Review: BODIES FROM THE ICE:MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVERY OF THE PAST by James M. Deem

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deem, James M. 2008. Bodies from the ice: melting glaciers and the recovery of the past. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-618-80045-X.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Imagine hiking in the beautiful mountain scenery of northern Italy and discovering trash there. Now imagine that you find out the trash is the remains of a human from over 5,300 years ago. This is the scene which opens “Bodies from the Ice” by James M. Deem. Using photographic records and maps, Deem shows how the glaciers which have been in existence for thousands of years are now melting at an alarming rate and revealing the secrets of what lies beneath them. The Mummified remains and the artifacts buried with them have been found from several different time periods and in different glacial regions of the world.

 Some of the bodies found were not accident victims, but deliberate burials. Centuries-old remains of Incan children found in South America’s Andes Mountains reveal evidence that they were sacrificed as part of a ritual. Even as these historically valuable discoveries are made, scientists are concerned about the future survival of the glaciers and the impact their loss will have on the environment. Deem urging the readers to visit an alpine glacier while they can.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book chronicles the disappearance of the glaciers from the face of the earth by showing measurable photographic evidence to document how much of the glaciers have disappeared over the years. It is full of photographs of the melting glaciers, the treasures which have been discovered under them, and private collections of artifacts. The table of contents and index serve as useful guides and provide easy access to information in this book. Individual chapters give detailed facts about types of glaciers, how they move, and why bodies have been so well preserved under them.  A two page bibliography and acknowledgement page list the sources used to compile information in this book, and illustration credits are listed for the full color photographs used in the book. Lists of recommended web sites, glaciers to visit, and suggestions of personal ways to help the environment round out this informative book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: 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.

BOOKLIST review: “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.”… “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.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Invite children to write their opinion of whether or not glaciers will disappear from the world, or if another ice-age will occur. Students should research the topic using books and internet information.

Invite children to research and write or create a poster about one of the glaciers mentioned at the end of the book.

Other books about glaciers:

Webster, Christine. Glaciers. ISBN 1590363094

Nadia Higgins. Welcome to Glacier National Park. ISBN 978-1-59296-696-7

Mis, Melody S. Exploring Glaciers. ISBN 1435827147