Jill Rubalcaba

This upper middle school/ high school nonfiction book emphasizes the slow, careful work in the lab that goes into modern archaeology and moves away from the image of the Indiana Jones-like figure in four cases studies of important finds in the tree of human evolution. Each case study is laid out in four chapters: discovery, deductions, debates, and further reading and source notes, allowing readers to read about all four discoveries or just one. Throughout, the need for team work and show more preservation is emphasized. Every Bone Tells a Story is refreshingly honest about the shortfalls of modern archaeology: each case study leaves the reader with some thus-far unanswered questions. However, rather than feeling incomplete, the reader may be encouraged to find more information on their own, although some student researchers may be disappointed by the lack of closure. A time line of the discoveries and human history is included, as is a glossary. Student researchers will find this book a helpful starting place, while many nonfiction readers may read it for pleasure. Color illustrations are thoughtfully included throughout. Highly recommended. show less

This book is not only large in physical size but the time span and subject are enormous in scope providing the young reader an opportunity to whet his or her appetite for life, times, geography and historic impact of those beloved stories from the Judeo-Christian Bible consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

As the Biblical account is read, the following pages provide insight and information into archaeological discoveries that substantiate or grant authenticity to the Biblical show more account. Those who believe the Bible take it on faith and actually don't need physical proof, yet it is interesting and the pieces of the puzzle that one can actually see are enormously interesting.

I found it interesting that archaeological scholars recount that rivers flow differently from that which they did 4,000 years ago because of changes to the topography caused by earthquakes and other phenomena.

The text can easily be understood by upper elementary students but will also provide enough challenge that the older reader will not become bored but will be mentally encouraged to pursue further information by researching the topics. This is not a standard Bible storybook. It is a retelling of events in the Bible and information gleaned from the world of historical and archaeological research and exploration.

The paintings used to illustrate the stories are identified by title, artist, and year of creation. This is a subtle introduction to young readers to the beautiful art of the centuries from around the World. It is a beautiful presentation of drawings and photographs completed with understandable text and side-bar bites of information. This is a book that should grace the shelves of home libraries as well as public and school libraries. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this volume and foresee much potential for its use individually and in a group setting.

Parents should bear in mind that this is a secular publisher and opinions and ideas expressed might not be in agreement with widely held Biblical beliefs of those of the the Jewish or Christian faiths. It is, however, a good source that is well done by a recognized source of said materials.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by the publisher and publicist and sent directly to the winner. show less

Senmut’s father lies unconscious and perhaps dying from a cobra’s bite. Desperate to save him, Senmut spends hours carving an image of Sekhmet, goddess who causes and cures illness. But in the process of carving, he accidentally kills a dove when he tosses aside a tool. His punishment for killing the sacred animal is hard labor in the Nubian Desert. The only way he can personally survive is through carving an image of Sekhmet. Later, he is caught stealing gold for his carving, but the show more governor notices the beauty of the statue and believes it may cure the son of Rameses II, currently suffering from the plague. The boy is cured and Senmut is appointed Royal Sculptor. show less

VOYA-based ratings:
Quality: 4Q
Popularity: 3Q

Rubalcaba and Robertshaw have crafted an intelligent and coherent non-fiction book out of 4 of the most exciting and perplexing archeological finds in recent history. Each chapter is compelling and filled with facts about the process of the excavation, the deductions that scientists have come to, and the mysteries that these remains have created. I was especially interested in reading about the remains found in Washington state (because I live show more there), and I think the authors did a good job of talking about the politics and controversies of the case in a neutral light. show less