Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past

BIBLIOGRAPHY

            Deem, James M.. 2008. Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618800452

PLOT SUMMARY

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past is a photo essay book by James M. Deem. Deem’s book details the numerous people and artifacts discovered after the melting of glaciers. The book opens with the discovery of Ötzi in 1991. Ötzi was a man that lived during the Copper Age and when his frozen remains were discovered in the Ötzal Alps, he was estimated to be about 5,300 years old. Actual photographs of the excavation site, Ötzi, and scientists provide an accurate and dramatic look at the historical finding. 

Deem goes on to provide details of numerous other archaeological discoveries due to melting glaciers. Some of the other discoveries include Incan children in the Andes Mountains and the body of famous mountain climber George Mallory on Mount Everest. Deem is quick to point out that although the melting of glaciers has uncovered interesting pieces of history, there may be dire consequences for the planet. He encourages readers to learn how to protect the environment and to visit a glacier while they still have to opportunity to see one.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past is a fascinating book, which reveals Deem’s passion for glaciers and the history locked inside. In the book, Deem provides many interesting facts about glaciers, archaeology, and global warming. Readers will enjoy the variety of images as well as the supplemental facts and stories presented throughout the text. 

Deem’s use of photographs help the reader to understand the text and make the book accessible to readers of various ages. The large photographs, on every page, facilitate interest in the story and help to break up the text. The graphic photographs of Ötzi’s excavation will intrigue readers of all ages, especially those interested in science and history. Although the book is somewhat lengthy, the combination of text and photographs make this book an interesting and informative read.

Although users of all ages will enjoy looking at the book, it is best suited to older readers or in incremental portions. Deem has included a table of contents, index, and bibliography, which allows readers to use the book as a research source. He also includes a list of websites that provide more information about topics discussed in the book. Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past has been thoroughly researched and is supported by credible sources. The content of the book encourages further study of science and history topics.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION: “The great photos make the content accessible to students who are even younger than the intended secondary audience.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, 2009: “This book is a treat to look at, but is also chock-full of enough text and factual information to be a great resource for research reports.”

BOOKLIST, 2008: “Heavily illustrated with historical memorabilia as well as photos of bodies, scenery, artifacts, and rather simplistic maps, this offers a lot to look at and learn about.”

AWARDS

*Robert F. Sibert Information Book Medal, 2009 Honor Book

*SB & F Prize for Excellence in Science, 2010 Finalist

CONNECTIONS

*Share other “Bodies” books by James M. Deem, like:

• Bodies from the Bog
• Bodies from the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii

*Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology website (www.iceman.it), so that students can see how Ötzi is being preserved.

*Ask students to select one of the italicized terms from the text and then conduct further research on the term. Ask students to present their findings in a short essay.

*Ask students to select one of the people mentioned in the book and write a short biography about the person.