Book Review on Bodies From the Ice by James Deem

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deem, James. 2008. BODIES FROM THE ICE. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618800452

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this informative and visually appealing book, James Deem writes about glaciers, climate change, archaeology, history, and culture.  He uses language that children can understand.  While thoroughly discussing each aspect, he shows how they are connected to one another by smoothly transitioning from one aspect to the next.  This gives the reader a solid foundation to build on.  For instance, through detailed explanation and explicit photographs, the reader learns how glaciers are affected by climate change.

This would be an excellent book to share because it explains specific situations and shows how they are all connected.  I particularly enjoy this book because it is interdisciplinary.  It could accompany learning material from multiple areas of study. 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book is divided into seven sections.  This allows the content to be broken down into manageable parts.  The text is written on a white background and is accompanied by beautiful, explicit photographs that fully represent the text.  The photographs contain captions that explain specific details, events, and processes.  At the end of the book, the author lists glaciers to visit and suggested websites for further learning.  He also displays a complete bibliography so the reader could check for the accuracy of information.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in KIRKUS: “An intriguing read, complementing the author’s highly commended BODIES FROM THE BOG (1998) and BODIES FROM THE ASH (2005), with a bonus environmental message.”

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.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “With its extensive bibliography, suggested Web sites, and 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.”

HORN review: “Glaciers—and the preserved past they offer up—give us an intriguing peek into various cultures, yielding information on everything from human sacrifice to occult superstition to sporting endeavors.  As the book concludes, a striking irony becomes evident: glaciers continue to melt at an alarming rate, warranting caution and concern for the global environment, yet even as they dwindle they offer up more clues to our human past.  The book design, with its variety of photographs, captions, and sidebars, seals the appeal.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Initiate a class discussion on ways to help the environment.  List and discuss the examples from the book.  Help students come up with more ways to help the environment.

*Using the list of glaciers to visit, have each student choose a glacier to research.  Students will write a brief summary of their findings, and illustrate their work.  Students will then share their information with their peers.  The teacher will display the work in the hallway for everyone to see.    

*Other books written by James Deem:

Deem, James. 2011. AUSCHWITZ: VOICES FROM THE DEATH CAMP (THE HOLOCAUST THROUGH PRIMARY SOURCES). ISBN 1598453461

Deem, James. 2005. BODIES FROM THE ASH: LIFE AND DEATH IN ANCIENT POMPEII. ISBN 9780618473083

Deem, James. 2003. BODIES FROM THE BOG. ISBN 0618354026

Deem, James. 2011. KRISTALLNACHT: THE NAZI TERROR THAT BEGAN THE HOLOCAUST (THE HOLOCAUST THROUGH PRIMARY SOURCES). ISBN 1598453459