Analysis of BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVERY OF THE PAST by James Deem- class requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deem, James. 2008. Bodies From the Ice : Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. Boston : Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 0-618-80045-X.

PLOT SUMMARY

This informational book explores the science of glaciers and looks at some of the discoveries of the past that have been made as the ice masses move and melt.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book presents the informational text features of a non-fiction book such as a table of contents, website sources, illustration credits, captioned photographs, index, and an extensive bibliography.  The high interest subject of discoveries in ice will appeal to a wide range of readers and may inspire students to explore the non-fiction genre. The vividly real photographs of the first discovery, maps, and gorgeous images of the natural landforms bring the stories of discoveries to life for the reader. The bolded titles in the book and full page photographs draw the reader into learning about the various topics. The book provides an extensive wealth of information about the glaciers of our earth and the revealed mysterious discoveries.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

School Library Journal Starred Review. Grade 5–8—"Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences."—Jeff Meyer, Slater Public Library, IA    Booklist review: "There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers. It begins with a chance discovery by walkers in northern Italy who find a thawing corpse originally thought to be from the 1800s. Scientists later realized the body was more than 5,000 years old. As glaciers melt throughout the world, more frozen bodies are appearing, adding greatly to the knowledge researchers have about history and culture. Individual chapters cover types of glaciers and why they are fertile territory for housing bodies; the Chamonix glacier, which saw women climbers in the early 1800s; and the mystery of George Mallory, who died trying to climb Mt. Everest. Perhaps most fascinating to kids will be the chapter on recently discovered Incan children sacrificed to the gods. The pictures of these children, looking as though they might be sleeping, are arresting. Heavily illustrated with historical memorabilia as well as photos of bodies, scenery, artifacts, and rather simplistic maps, this offers a lot to look at and learn about." Grades 4-7. --Ilene Cooper

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a great way to inspire students in the upper elementary grades to explore the non-fiction genre. It also had a environmental impact section at the end that would connect with earth friendly lessons. The inclusion of the many non-fiction text features are a great resource for a book features lesson.