Families who loved Forgery and Frauds by Paul Mauro often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts showing a deep fascination with truth, secrets, or the mechanics of how things are made. It is perfect for the middle-grader who is beginning to question the authenticity of the world around them and enjoys the 'detective work' involved in uncovering hidden details. This guide introduces the sophisticated world of forgeries, from famous art fakes to counterfeit currency, through a lens of forensic science and history. While the subject matter involves criminal acts, the book focuses heavily on the ingenuity of the investigators and the scientific tools used to protect the truth. It reinforces themes of honesty and integrity by showing that, eventually, even the cleverest lie is uncovered by facts. It is an excellent choice for kids who prefer nonfiction and enjoy seeing how school subjects like chemistry and art history apply to high-stakes, real-world puzzles.