Daniel Cohen

Daniel Cohen (1936-2018) was a prolific American non-fiction author who wrote over 100 books, primarily for young readers. His work spanned diverse topics including paranormal phenomena, supernatural folklore, civil rights, and social issues, with notable works including "Curses, Hexes and Spells" and "When Someone You Know Is Gay." Beginning his career as a journalist and editor at Science Digest, Cohen transitioned to full-time writing in 1969, establishing himself as a respected voice in children's non-fiction literature. His approach to complex subjects was known for being accessible to young readers while maintaining scholarly integrity. Cohen's life took a tragic turn when his daughter Theodora was killed in the 1988 terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Following this event, he became an activist for victims' rights and airline safety, while continuing his writing career. The author's educational background included a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. His professional partnership with his wife Susan Cohen, herself a writer for 60 Minutes, contributed to their shared success in publishing.

Reviews suggest Daniel Cohen's books appeal to young readers, especially his works on paranormal topics and monsters. His books from the 1970s-1980s introduced many children to cryptozoology, UFOs, and unexplained phenomena. Readers appreciated: - Straightforward writing style accessible to grades 4-8 - Inclusion of historical photos and illustrations - Balanced presentation of evidence without forcing conclusions - Coverage of lesser-known cases and incidents Common criticisms: - Limited depth of research - Recycled content across multiple books - Outdated information not revised in later editions - Oversimplified explanations for complex topics Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.7/5 stars across his titles Amazon: 4.1/5 stars average One reviewer noted: "Cohen's books sparked my interest in the paranormal as a kid, even if the facts weren't always solid." Another stated: "Basic introductions for young readers, but don't expect scholarly analysis."

Curses, Hexes and Spells (1974) A comprehensive examination of magical practices and beliefs throughout history, exploring various cultural traditions and superstitions related to curses and spellcasting.

When Someone You Know Is Gay (2000) A straightforward guide addressing common questions and concerns about homosexuality, written to help young people understand and support LGBTQ+ individuals in their lives.

The Ghost of Elvis and Other Celebrity Spirits (1994) An investigation into reported ghost sightings and supernatural occurrences involving famous historical figures and celebrities.

America's Favorite Radio Station: WKRP in Cincinnati (1979) A behind-the-scenes look at the production and impact of the popular television series WKRP in Cincinnati.

Railroad Ghosts and Phantom Trains (1977) A collection of historical accounts and folklore surrounding supernatural occurrences on American railroads.

UFOs: The Third Wave (1988) A documented examination of UFO sightings and encounters reported during the 1980s.

Southern Fried Rat and Other Gruesome Tales (1983) A compilation of modern urban legends and contemporary folklore collected from across the United States.

The Ancient Visitors (1976) An exploration of theories and evidence regarding alleged prehistoric contact between Earth and extraterrestrial civilizations.

Alvin Schwartz wrote extensively about folklore, urban legends, and supernatural tales for young readers, producing the "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" series. His research methods and focus on collecting authentic stories from oral traditions mirror Cohen's approach to paranormal subjects.

Seymour Simon has written over 300 science books for children, covering topics from space to animals. His work as a teacher and science writer demonstrates the same commitment to making complex subjects accessible to young readers that Cohen showed.

Milton Meltzer authored numerous non-fiction books for young readers about social justice, civil rights, and American history. His dedication to addressing serious social issues for young audiences parallels Cohen's work on contemporary social topics.

Lowell Dillon Thomas Jr. wrote extensively about unexplained phenomena and mysteries for young readers during the same era as Cohen. His work for the Time-Life Mysteries of the Unknown series covered similar territory to Cohen's paranormal investigations.

Lloyd Alexander combined folklore research with storytelling for young readers, producing works that drew from mythology and supernatural traditions. His approach to folklore and mythology shares common ground with Cohen's treatment of supernatural subjects in books like "Curses, Hexes and Spells."