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48 pp.
| Book House
| January, 2017
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-911242-01-7$37.10
(4)
4-6
Time Traveler's Guide series.
Illustrated by
Mark Bergin.
This illustrated series provides you-are-there glimpses at life in a (fictional) town of each ancient civilization. Two-page sections each focus on a specific part or structure. The information is generalized, but the series' draw is the detailed illustrations, which use bird's-eye perspectives and cutaways to allow readers to see inside various buildings. Appended "Time-Traveler's Guide" notes provide basic information about culture. Glos., ind. Review covers these Time Traveler's Guide titles: Inca Town, Greek Town, Roman Town, and Egyptian Town.
(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.
324 pp.
| Philomel
| October, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-17377-6$16.99
(4)
4-6
To uncover an ancient Incan treasure trove, a privileged group of middle schoolers from Manhattan, led by twelve-year-old Addison Cooke, embarks on a dangerous adventure across South America, including the Amazon and Machu Picchu. Despite the derivative action sequences and unbelievable plot, readers will enjoy the nonstop action and the many clever zingers. An editor's note on Incan treasure is appended.
112 pp.
| Little Simon
| March, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-2368-7$16.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4814-2367-0$5.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-2369-4
(4)
1-3
Greetings from Somewhere series.
Illustrated by
Marcos Calo.
Twins Ella and Ethan head with their travel-writer mom and homeschooling dad to Mumbai, where they track down a spice shop saboteur (Spices); and to Machu Picchu, where they find a missing toy snake and hunt for an Inca sculpture (Bridge). The travel guide–like highlights add some flavor to the otherwise standard chapter-book mysteries. Black-and-white illustrations are included. Glos. Review covers these Greetings from Somewhere titles: The Mystery Across the Secret Bridge and The Mystery of the Suspicious Spices.
(2)
K-3
In dramatic double-page watercolor spreads, Ray follows Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl and his five-man crew on their 101-day, 4,300-mile odyssey, in 1947, to prove that ancient Incan sailors could have reached the South Pacific by raft. Emphasizing high-seas adventure over theory, the story will capture the imagination of young readers with the drama of flying fish, gale-force winds, and giant waves. Bib.
Reviewer: Dean Schneider
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2015
(4)
4-6
Geography Matters in Ancient Civilizations series.
Life in these ancient civilizations is thoroughly explored, with special emphasis on how the physical geography influenced aspects of their cultures including geopolitics, farming, and religion. Superimposed over rather distracting topographical-map backgrounds, main texts and subtopics are treated in question-and-answer fashion, supplemented with many illustrations, photographs, maps, and sidebars. A quiz and research tips conclude each volume. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Geography Matters in Ancient Civilizations titles: Geography Matters in Ancient Egypt and Geography Matters in the Inca Empire.
(3)
YA
Digging Up the Past series.
Archaeological sites and finds are explored in this series, which touches on scientific, cultural, legal, and political implications of the discoveries; research; and preservation. Sidebars expand the thorough main text, while ample photographs of excavations and artifacts will spur the curiosity of readers with interest in ancient civilizations or archaeology. Solid bases for further study. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Digging Up the Past titles: Chaco Canyon, �-tzi the Iceman, Machu Picchu, and King Tut's Tomb.
32 pp.
| Amicus High Interest
| September, 2014
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-60753-468-6$19.95
|
EbookISBN 978-1-60753-683-3
(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.
234 pp.
| Clarion
| June, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-64023-5$16.99
(4)
4-6
Micay, an outcast in her Incan village because of a disfiguring facial scar, embarks on a pilgrimage to Sacred Sun City to ask to be healed; instead, she asks unselfishly for the drought to end and is chosen to become a shaman priestess. The narrator's formal voice is a little stilted and the pace is slow, but Micay is a sympathetic heroine.
(4)
YA
Graphic Universe: My Boyfriend Is a Monster series.
Illustrated by
Natalie Nourigat.
In these lightweight graphic novels, amateur witches accidentally reanimate Incan mummy Pachacutec, who falls in love with high-schooler Staci (Wrapped); popular Serena is involved in a love triangle--with strange parallels to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Loves Me); and Glory gets with new-kid Gabriel, who may just have a heavenly mission (Match). Holes in logic detract from what should be breezy reads. Review covers these Graphic Universe: My Boyfriend Is a Monster titles: Wrapped Up in You, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, and A Match Made in Heaven.
32 pp.
| Stargazer
| January, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59604-205-6$27.10
(4)
4-6
All About Ancient Peoples series.
Each volume includes information on geography, language and literature, science, history, society, and artistic endeavors. Though the spreads are somewhat busy, the organization is clear, with color-coded text boxes and icons to tie each paragraph back to the main theme. The books contain photographs of archaeological sites and artifacts, maps, and other illustrations. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these All About Ancient Peoples titles: Ancient Greeks, The Egyptians, The Romans, The Vikings, and Aztecs and Incas.
