(4) 4-6 Who HQ: Where Is...? series. Illustrated by John Hinderliter. The long-running Who Was...? series (originally Grosset, now rebranded by Penguin Workshop) expands its coverage. This readable, informative volume is marred only by its bland interior pencil illustrations. Otherwise, the book will give young readers a good sense of Easter Island's history, location, and current status. Occasional full- and double-page text boxes successfully illuminate related topics. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Ancient Mysteries series. Each book in this series looks at a different ancient city or monument and explores unanswered questions about its construction and uses. Both historical and modern views are provided, with differences explained by recent research and technology. Plentiful photographs and illustrations bring the sites to life. "Dig Deep!" and "Myth Alert!" sidebars provide additional interesting context and detail. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Ancient Mysteries titles: Mysteries of the Egyptian Pyramids, Mysteries of the Great Wall of China, Mysteries of Easter Island, Mysteries of Pompeii, Mysteries of Machu Picchu, and Mysteries of Stonehenge.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) K-3 Ancient Wonders series. Each volume offers the basic who-what-when-why-and-how for its titular ancient structure and concludes with a quick overview of its current condition and tourism. Color photos, maps, and other illustrations supplement the text; short question-and-answer footers provide additional detail. The brightly designed series is basic, but the content is sufficient for the target audience. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review includes these Ancient Wonders titles: Egyptian Pyramids, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Statues of Easter Island, Stonehenge, and Taj Mahal.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) YA Unearthing Ancient Worlds series. Each volume begins with a snapshot look at an ancient civilization, then reveals the history of its archaeological site. Readers are given insight into who the first explorers were and their lasting contributions, in addition to future digs and discoveries at the sites. Numerous sidebars, maps, and illustrations provide more information. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Unearthing Ancient Worlds titles: Angkor Wat and Easter Island.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by William Low. Barron's earnest, wordy tale of a boy, Pico, is inspired by the moai, the giant stone faces of Easter Island. Pico is unimpressed by them until a tsunami hits, and he is saved from drowning by a statue. Low's digital illustrations mimic paintings and make effective use of light, but they are occasionally muddy.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(3) YA How History Is Invented series. In this well-researched account, Pelta takes the mystery of the gigantic statues found on the island and charts how, over time, explorers and scientists gathered information to determine how, when, and why they were created. Her clear, careful style and chronological approach allow readers to experience the slow development of the still unresolved mystery. Archival drawings and photos illustrate the book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(2) 4-6 Arnold avoids theatrical speculation in this straightforward account of what archaeologists have determined about the history of the Rapanui people and their mysterious large statues, or moai, on Easter Island. The clearly written text is accompanied by breathtaking color photographs that show the beauty of the island and its rich collection of archaeological features. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2000