology, folklore, evolution, and adventure into an engaging real-world investigation. As readers examine footprints, sightings, DNA evidence, and competing theories, they're encouraged to think critically, keep an open mind, and draw their own conclusions.Filled with colorful illustrations, fascinating research, and surprising discoveries, this compelling exploration of one of North America's most famous legends reveals not only what we know about Bigfoot, but also how science works and why mysteries continue to capture our imagination. Whether Sasquatch exists or not, the journey is unforgettable.

Inspired by her popular Wild Thing podcast, journalist Laura Krantz incorporates the scientific method and her journalistic skills to determine if aliens might exist.How likely is it that humans aren’t alone in the universe? This serious but fun (and gorgeous) book is a great fit for any middle grade reader curious about the universe and our place in it.Is There Anybody Out There? turns our collective gaze skyward: What’s the likelihood of life on other planets? Or that aliens have already made the trip to visit us? How would they get here? Why do we want to find them? And what does it mean if we do (or don’t)?Guiding readers to challenge their gut assumptions and open their minds to new possibilities by using critical thinking and the scientific method, journalist Laura Krantz investigates the science, culture, and philosophy of a universe in which we’re not alone—and why the idea of alien life has abducted our imaginations.Reports of strange lights, UFO sightings, and alien encounters abound—and some (like recent accounts from US Navy pilots) sound highly credible. In recent years, armed with state-of-the-art technology and better information, the search for extraterrestrials overflows with exciting possibilities. Within our own solar system, astrobiologists search for the biochemical building blocks that might sustain microbes, astronomers discover far-flung stars, orbited by planets that could be teeming with life, and astrophysicists point sophisticated telescopes toward the deep reaches of the universe, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Includes Photographs from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and Color Illustrations

Inspired by her popular Wild Thing podcast, journalist Laura Krantz incorporates the scientific method and her journalistic skills to determine if magic might be real in Do You Believe in Magic?Magic—spells and curses, hexes and potions, superstition, and rituals. We’ve all heard stories of alchemists attempting to turn abundant lead into precious, rare gold. Or of poor, unfortunate souls asking potion masters to brew up unappetizing concoctions that will help them find love.And of course, we’re familiar with curses—muttering magical words for the purposes of exacting revenge on an enemy, or protecting a hidden treasure.Who wouldn’t like the idea of special powers, or control over the natural world? It seems pretty fun, even if it’s just the stuff of fantasy books and movies. But a lot of what we call “magic” has grounding in real practices. In fact, magic is at the root of many scientific fields—from chemistry to botany to astronomy—and has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years.Do You Believe in Magic? takes readers through a world where magic and science collide. What do they have in common? Where do they differ? What role has magic played in our history, and the history of science? Why is magic still significant, even when it doesn’t seem to line up with reality? And is it possible to be scientifically minded and still believe in magic?Readers are encouraged to weigh the facts and go beyond their gut assumptions, to stretch their imaginations and think about why magic and science might be two sides of the same coin.Includes color illustrations, an at-home science/magic experiment, glossary, bibliography, and indexA Wild Thing series:The Search for SasquatchIs There Anybody Out There?Do You Believe in Magic?