Bodies from the Ice

The Bibliography
Deem, James M. 2008. Bodies from the Ice. New York. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618800452

The Criteria
Accuracy Sources and acknowledgments are cited in the back of the book, as well as suggested glaciers to visit and suggested websites to visit, and an index.

Organization The book is well-organized with page numbers, chapter breaks and an index. There are also several maps which are clearly labeled.

Design This photo essay book is full of photographs, artwork, maps, covers to journals, figures and lithographs. The layout is easy to read and understand.

Style It's clear from Bodies from the Ice and James M. Deem's other books (Bodies from the Ash, Bodies from the Bog) that he is very interested in mummies and archaeology. The depths to which he goes (into crevasses!) to research his books shows that he cares for the subject matter and is respectful of his audience. This can be seen in the careful arrangement of photographs, artwork and illustrations, in the amount of information provided in each chapter, and in the age-appropriate vocabulary throughout.

The Analysis
Bodies from the Ice was an interesting read, especially when most people think that mummies are only found in Egypt. I know that to be untrue, but imagine sharing this book with a child that just learned about the ancient pyramids and mummification of pharaohs. The book also has facts and suggestions to share while reading, including a list of personal ways to help the environment and tidbits of how to relate information found in the book to more recent history. While I'm not the hugest fan of nonfiction/informational books, this one was a good read.

The Review
CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices 2009)
Melting glaciers is a frequent topic in today’s headlines, and one that is explored on anthropological and environmental levels in James M. Deem’s fascinating work. Explaining the scientific aspects of glacier formation as well as geographic conditions, Deem discusses how glaciers operate like “a giant conveyor belt—essentially a moving river of ice.” With force and power, glaciers churn up, and turn up, mountain debris. This debris sometimes includes human remains that offer amazing insights into the past. From discoveries of an iceman in the Alps to ancient children of the Andes and the remains of native North Americans, Deem reveals how mysteries of human history are decoded from glacial meltings worldwide. Fascinating photographs complement the captivating narrative.

The Connection
This book could be shared along with James M. Deem's other Bodies books, Bodies from the Ash and Bodies from the Bog. and then, following directions found on this website: www.mummytombs.com, a (non-Halloween) mummy could be made! It would be gross though, but gross is fun!