BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVER OF THE PAST

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deem, James M. 2008. BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVER OF THE PAST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 061880045X.

PLOT SUMMARY

Bodies from the Ice is an informational text about melting glaciers and the human remains and artifacts they reveal.  The information is presented in stories about archaeological discoveries including Otzi a 5,300 year old mummy perfectly preserved under the protection of a rock overhang.  Another account describes the ancient sacrificial ritual of the Aztec people which left the most beautiful children frozen and perfectly preserved on the mountainside. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Deem has made the topic of melting glaciers truly intriguing.  This informational book is divided into seven chapters with each chapter focusing on an archaeological find of human remains and artifacts in melted glaciers.  The text is written in narrative form, telling the story of how the bodies were discovered. Accompanying the text are astounding photographs from the discoveries with detailed captions.  The photographs of the Aztec children sacrificed because of their beauty are tragic yet mesmerizing.  This was one of the more interesting of the stories.  The children were found perfectly preserved on the mountainside.  They looked as if they were peacefully sleeping.  Deem describes the ritual of drugging the children with a coco beer and placing them in an icy tomb to gain favor with the gods. In addition to the photographs Deem has included historical paintings and newspaper articles depicting tourist hiking the glaciers.

The table on contents outlines each chapter and has an accompanying picture related the the chapters topic.  Other sections include a bibliography, illustration credits, and an index.  At the end of the book Deem even provides suggested websites and glaciers to visit for further research.  Deem has created a scientific and historical gem that will captivate young adults. 

REVIEW EXERPTS

Booklist (December 01, 2008)- “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.”

School Library Journal (December 01, 2008)- “With its extensive bibliography, suggested Web sites, and a listing of glaciers to visit, Bodies is a fantastic resource. Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences.”

CONNECTIONS

• Allow students to watch the video “Glaciers and Glaciations” on United Streaming.
• Create an experiment by freezing objects on a cookie sheet.  Take the cookie sheet out of the freezer and elevate it allowing it to thaw a little each day.  Measure the movement of the objects on the pan.
• Have students further research topics from the book including Otzi, , the frozen children of the Andes, or the mystery of George Mallory.