112 pp.
| Enslow
| April, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59845-128-3$31.93
(3)
YA
Great Explorers of the World series.
Examining the lives of well-known explorers, these biographies go beyond to offer information about the times in which the men lived; events leading up to and surrounding their travels; and the impact of their explorations on the world. The volumes are well illustrated with photos, archival art, and maps. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Explorers of the World titles: Leif Eriksson, Captain Cook, Cortés, Vasco Da Gama, Lewis and Clark, and Pizarro.
424 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| January, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-439-93215-8$17.99
(4)
4-6
Children of the Lamp series.
Djinn twins John and Philippa travel to South America to stop Virgil McCreeby from finding an ancient relic then enacting a ritual to restore djinn powers to selfish Dybbuk--and destroy the world. Without much character growth the franchise is starting to stale, but solid plotting and the fruits of intensive research into Incan myths keep this jungle adventure rolling.
32 pp.
| Heinemann
| July, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4329-1329-8$26.79 New ed. (2002)
(4)
K-3
History Opens Windows series.
Focusing on the details of everyday life (food, family, buildings, children), this updated series serves as an adequate introduction to past cultures for younger readers. The bright design and engaging illustrations, which include artifacts, period artwork, and photographs, may be enough to hold readers' attention despite the rather sterile texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these History Opens Windows titles: Ancient West African Kingdoms, The Aztecs, The Incas, The Indus Valley, The Maya, The Sumerians, and The Vikings.
(4)
4-6
Time Travel Guides series.
These leveled-text editions are written as travel guides to ancient civilizations. This approach makes accessible the cultural and historical details. Occasional inaccuracies are the result of long spans of history condensed for the target audience. While the books do tend to oversimplify, they're a good way to encourage interest. There are four other new books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Time Travel Guides titles: The Aztec Empire, The Inca Empire, Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, and Ancient China.
64 pp.
| Raintree
| April, 2007
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4109-2731-6$34.29
(4)
4-6
Time Travel Guides series.
These books are written as travel guides to ancient civilizations ("...a trip to the Inca Empire is the vacation for you"). This approach makes accessible the cultural and historical details. Occasional inaccuracies are the result of long spans of history condensed for the target audience. While the books do tend to oversimplify information, they're a good way to encourage interest. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Time Travel Guides titles: The Aztec Empire, The Inca Empire, Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, and Ancient China.
64 pp.
| National
| November, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-7922-7827-5$17.95
|
LibraryISBN 0-7922-7873-9$27.90
(3)
4-6
National Geographic Investigates series.
This series discusses how archaeologists' work helps us learn about ancient cultures. Each volume highlights major sites and finds; the text touches on the impact of modern history (the Iraq war, pollution) on priceless artifacts and discusses controversies (Elgin marbles). Sidebars and well-captioned photos expand on the information, as does an interview with a working archaeologist. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these National Geographic Investigates titles: Ancient Inca, Ancient Iraq, Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Africa.
64 pp.
| Heinemann
| June, 2006
|
LibraryISBN 1-403-48750-2$32.86
|
PaperISBN 1-403-48756-1$9.49 New ed. (1997)
(4)
4-6
Understanding People in the Past series.
These books offer overviews of the rise and fall of five ancient civilizations. After a brief look at how archaeologists uncover details about the past, cleanly designed two-page sections focus on such topics as government, home life, religion, and major battles. The random presentation can be confusing, but the clear texts are supported by well-captioned photographs and helpful maps. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding People in the Past titles: The Ancient Egyptians, The Ancient Greeks, The Ancient Romans, The Aztecs, and The Incas.
64 pp.
| DK
| April, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-7566-0410-9$15.99
|
LibraryISBN 0-7566-0411-7$19.99
(4)
4-6
GuÃas visuales series.
Photographs by
Michel Zabe.
Although the DK format is ill suited to conveying any substantial or sustained information, these translations may be useful because there is such a dearth of Spanish material for children on these topics. As always, the many crisp photos will attract casual browsers. Ind. Review covers these GuÃas visuales titles: Aztecas, Incas y Mayas, Anfibios, Reptiles, Cuerpo humano, Peces, and La tierra.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| October, 2004
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-2178-5$23.93
(4)
K-3
Explorers! series.
Three explorers--of Asia, of South America, and of North America--are profiled in these brief biographies copiously illustrated with photos and reproductions. Unfortunately, the texts' lack of detail can prove confusing (e.g., in Pizarro we learn that "They took [the gold] to their ship," yet the fact that Pizarro and his men have a ship is news to us). Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Explorers! titles: Marco Polo, Francisco Pizarro, and Leif Eriksson.