BODIES FROM THE ICE



BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Deem, James M. 2008. Bodies from the Ice: Melting glaciers and the Recovery of the Past.  New York. Houghton Mifflin Company

ISBN#  978-0-618-80045-2

PLOT SUMMARY:

            Since the dawn of time, glaciers have covered large portions of the earth. How were they created?  What secrets lay beneath the cold, icy surfaces? Why are they disappearing? Author and retired college Professor James Deem has traveled across the world and in this book, he takes the reader on a journey to uncover the truths, myths, stories and mysteries behind these fast disappearing mountains of ice.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

            This book about melting glaciers and what they are revealing is phenomenal. The book is well-written without the abundant use of hard to understand technical terms. Actual photographs of discoveries beneath the ice and the paintings of what artists perceive the expeditions to be like are used together to create perfect harmony with the text. From Incan children sacrificed to the gods to missing hikers and explorers, the stories printed in this book will hold and capture the reader’s interest. Sidebars and captions are used effectively to give additional information about an object, event and pictures. Detailed research sources for the information and illustrations are provided as well as an index for locating information easily. James Deem has truly done an exemplary job on this informational book.

AWARDS:

2009 Robert F. Sibert Informational Award Honor Book

Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2008

Notable Book for Children 2009

2009 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K- 12

2009 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People

CCBC Choices 2009

REVIEWS:

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:

“Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences.”

BOOKLIST:

"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.”

CONNECTIONS:

Science: Students may visit one of the websites listed in the back of the book for
              further research on glaciers and the discoveries they reveal.

              Students may also do research or activities on the list of glaciers from the
              book.

Social Studies: Students may engage in activities to learn about the cultures of the
                       geographic regions from the book.
                       Students may study the Incan beliefs and culture.