Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past

Written by: James M. Deem

"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. 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."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.jamesmdeem.com/page.glacier.htm

Dashing Through the Snow: The Story of the Junior Iditarod

Dashing Through the Snow: The Story of the Junior Iditarod

Written by: Sherry Shahan

"Open to mushers from ages 14 to 17, the Junior Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race follows a 150-mile path northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, the starting spot for the more famous (and much longer) Iditarod Trail. Shahan discusses the race as she follows a group of young people and their dogs along the trail. Readers will learn where the mushers go, how fast they travel, what they take along, how they communicate with their dogs, how they care for them, when they sleep, and what problems they may encounter along the way. An appended glossary explains the terminology of dogsledding. Throughout the book, full-color photographs offer distinctive views of the dogs, mushers, equipment, and terrain."

Booklist

Online Resources:
http://www.jriditarod.com/

Prairies

Prairies

Written by: Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Photographs by: William Munoz

"Beginning with a map of North America that shows the extent and location of the shortgrass, mixed-grass, and tallgrass prairie environments, this well-balanced book explores the region from several points of view. Patent discusses the ecology driven by wind and fire, the distinctive plants, the interdependent animals, the history of prairie destruction, and the current efforts to restore small areas of prairie within this vast region. Munoz's colorful and sometimes dramatic photos illustrate this handsome book. Whether focused on a single coneflower or a bank of storm clouds, his prairie images bring the landscape to life. A fine book by a reliable author/photographer team."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/grassland-profile.html

Disappearing Lake: Nature's Magic In Denali National Park

Disappearing Lake: Nature's Magic In Denali National Park

Written by: Debbie S. Miller

"In Alaska's Denali National Park, one area is transformed from meadow to lake and back again as the seasons progress. When winter snows melt, water pours in, attracting shorebirds, moose, and other creatures. As summer goes on, the level of the lake drops, sending some animals on their way and luring new ones that like the muddy lake bottom. Flowers and grasses take the place of the water, but soon the snows will fall again. An author's note explains the concept of "vernal lakes," and a concluding spread gives further information on some of the creatures mentioned. Crisply illuminated details lend an almost photographic quality to the large, spacious paintings, which do justice to both plants and animals."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.debbiemilleralaska.com/DisappearingLakeTeacher.htm

Rainforests and Reefs: A Kids Eye View of the Tropics

Rainforests and Reefs: A Kids Eye View of the Tropics

Written by: Caitlin Maynard, Thane Maynard, & Stan Rullman

"Eighteen young zoologists' adventures--documented here in photographs, journal entries, postcards, and a running commentary--provides a fascinating introduction to the tropical world. The students snorkel through the coral reefs and hike through the rain forest, observing the rich diversity of life in these habitats."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/animals/index.jsp
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/rain-forest-ecology/teacher-resources/6659.html

The Most Beautiful Roof in the World: Exploring the Rainforest Canopy

The Most Beautiful Roof in the World: Exploring the Rainforest Canopy

Written by: Katherine Laskey
Photographs by: Christopher Knight

"Author Katherine Laskey and photographer Christopher Knight join scientist Meg Lowman in Belize to explore the delicate rainforest ecosystem. In addition to presenting ecology, the author explains how scientists conduct research in this environment. The colored photographs provide a clear vision of the environment for students."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.mayankids.com/mmkplaces/mkbelize.htm

Braving the Frozen Frontier: Women Working in Antarctica

Braving the Frozen Frontier: Women Working in Antarctica

Written by: Rebecca Johnson

"This interesting text introduces readers to the day to day experiences of several women working in Antarctica. Filled with color photographs, the book presents the brave women scientists, helicopter pilots, snowplow drivers, and doctors who make their living in the frozen frontier. Readers meet Judy Coffman, the first female helicopter pilot in the squadron that supports the US Antarctic Program, Diane Stoecker, who was spending her third season studying algae and protozoa, and Jennifer Moss and Tania Zenteno-Savin who are studying Weddell seals. While it was rare to meet a woman in this frozen land thirty years ago, today they hold a variety of jobs and are not an unusual sight. The book's conversational style, excellent photographs, and easily absorbed facts make it a fascinating read."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/story/0,6079,48822,00.html
http://www.kidskonnect.com/subject-index/26-countriesplaces/299-antarctica.html

Stones, Bones, and Petroglyphs: Digging Into the Southwest Archaeology

Stones, Bones, and Petroglyphs: Digging Into the Southwest Archaeology

Written by: Susan Goodman

"A busload of children from Hannibal, Missouri, come to Mesa Verde in the Four Corners region of the American Southwest to help archaeologists with a mystery. What happened to the Pueblo people who inhabited the region until A.D. 1300? What made them leave after 1,000 years? No one knows the answer to this question, though the book makes several guesses based on artifacts and natural evidence."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.collectorsguide.com/ab/abfa08.html

Stone Girl, Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning

Stone Girl, Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning

Written by: Laurence Anholt
Illustrated by: Shelia Moxley

"Mary Anning, born in England in 1799, made an astounding discovery at age 12 when she unearthed the first full skeleton of a giant ichthyosaur in the cliffs above her home in Lyme Regis. This incident — in which she was helped by a little dog she rescued from a cemetery — was the beginning of a long career that saw Mary become the world's best-known fossil hunter. Best-selling author Laurence Anholt turns Mary's fascinating life into a perfect read-aloud, while Sheila Moxley's luscious pictures vividly evoke the coastal setting and dramas of Mary's exciting life."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/anning.html
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=mary-anning-paleontology